German firm’s new electrode technology delivers low-cost hydrogen, production to begin soon

German company Rheinmetall has developed an innovative electrode technology aimed at significantly reducing the production costs of green hydrogen. This new technology enhances electrolyzer systems by increasing power density—doubling it—and improving efficiency by over 10%, while relying on noble metal-free catalysts. The development was led by Rheinmetall’s subsidiary KS Gleitlager GmbH (KSG) as part of the German government-funded E²ngel consortium project, which focused on creating scalable, cost-effective electrodes for alkaline electrolysis without expensive precious metals. The project benefited from Rheinmetall’s expertise in special alloy materials and advanced manufacturing techniques, enabling rapid catalyst and process development. Partners such as the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) and McPhy Energy Germany validated the technology, which surpassed ambitious targets for cell voltage and current density. Pilot production is set to begin next year at Rheinmetall’s St. Leon-Rot site, with a production line capable of manufacturing electrodes up to two meters in size, suitable for multi-meg