IRION
Sustainable and efficient solutions for simultaneous and circular iridium and membrane recycling in proton exchange membrane water electrolysers
Objectives
- Recover Critical Materials from End-of-Life Components
- Enable Circular Manufacturing of PEMWE Components
- Validate Performance of Recycled Materials
- Assess Environmental and Economic Viability
- Promote Eco-Design for Future Recyclability
- Reduce Dependency on Critical Raw Material Imports
- Minimize Environmental Impact of Hydrogen Technologies
- Enable Scalable and Replicable Solutions
Description
The IRION project aims to support the transition towards a more sustainable and circular hydrogen sector by addressing Europe’s growing dependence on critical raw materials used in water electrolysers. This is pursued through the development of recycling and manufacturing technologies for key components of proton exchange membrane water electrolysers (PEMWEs).
Its ambition is to overcome the economic, environmental and geopolitical challenges associated with scarce materials such as iridium and fluorinated ionomers. By integrating technological development with sustainability assessment and collaboration across the value chain, the project supports condotions for the wider deployment of green hydrogen technologies in line with the objectives of the European Green Deal and with reliance on imported critical raw materials.
Funding
