Metals volatility drives electrolyser price inflation

PEM and alkaline electrolyser prices have risen by 30pc and 21pc respectively due to volatility in platinum, iridium and nickel markets, says consultancy Rystad Energy

Prices for polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolysers are likely to stay high in 2023 amid tight supply of platinum group metals, according to consultancy Rystad Energy. Volatility in key metals for PEM and alkaline electrolysers has already caused respective price rises of 30pc and 21pc between 2020 and 2022. Platinum and iridium—used in catalyst coated membranes and crucial for PEM electrolysers—have seen particular volatility between January 2021 and the start of 2023. Rystad warns that prices for these metals are likely to increase over the coming year due to an approaching supply crunch. 212GW – Electrolyser capacity estimated by 2030 South Africa accounts for 83pc of glob