Electrolyzer manufacturer Quest One has started building a demonstration plant for its Modular Hydrogen Platform (MHP) PEM electrolyzer in Augsburg, Germany.
The plant will be housed at the Turbocharger Performance Center (TPC) on the Augsburg site of MAN Energy Solutions (MAN ES).
There, the electrolyzer will operate in a test stand, generating valuable data for continuous optimization.
A Hands-On Experience for Industry Professionals
Large electrolyzers are often inaccessible during operations at customer sites due to operational constraints. Quest One aims to change that.
Starting in mid-2025, potential customers, project developers, and EPCs can visit the demonstration plant. They will gain firsthand insights into its construction, dimensions, inner workings, and infrastructure.
Optimizing Industrial-Scale Electrolyzers
A key objective of this joint project is to refine the scale of PEM electrolyzers based on field data. Quest One and MAN ES will optimize system operation, installation, and service concepts to enhance efficiency and reliability.
“It is essential to have industrial-scale electrolyzers to meet the huge demand for green hydrogen in the future,” said Jürgen Klöpffer, Chairman of the Advisory Board at Quest One and Executive Board Member at MAN ES.
Klöpffer added, “Our hydrogen demonstration plant will prove that industrial-scale hydrogen production technology already exists. Our PEM electrolysis technology is ideal for renewable energy integration and ensures high hydrogen quality. Now, prospects can experience these advantages firsthand”.
Michael Meister, COO of Quest One, added, “Our MHP is a crucial element in decarbonizing the industrial sector. The scalable system adapts to growing hydrogen demands as the industry expands. This demonstration plant will allow us to further optimize its performance and operational parameters, ensuring continued reliability and efficiency in green hydrogen production”.
Strengthening Collaboration for Green Hydrogen Development
The project underscores the commitment of Quest One and MAN ES to making green hydrogen a dependable fuel for industrial decarbonization.
Through their jointly operated test stand, both companies will deepen their expertise in constructing, managing, operating, and maintaining large-scale industrial electrolyzers.
Quest One also moves closer to its goal of scaling up electrolysis capacity from ten to several hundred megawatts. Increasing electrolysis capacity is critical to achieving the company’s mission of reducing up to one percent of global greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Timeline for Construction and Operations
Quest One began construction in late 2024 by installing freshwater treatment systems. The plant will be assembled throughout 2025, with test operations scheduled to begin in early 2026.
However, business partners will be able to visit the site and gain insights into the construction phase as early as 2025.
Industrial-Scale Hydrogen Production with MHP
The MHP is the largest PEM electrolyzer in Quest One’s product portfolio. Its modular design makes it ideal for industrial-scale green hydrogen production.
Each 10-megawatt module includes an integrated process water treatment system and an electrical power supply.
The modules can be expanded and combined so that plants with capacities ranging from 10 to several hundred megawatts can be created. The system has also been optimized for easy indoor installation using preassembled skids.
Government Support Through PEP.IN Program
The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is funding the development of this demonstration plant through the PEP.IN research project.
PEP.IN is part of the H2Giga hydrogen lighthouse initiative, which focuses on advancing PEM electrolyzer series production.
The program aims to make green hydrogen more affordable and competitive. It does so by evaluating the entire value chain, from stack production to final assembly. Funding specifically supports feasibility studies, viability assessments, and infrastructure planning.
As per the press release, Quest One and MAN ES are advancing PEM electrolyzer technology and expanding production capacity. They are playing a vital role in accelerating the transition to a sustainable hydrogen economy.
