In the electrolysis of water, electrical power is used to split the water molecule H2O into its elements hydrogen, H2, and oxygen, O2, at two spatially separated electrodes. Since hydrogen is a fuel, this reaction can be used to store electrical energy in chemical form. Such storage is of particular importance in the context of transitioning our energy economy from fossil sources to renewable ones, which are inherently irregular (for example wind and solar). In the "polymer electrolyte membrane" electrolysis (PEM electrolysis in short), a thin ion conducting membrane separates the two electrodes, each of which is coated with a catalyst which allows for the chemical reactions to take place. The best catalysts are the noble metals platinum and iridium, which of course contribute to the costs of electrolysis significantly.

We aim at reducing the amount of noble metal catalyst necessary by combining a smart geometric design with highly innovative, modern manufacturing methods that capitalize on each other's advantages (see "Scientific approach"). Each of our *Partners* contributes the specific expertise needed to bring our project to fruition in combination.