PEM Electrolyser Stack produced outside EU countries

The European Commission's Joint Research Centre is planning a procurement procedure for a PEM electrolyser stack produced in China. This initiative aims to evaluate technological and safety disparities between European and non-European (specifically Chinese) stack suppliers, with a focus on strengthening Europe’s hydrogen supply chain. The procurement is categorized as a planned negotiated procedure for a middle or low value contract, with specific details, such as the funding amount, not fully disclosed. The main classification of the procurement falls under CPV code 38970000, which pertains to research machinery and apparatus.

Eligible applicants include suppliers capable of providing the PEM electrolyser stack, primarily targeting manufacturers outside the EU, with a particular emphasis on Chinese companies. There is no requirement for applicants to form a consortium, indicating that a single supplier can meet the tender’s requirements.

The contract is set to last for a maximum of 18 months, with an expression of interest period expected to open around May 14, 2025, and close on May 28, 2025. The launch of the negotiated procedure is anticipated shortly after the expression of interest deadline, specifically on May 29, 2025.

Submissions for this procurement must be made online at the specified address in the future call, and co-funding is not required from the applicants. Although success rates cannot be determined from the current information, applicants must adhere to technical compliance criteria.

This procurement is not a direct call for tenders but serves as an informational announcement regarding the planned procedure. Its aim is to gather scientifically backed evidence to guide EU policymakers on sustaining a competitive European manufacturing landscape amid growing competition from international suppliers, particularly in the field of hydrogen production technology.

This is a publication announcing the contracting authority’s intention to publish a future negotiated low or middle value procedure, not a call for tenders.

The procedure identifier is EC-JRC/PTT/2025/LVP/2541-EXA.

The description of the planned call for tenders is for one PEM electrolyser stack produced in China.

The reason for this procurement is to evaluate the current technological and safety disparities between European (EU, EFTA, and UK) and non-European stack suppliers, particularly those from China, which is rapidly expanding in this field. Focusing on technological differences can enable the provision of scientifically-backed guidance to other Directorate Generals on the optimal approach for maintaining a robust European-based supply chain.

The procedure type is a planned negotiated procedure for a middle/low value contract. The estimated total value is not specified.

The lead contracting authority is the European Commission, DG JRC - Joint Research Centre.

The main classification (CPV) code is 38970000 - Research, testing and scientific technical simulator.

The nature of the contract is supplies.

The maximum contract duration is 18 months.

There is no framework agreement.

Milestones:
Start date for expression of interest: 2025-05-14 Europe/Brussels
Deadline for expression of interest: 28/05/2025 13:42 Europe/Amsterdam
Indicative date of launch of the negotiated procedure: 2025-05-29 Europe/Amsterdam

Submissions must be sent exclusively at the address for submission given. The method of expression of interest is electronic.

A frequently asked question (FAQ) is: Where can I find the procurement documents for calls for tenders with ‘ExA' in the reference? The answer is that references that feature an ‘ExA’ are not calls for tenders. They are a publication announcing the contracting authority’s intent to launch in the future a low or middle negotiated procedure. This answer was published on 03/10/2024 16:32.

In summary, the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) plans to launch a negotiated procurement procedure for a low or middle value contract to acquire a PEM electrolyser stack manufactured in China. This acquisition aims to analyze the technological and safety differences between European and Chinese electrolyser stacks. The JRC intends to use this analysis to provide guidance to other Directorates General on maintaining a strong European supply chain in the face of increasing competition from Chinese manufacturers. The expression of interest period is scheduled for mid-May 2025, with the negotiated procedure expected to commence shortly thereafter. This is not a call for tenders but a pre-information notice.

Eligible Applicant Types: The opportunity is a planned negotiated procedure for a middle/low value contract. While the specific eligible applicant types are not explicitly stated, it can be inferred that suppliers capable of providing a PEM electrolyser stack produced outside of EU countries, specifically China, are eligible. This suggests that manufacturers, suppliers, and potentially research institutions involved in the production or supply of such equipment could be eligible.

Funding Type: The funding type is a procurement contract, specifically a planned negotiated procedure for a middle/low value contract. The nature of the contract is supplies.

Consortium Requirement: The information does not explicitly state whether a consortium is required or if a single applicant is sufficient. However, given the nature of the procurement for a specific piece of equipment (PEM electrolyser stack), it is likely that a single applicant capable of supplying the equipment would be sufficient.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The opportunity is open to suppliers of PEM electrolyser stacks produced outside of EU countries. The description specifically mentions China. Therefore, the geographic eligibility is primarily focused on non-EU countries, particularly China.

Target Sector: The target sector is energy, specifically hydrogen production and PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) electrolyser technology. It also touches upon research, testing, and scientific technical simulation, as indicated by the CPV code 38970000.

Mentioned Countries: China, UK. The regions EU and EFTA are also mentioned.

Project Stage: The project stage is procurement of a specific piece of equipment (PEM electrolyser stack) for evaluation and comparison purposes. This suggests a stage of validation or demonstration, where the performance and safety of the equipment are being assessed.

Funding Amount: The funding amount is described as a "middle/low value contract." While a specific range is not provided, this suggests the contract value is likely below €200k, and possibly even lower, but this is only an estimation.

Application Type: The application type is a planned negotiated procedure. An expression of interest is required, submitted electronically.

Nature of Support: The beneficiaries will receive money in exchange for the supply of a PEM electrolyser stack.

Application Stages: The application stages involve an expression of interest, followed by a negotiated procedure. Therefore, there are at least two stages: expression of interest and participation in the negotiated procedure.

Success Rates: The success rates cannot be determined from the provided information, as this is a planned procedure and no historical data is available.

Co-funding Requirement: The information does not explicitly state whether co-funding is required. Given that this is a procurement contract, it is unlikely that co-funding would be required from the supplier.

Summary:

This opportunity is a planned procurement by the European Commission, DG JRC - Joint Research Centre, for a PEM electrolyser stack produced in China. The purpose of this procurement is to evaluate the technological and safety differences between European and non-European (specifically Chinese) stack suppliers. This evaluation aims to provide scientifically-backed guidance to other Directorate Generals on maintaining a robust European-based supply chain in the rapidly expanding field of hydrogen production. The procedure is a planned negotiated procedure for a middle/low value contract. The maximum contract duration is 18 months. The expression of interest period is planned for May 2025. The procedure identifier is EC-JRC/PTT/2025/LVP/2541-EXA. This is not a call for tenders but a publication announcing the contracting authority’s intention to publish a future negotiated low or middle value procedure. Submissions must be sent exclusively at the address for submission given in the future call. The method of expression of interest is electronic.