UPeM
Understanding existing PFAS emissions in water electrolysers and fuel cell systems through quantitative measurement techniques
Background
PFAS-containing materials are widely used in proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and water electrolysers (PEMWEs) because of their high performance and durability. At the same time, the persistence of PFAS and their potential impacts on human and environmental health have raised increasing regulatory concern in Europe. This creates a major challenge, as PFAS-based materials remain important for key renewable energy technologies while PFAS-free alternatives are not yet technically equivalent.
UPeM addresses this gap by investigating how, where, and to what extent PFAS may be released during the operation of PEM-based systems. The project combines expertise from industry and research to study release pathways, relevant materials, and emissions in liquid, gas, and aerosol streams, while advancing harmonised sampling and analytical approaches as a basis for future standardisation.
UPeM addresses this gap by investigating how, where, and to what extent PFAS may be released during the operation of PEM-based systems. The project combines expertise from industry and research to study release pathways, relevant materials, and emissions in liquid, gas, and aerosol streams, while advancing harmonised sampling and analytical approaches as a basis for future standardisation.
Objectives
1. Set up harmonised protocols for sampling and analysis of PFAS released from PEMFC and PEMWE systems and for studying PFAS release causes
2. Understanding the PFAS release root causes
3. Validation of PFAS measurement protocol under industrial conditions and use cases
4. Provide UPeM recommendations on PFAS release for (future) WE and FC systems
Expected contribution
Project Duration
01.03.2026 - 31.12.2027
Funded by
This project has received funding from the Clean Hydrogen Partnership under Grant Agreement No 101250924. This Joint Undertaking receives support from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation programme, Hydrogen Europe and Hydrogen Europe Research. Co-funded by the European Union under grant number 101250924.
Project Partners
FEV France SAS (FEV)
Coventry University (CU)
Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ
Fraunhofer Institute - IMWS
Fundacion Hidrogeno Aragon (FHA)
Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives (CEA)
Korea Institute of Science and Technology Europe (KE)
Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST)
Symbio France SAS (SYM)
Bramble Energy (BRAM)
ITM Power UK Ltd (ITM)
Uniresearch B.V. (UNR)
Coventry University (CU)
Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ
Fraunhofer Institute - IMWS
Fundacion Hidrogeno Aragon (FHA)
Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives (CEA)
Korea Institute of Science and Technology Europe (KE)
Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST)
Symbio France SAS (SYM)
Bramble Energy (BRAM)
ITM Power UK Ltd (ITM)
Uniresearch B.V. (UNR)
Contact persons
