HECO₂ – ELECTROLYSIS

Introduction

The transition toward a carbon-neutral industrial landscape requires scalable, efficient, and sustainable hydrogen production technologies. As part of the HECO₂ Axis 2 portfolio, the ELECTROLYSIS project focuses on developing advanced solutions to produce decarbonised hydrogen through high-performance water electrolysis.

This initiative supports the decarbonisation of Wallonia’s heavy industry by providing an alternative to fossil-based hydrogen. Through innovation in electrolysis technology, artificial intelligence, and eco-design, the project aims to deliver a versatile and efficient tool for clean hydrogen generation across multiple industrial sectors.

Objectives

The main objective of HECO₂ – ELECTROLYSIS is to improve the performance and cost-efficiency of water electrolysis for the large-scale production of green hydrogen.

More specifically, the project aims to:

Develop an autonomous, connected, containerised electrolyser pilot featuring optimised electrolysis cells.
Integrate artificial intelligence to optimise hydrogen production, predictive maintenance, and energy management.
Implement eco-design principles to reduce environmental footprint and enhance system durability.
Support the electrification and decarbonisation of industrial sectors that rely heavily on hydrogen, such as the chemical, metal, and glass industries.

Project Overview

A containerised Electrolyser for Green Hydrogen Generation

At the heart of the project lies the development of an autonomous, connected, containerised electrolyser pilot. This modular design allows for flexible deployment and integration into industrial sites, enabling decentralised hydrogen production under optimal technical and economic conditions.

The system will incorporate optimised electrolysis cells designed for improved efficiency, reduced energy consumption, and simplified maintenance. Beyond the pilot itself, the results will serve as a technological foundation for the broader range of HECO₂ electrolysis solutions.

Integrating Artificial Intelligence and Eco-Design

Artificial intelligence plays a key role in the project’s innovation strategy. Machine learning algorithms will be developed to monitor system performance, predict maintenance needs, and optimise hydrogen production based on real-time parameters such as power supply variability and water quality.

Simultaneously, eco-design principles will be embedded in the product development process to minimise resource use, improve component recyclability, and ensure the system’s environmental sustainability throughout its lifecycle.

Towards a Decarbonised Industrial Future

By promoting the production of decarbonised hydrogen through advanced electrolysis, HECO₂ – ELECTROLYSIS contributes directly to the reduction of CO₂ emissions in heavy industry. The project supports the MecaTech cluster’s innovation goals and aligns with Wallonia’s regional decarbonisation strategy, offering a flexible, industrially viable solution for clean energy production.

This new generation of intelligent, modular electrolysers will accelerate the adoption of green hydrogen across key industrial applications, strengthening Wallonia’s leadership in the European hydrogen value chain.