Critical Minerals and Electrolyser Technologies

Electrolysers represent a pivotal technology in the global hydrogen economy, transforming renewable electricity into green hydrogen through sophisticated electrochemical processes. As nations accelerate their decarbonisation strategies, these critical infrastructure components are emerging as key enablers of the energy transition, supporting hard-to-abate sectors like heavy industry, maritime shipping, aviation, steel manufacturing, and long-distance transportation. The sector confronts significant challenges, including high production costs, limited mineral supply chains, and technological scaling barriers, while simultaneously presenting unprecedented opportunities for technological innovation, energy security, and industrial decarbonisation. From proton exchange membrane (PEMFC) to solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technologies, electrolysers encompass a complex ecosystem of critical minerals that form the technological backbone of hydrogen production. Rare earth elements, platinum group metals, and advanced materials are crucial in addressing technological limitations, driving efficiency improvements, and creating a more sustainable global energy infrastructure despite geopolitical and economic constraints.