BEST4Hy
SustainaBlE SoluTions FOR recycling of end of life Hydrogen technologies
| Business | Period | Project Coordinator | Funding Scheme |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | January 2021- December 2023 | PARCO SCIENTIFICO TECNOLOGICO PER LAMBIENTE ENVIRONMENT PARK TORINO SPA |
H2020 |
Challenge
Hydrogen is more and more likely to contribute to the decarbonization of EU economy and society.
As demand for hydrogen technology increases, ever more devices become in use and will eventually end up in the waste stream, requiring therefore to be handled in a sustainable manner.
However, according to the findings of previous research initiatives, there are very few examples of viable and up-scaled technologies for the recovery and recycling of critical raw materials from fuel cells (FCs) and electrolysers.
Best4Hy (funded from the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen 2 Joint Undertaking under grant agreement No 101007216. This Joint Undertaking receives support from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, Hydrogen Europe and Hydrogen Europe research) focuses on the development and validation of existing and novel recycling processes for 2 key FCH products: Proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) and Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC).
Furthermore, Best4Hy aims at maximizing the recovery of hazardous material such as Nickel, platinum, yttria stabilized zirconia, lanthanum and cobalt, establishing the degree of reusability back into FCH components (closed loop recycling) but also exploring redirection to the market for other applications (open loop recycling).
At the end of the processes, the materials will be validated in terms of quality and performance when re-used in new components and in new stacks, demonstrating the overall efficiency of recycling.
Approach
In the framework of BEST4Hy, RINA is in charge of the measures towards take up, which imply the following main activities:
- Assessment of the EU/Extra-EU regulatory assessment related to how to treat end-of-life rare/not-rate materials contained in FCH technologies
- Development of a replication and marketability roadmap of the identified BEST4HY recycling processes and technologies
- Development, promotion and implementation of a training plan for BEST4HY replication
Moreover, we are going to develop the guidelines for the setup Ecolabelling qualification also considering the type of hydrogen origin to be used in the technologies) in EU to make sure that consumers can trust the label. A range of potential hydrogen labelling alternative will be presented and evaluated based on defined evaluation criteria.
Last but not least, we are also responsible for BEST4HY Regulatory and Standardisation Assessment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, BEST4Hy will deliver as much material (and components) as possible to closed loop recycling, but will also validate technologies for open loop recycling.
Strategic assessment and business case analysis of recycling strategy including an evaluation of the extension of the technologies to other FCH devices and technologies will be developed as well.
