From mid November 2025, TNO at Holst Centre (The Netherlands) and the Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg (ZSW, Germany) have launched a two-year collaboration to accelerate and industrialize next-generation electrolysis technologies. Supported by the Province of North Brabant and the German state of Baden-Württemberg, the initiative strengthens cross-border innovation in green hydrogen production and deepens the connection between the Dutch and German energy ecosystems.
Combining Leading Expertise in Electrolysis
Both institutes are internationally recognized leaders in electrolysis research. By merging their complementary strengths, the partnership aims to advance water electrolysis to higher technology-readiness levels and pave the way for scalable, sustainable solutions for industrial green hydrogen production.
Complementary Technologies and Proven Track Records
TNO at Holst Centre contributes cutting-edge research on high-tech solutions in combination with proton exchange membrane (PEM) and anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolysers; technologies with high efficiency and strong potential for cost reduction through the use of non-critical materials.
ZSW brings extensive industrial and research experience in alkaline electrolysis, one of today’s most mature and commercially relevant electrolyser technologies. With a successful track record of transferring an alkaline stack design to German company Ecolyser, ZSW aims to repeat this achievement through the co-development of a new AEM stack design in partnership with TNO at Holst Centre.
Strong Joint Investment and Structured Program Setup
The collaboration is backed by €3.5 million in combined funding: €2 million allocated to TNO at Holst Centre, from the Innovation Coalition Hydrogen, and €1.5 million to ZSW. The program will roll out in two phases, beginning with the initial two-year phase from November 2025. While the institutes lead the scientific and technological development, industrial guidance will come from the Dutch high-tech equipment sector and the German large-scale manufacturing sector.
Aiming for Market-Ready AEM Electrolyser Technologies by 2030
A key objective of the partnership is to bring to market, by 2030, a new AEM electrolyser stack design incorporating components co-developed by TNO at Holst Centre, ZSW, and industrial partners. This approach ensures that innovations are aligned with real-world manufacturing capabilities and designed for rapid industrial uptake.
Driving Innovation Through Industry Engagement
“By bringing together Dutch and German strengths in electrolysis, we aim to accelerate innovation and shorten the path to industrial adoption,” says Emilio Manrique, Business Development Manager for TNO at Holst Centre. “Close collaboration with industry partners early in the R&D phase will be key to ensuring that the technologies we develop meet real-world needs.”
Invitation to Industry Partners
TNO at Holst Centre and ZSW invite companies active in all segments of the electrolysis value chain to join the program. Industrial participation will help align research with market needs in areas such as electrolyser stack manufacturing, industrial-scale green hydrogen production, and the deployment of advanced high-tech equipment for energy devices.
Strengthening Europe’s Hydrogen Leadership
With combined technical expertise, strong regional support, and a clear roadmap toward industrialization, this collaboration marks a significant step in reinforcing Europe’s leading position in the global hydrogen economy.
Have we sparked your interest? Please contact Business Development Manager Emilio Manrique