Proton exchange membrane water electrolysis for hydrogen production under fluctuating solar power

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis with the capability to follow fluctuating loads is an effective approach to coupling solar energy for hydrogen production and promoting renewable energy utilization. This mini-review discussed the status and economics of solar-coupled hydrogen production as well as the global deployment of fluctuating solar power-to-hydrogen. It also covers the accelerated degradation of electrolyzer components and simulation methods of fluctuating renewable power sources, noting that reported degradation rates can be 2–8 times higher under dynamic solar-mimicked operation than at steady state. Fundamental research on efficient PEM water electrolyzers and core components, further reducing hydrogen production costs, and optimizing the layout and institutional support for solar-coupled hydrogen production will also be proposed to promote high-quality development of the solar energy hydrogen production industry.