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As the UK accelerates towards a low-carbon future, green hydrogen is emerging as a cornerstone of the energy transition. Central to this shift are electrolysers, systems that split water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable electricity. However, the main challenge facing wider deployment is efficiency, which is being tackled on several fronts.
For hydrogen producers, maximising efficiency means generating more output with less renewable energy input. This is no small task. Electrolysis is inherently energy intensive, requiring significant power to break the strong molecular bonds in water. Even minor inefficiencies in temperature, pressure, or flow control can increase energy demand and reduce overall yield.
Improved automation technology
That is where precision engineering becomes critical. Bürkert is among the companies focusing on advanced valve, sensor and automation technologies to address this challenge. By enabling exact control of process parameters across both the anode and cathode sides, such solutions help maintain optimal operating conditions and reduce system losses.
From the initial stages, where cooling water, fresh water, and recirculation must be tightly managed, to the electrolyser stack itself, consistent control is essential. Accurate proportional flow systems ensure stable cooling and water supply, while continuous measurement of deionised water prevents inefficiencies caused by over- or underfeeding. At the same time, dynamic pressure regulation helps maintain balance between hydrogen and oxygen production, protecting both efficiency and system integrity.
All the while, safety remains equally vital. Electrolysis involves handling volatile gases under demanding conditions, making reliable shut-off systems and corrosion-resistant components indispensable. Robust designs not only ensure operational security but also reduce maintenance requirements over time.
High performance components
The importance of these innovations is underscored by government forecasts that UK low-carbon hydrogen production could reach around 5 GW by 2030. This expansion will rely heavily on electrolysis technologies across green, hybrid and industrial applications.
Beyond large-scale production, development environments such as test benches for proton exchange membrane (PEM) systems also demand high-performance components. Here, precise control of purified water flow, temperature and pressure is essential for conditioning membranes and ensuring long-term performance.
Ultimately, the future of hydrogen depends not just on scaling infrastructure, but on refining the efficiency of every process within it. Intelligent fluid control, integrated automation and reliable component design are proving to be the foundation for making green hydrogen both economically and environmentally sustainable.