SeaWHY

8th Joint Call: SeaWHY

The proposal aims to develop advanced seawater electrolysis technologies for the production of green hydrogen. By using abundant seawater resources and new electrolysis materials, SeaWHY seeks to lower costs, reduce reliance on scarce catalysts, and accelerate the transition toward net-zero energy systems.
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Background

Global energy demand is projected to reach nearly 26 TW by 2040. Both Europe and Asia are undergoing a major transition from fossil fuel dependence to renewable, sustainable energy systems, in line with the UN SDGs (particularly SDG 7: “Affordable and Clean Energy”), the European Green Deal, and the Circular Economy Action Plan.

Hydrogen is widely regarded as a key pathway to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, with an estimated demand of 500 million tons of renewable hydrogen. However, today’s electrolyser technologies remain costly compared to fossil-based hydrogen production. While PEM electrolysis is commercialized, its reliance on scarce iridium hinders cost reductions. Alkaline and AEM electrolysis offer lower-cost options but require further development for durability, efficiency, and commercial uptake.

The direct use of seawater as an electrolyte represents a breakthrough opportunity: it is abundant, widely available, and could significantly reduce production costs for green hydrogen.

The project

SeaWHY will:

  • Develop new electrode materials and catalysts for seawater electrolysis across PEM, alkaline, and photoelectrochemical technologies.
  • Test seawater electrolysis at different concentrations to identify optimal conditions.
  • Advance durability, performance, and cost reduction strategies for AEM and PEM electrolysers.
  • Explore photoelectrochemical approaches to combine renewable solar energy with seawater electrolysis.
  • Build regional cooperation between partners in Europe (Turkey, Bulgaria) and Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Brunei) for knowledge transfer and technology demonstration.

The science

The project combines electrochemistry, nanomaterials, catalysis, and renewable energy systems. Key research aspects include:

  • Development of transition-metal catalysts (e.g. Ni, Ti, Mn, Zr, phosphides, oxides) for efficient seawater electrolysis.
  • Design of selective, corrosion-resistant electrodes suited for real seawater conditions.
  • Testing of new electrolysis cell designs to improve performance and durability.
  • Integration of seawater electrolysis with broader circular economy and net-zero energy strategies.

The team

  • Assoc. Prof. Mehmet Suha Yazici (Coordinator), Istanbul Technical University (ITU), Turkey
  • Dr. Nordin Bin Hj. Sabli, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia
  • Dr. Dzhamal Uzun, Institute of Electrochemistry and Energy Systems, Bulgaria
  • Dr. Abdul Hanif Mahadi, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Brunei

 

Contact

Assoc. Prof. Mehmet Suha Yazici                       E-Mail: syazici@itu.edu.tr 

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CIRCULAR ECONOMY