Presentation of the problem and the research challenge
The industrial utilization of renewable electricity is constrained by intermittency and the lack of high energy density, long-term storage solutions. At the start of the project, no industrially mature solution was available for storing electricity in the form of chemical energy carriers.
The National Laboratory for Renewable Energy (NLRE) addressed this challenge through the development of electrochemical and catalytic energy conversion systems. The research focused on converting renewable electricity into hydrogen and CO₂-based synthetic fuels, with particular emphasis on materials science aspects such as catalysts, membrane materials, electrochemical efficiency, and system integration.
The results confirmed the engineering-scale applicability of P2G (Power-to-Gas, electrochemical technology producing gaseous products) and P2L (Power-to-Liquid, catalytic technology for liquid fuel production) technologies - the latter in strategic cooperation with MOL - and established the electrochemical and catalytic competencies required for domestic hydrogen and Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) technologies.
Objectives of the research project
The objective of the National Laboratory was to establish the scientific, technological, legal, economic and industrial law background of small footprint energy technologies, especially those of H2 production/transport/storage/use and CO2 utilization (CCU), contributing to the establishment of a sustainable energy management and chemical industry. Among the main activities of the University of Szeged, high emphasis was placed on the examination and development of electrolyzer and catalytic technologies.
The most important research and development activities of the project
I) A test station was established for the comparative assessment of various hydrogen and CCU technologies, enabling the technical and energetic evaluation of different solutions under identical conditions. These technologies were installed at a dedicated external university site, the Energy Innovation Test Station (EIT), developed during the project with a view to future integration.
II) Scaled-up hydrogen production and CO₂ conversion electrolysis systems, along with associated catalytic technologies, were developed and validated at laboratory and pilot scales.
III) Disruptive hydrogen production and utilization methods, as well as novel CCU processes - including solutions for synthetic liquid fuel production - were investigated.
IV) Economic and legal analyses of hydrogen and CCU technologies were conducted, providing a basis for future industrial and market deployment.
V) The research also covered the technical possibilities of lithium-ion battery recycling, supporting the integration of energy storage and circular economy principles.
Achieved results and Technology Readiness Levels (TRL)
- Numerous high-quality scientific publications were produced
- A new generation of researchers was trained, and several academic degrees were obtained
- New domestic R&D&I projects were launched
- International research collaborations were strengthened and expanded
Developments progressed from basic research levels (TRL 1–3) to demonstration and prototype levels (TRL 5–6):
• Commissioning of prototype electrochemical (P2G) and thermal catalytic (P2L) technology containers
• Scaled-up electrolysis cell prototypes validated at TRL 6
• P2L reactor demonstrator achieved TRL 6
The project results provide a solid foundation for further industrial-scale development, validation, and deployment of the technologies within the Science Park infrastructure associated with SZTE, in cooperation with industrial partners.
During the project, NLRE placed strong emphasis on strengthening collaboration with industrial stakeholders and policymakers. As part of this effort, the White Paper titled “Carbon Dioxide Storage and Utilisation (CCS/CCU) Oprions in Hungary” (shortly CCU/S White Paper) was prepared, and Hungary’s first CCU/S Strategy draft (Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage) was developed, which is currently under policy consultation.
These strategic documents contribute to the practical implementation of research results while providing guidance for national climate policy and industrial development. Overall, the achieved results support the acceleration of the energy transition in Hungary and facilitate more effective implementation of decarbonisation efforts. The activities of NLRE also lay the groundwork for the further development of the domestic green energy industry and represent an important step toward a sustainable, climate-friendly economy.
Project partners – academic and industrial
- University of Pécs
- Budapest University of Technology and Economics
- University of Debrecen
- Centre for Energy Research
- University of Miskolc
- John von Neumann University
- University of Pannonia
- University of Győr
- University of Szeged
- Research Centre for Natural Sciences
A possible future research avenue, new projects and cooperation possibilities
Investigation and development of disruptive hydrogen production and CCU technologies. Increased system integration, utilization of various CO₂ sources as feedstock, and optimization of liquid product (synthetic crude, syncrude) quality for specific applications (e.g. gasoline vs. synthetic kerosene), along with the integration of syncrude refining technologies.
