Assessing the use of Treated Wastewater for Green Hydrogen via SOEC

The European Union's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 has led to significant investments in sustainable energy research, particularly from renewable sources (RESs). Italy, with a projected energy demand of 366 TWh by 2030, is mandated by the EU to satisfy 75% to 84% of this demand using RESs1. Green hydrogen production through water electrolysis, particularly using Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells (SOECs), is seen as a promising solution. SOECs have an advantage over Alkaline Electrolyzers (AEs) and Proton Exchange Membranes (PEMs) as they can use treated wastewaters, eliminating the need for pure water, which is already in short supply. This study focuses on the potential of SOECs to operate effectively in high temperature conditions and use water in its gas form as the inlet source, starting with treated wastewaters from municipal wastewater treatment plants.