HyGear delivers advanced solid oxide electrolyser to EPFL for hydrogen research in Switzerland
6 August 2025
HyGear, part of HoSt Group, is a specialist in on-site hydrogen technology and has delivered a solid oxide electrolyser system to EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) in Switzerland. The system, capable of producing up to 100 kilograms of clean hydrogen per day, will be installed at Gaznat’s Innovation Lab facility in Aigle in collaboration with EPFL.
The system is the result of a long-standing R&D collaboration between HyGear, EPFL, solid oxide technology company SolydEra and other EU partners. A standout feature is its ability to alternate between electrolysis (SOE) and fuel cell (SOFC) operation, enabling highly flexible energy management and use of various energy carriers. This versatility makes it especially relevant for future energy scenarios with fluctuating renewable input and hydrogen/methane applications.
The system is the result of a long-standing R&D collaboration between HyGear, EPFL, solid oxide technology company SolydEra and other EU partners. A standout feature is its ability to alternate between electrolysis (SOE) and fuel cell (SOFC) operation, enabling highly flexible energy management and use of various energy carriers. This versatility makes it especially relevant for future energy scenarios with fluctuating renewable input and hydrogen/methane applications.
“This project showcases the power of long-term partnerships in developing next-generation hydrogen technology. We are proud to support EPFL with our engineering and production expertise, helping to bring innovative solid oxide systems from lab scale to field deployment.”
Henk Kleef, CEO of HyGear.
Developing next-generation hydrogen technology
HyGear engineered and built the balance-of-plant system, all the supporting components, around the solid oxide stack provided by SolydEra, integrating it into a compact, modular unit suitable for practical application. The electrolyser will be commissioned in fall 2025 at Gaznat Innovation Lab, and HyGear’s service team will continue to support the operation on site in Aigle.
“HyGear’s ability to translate advanced technology into a fully integrated platform is what makes this partnership so valuable. With this installation, we gain a versatile research platform to further investigate reversible solid oxide technology’s role in the hydrogen and methane economy. The project’s success serves as an inspiration, showcasing the potential of innovation and collaboration to scale and test hardware of the intrinsically clean and efficient technology at a relevant scale.”
Jan Van Herle, head of the EPFL research lab GEM.