Agfa’s Zirfon Membranes Selected for 3MW Alkaline Electrolysers

Stiesdal Hydrogen, a leading innovator in renewable energy technology, has selected Agfa’s ZIRFON membrane for its dynamic HydroGen alkaline water electrolysers (AWE) for green hydrogen production.

Stiesdal Hydrogen’s alkaline water electrolysers are designed for dynamic performance, featuring rapid ramp-up and ramp-down capabilities that make them ideal for pairing with fluctuating renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. At the core of these systems is Agfa’s ZIRFON membrane, a vital component that enables efficient operation under intermittent conditions. Stiesdal selected ZIRFON for its demonstrated efficiency, reliability, and outstanding gas barrier properties.

With several 3MW HydroGen electrolysers already in operation, Stiesdal Hydrogen is proving that its technology can be seamlessly coupled with renewable energy on a large scale, setting the stage for further expansion.

“We selected Agfa’s ZIRFON membrane for our HydroGen electrolysers because it is recognized for its market-leading durability and outstanding performance in alkaline water electrolysis,” said Bo Birkemose, Head of Strategic Partnering, Stiesdal Group.

“Its renowned properties and long-term reliability make it an ideal fit for our dynamic systems, ensuring efficient and stable operation even under fluctuating renewable energy conditions.”

ZIRFON’s proven track record, with over 130 companies worldwide already using this cutting-edge membrane, positions Agfa as a key player in the global green hydrogen market. To meet the rising demand for sustainable and efficient hydrogen production, Agfa is scaling up production at its Mortsel facility in Belgium.

The GIGA-SCALES project, supported by a recent €11 million grant from the EU Innovation Fund, will increase the plant’s capacity to support up to 20 gigawatts of electrolyser capacity annually, making it one of the largest of its kind.

“This partnership with Stiesdal Hydrogen underscores our commitment to advancing green hydrogen technology for industrial applications,” said Nick Valckx, Business Manager ZIRFON. “Our ZIRFON membrane’s ability to handle dynamic energy input is critical for the transition to a renewable energy economy, and we are excited to contribute to such a game-changing project.”

The collaboration between Stiesdal Hydrogen and Agfa represents an important step in the deployment of sustainable energy solutions. Both companies are contributing to the broader adoption of green hydrogen in industrial applications and reducing carbon emissions.

About Agfa and their green hydrogen solutions

The Agfa-Gevaert Group is a leading company in imaging technology and IT solutions with over 150 years of experience. The Group has three divisions: Radiology Solutions, HealthCare IT, and Digital Print & Chemicals. It develops, manufactures, and markets analogue and digital systems for the healthcare sector, specific industrial applications, and the printing industry. In 2023, the Group realised a turnover of 1,150 million euros.

With its innovative ZIRFON membranes, used in alkaline water electrolysers to produce green hydrogen, Agfa powers the green energy transition. Through their exceptional productivity and reliability, ZIRFON membranes enhance the efficiency and reliability of electrolysers and bring down the cost of hydrogen production. Additionally, their industrial-scale production paves the way for the widespread deployment of green hydrogen production infrastructure.