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Electrolyzers have an average efficiency of around 60 to 70%

The average efficiency of proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers typically ranges from 60% to 70%.1 This efficiency is measured based on the ratio of the energy content of the produced hydrogen to the electrical energy consumed during the electrolysis process. The efficiency can vary depending on various factors, including the operating conditions, electrolyte concentration, temperature, and the design of the electrolyzer. The U.S. Department of Energy has a target to reach 77% efficiency in the coming years.2

The average efficiency of an alkaline is around 65%.3 This efficiency is measured based on the ratio of the energy content of the produced hydrogen to the electrical energy consumed during the electrolysis process. The efficiency can vary depending on various factors, including the operating conditions, electrolyte concentration, temperature, and the design of the electrolyzer. The U.S. Department of Energy has a goal of Alkaline electrolyzers reaching an average efficiency rating of 75%.4

Sources:​

Footnotes​

  1. U.S. Department of Energy. (n.d.). Technical targets for proton exchange membrane electrolysis.https://www.energy.gov/eere/fuelcells/technical-targets-liquid-alkaline-electrolysis ↩

  2. Ibid. ↩

  3. U.S. Department of Energy. (n.d.). Technical Targets: Liquid Alkaline Electrolysis. https://www.energy.gov/eere/fuelcells/technical-targets-liquid-alkaline-electrolysis. ↩

  4. Ibid. ↩