PEM Electrolyser Stack produced preferably in Asian/Pacific area

The European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) is preparing to launch a procurement opportunity for the supply of a 30kWe Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyser stack, with a strong preference for products manufactured in the Asian/Pacific region. This procurement falls under the call identifier EC-JRC/PTT/2025/LVP/5306-EXA, with a published date of October 14, 2025, and a deadline for expressions of interest set for October 31, 2025.

The primary goal is to evaluate technological and safety disparities between European suppliers and those from non-European countries, especially China, which is becoming a significant player in the PEM electrolyser market. While the opportunity does not legally restrict participation based on geographic origin, it employs a points system favoring Asian/Pacific manufacturers to enhance competitive evaluation.

Eligible applicants for this procurement are primarily manufacturers and suppliers capable of delivering the specified electrolyser stack. The procurement is structured as a direct supply contract with no consortium arrangements permitted. Preference is given to larger, established manufacturers, as the project is not suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The nature of support here is a monetary transaction for goods, distinctly classifying it as procurement rather than a traditional grant. The total value of the potential contract is not disclosed, but typical market pricing for such equipment suggests it could range from approximately €50,000 to €200,000. The contract is intended to last for 18 months, encompassing delivery, installation, and evaluation phases.

Potential bidders will be required to submit offers electronically. This pre-information notice emphasizes the importance of this procurement in the context of the EU’s ongoing efforts to maintain a robust supply chain for hydrogen technologies and to retain technological sovereignty in light of the rapid advancements from non-European suppliers.

The findings from the evaluations are expected to provide critical insights that may influence future EU policies and strategies regarding the hydrogen technology sector, specifically within the framework of clean energy transitions. Interested parties should prepare their expression of interest in accordance with the guidelines provided in the notice.

This is a pre-information notice, announcing the European Commission, DG JRC Joint Research Centre's intention to publish a future negotiated low or middle value procedure. This is not a call for tenders.

The procedure identifier is EC-JRC/PTT/2025/LVP/5306-EXA.

The subject of the planned call for tenders is the supply of one PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) electrolyser stack with 30kWe power. Preference will be given to products manufactured in one country of the Asian/Pacific region. The procedure does not limit any manufacturing country, but a mechanism of decreasing preferential points will be used to select the most interesting one.

The reason for this preference 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 indicated by the number 47396214. The estimated total value is not specified. The nature of the contract is for supplies. The maximum contract duration is 18 months. No framework agreement is foreseen.

The start date for expression of interest is 2025-10-14 (Europe/Brussels time). The deadline for expression of interest is 01/11/2025 at 06:59 (Europe/Amsterdam time). The indicative date of launch of the negotiated procedure is 2025-10-31 (Europe/Amsterdam time).

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

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A frequently asked question (FAQ) clarifies that references featuring "ExA" are not calls for tenders but publications announcing the contracting authority's intent to launch a low or middle negotiated procedure in the future.

In summary, the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) plans to launch a negotiated procurement procedure for a 30kWe PEM electrolyser stack. The JRC is particularly interested in comparing European and Asian/Pacific (especially Chinese) technologies to inform future policy on maintaining a strong European supply chain. The announcement is not a call for tenders, but a pre-information notice to allow interested parties to prepare for the upcoming negotiated procedure. Companies interested in participating should express their interest electronically by the specified deadline.

Eligible Applicant Types: The opportunity is open to suppliers of PEM electrolyser stacks. While not explicitly stated, based on the preference for Asian/Pacific area manufacturers, it is implied that manufacturers, suppliers, and companies producing PEM electrolyser stacks are eligible. The description does not limit any manufacturing country.

Funding Type: This is a planned call for tenders, indicating a procurement process. Therefore, the funding type is procurement.

Consortium Requirement: The opportunity is for the supply of one PEM electrolyser stack, suggesting that a single applicant is likely the intended participant. However, it is not explicitly stated whether a consortium is disallowed.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): While the procedure does not limit any manufacturing country, preference will be given to products manufactured in one country of the Asian/Pacific region. This suggests that suppliers from the Asian/Pacific region are particularly encouraged to apply. The reason for this is to evaluate the current technological and safety disparities between European (EU, EFTA, and UK) and non-European stack suppliers, particularly those from China.

Target Sector: The target sector is energy, specifically hydrogen production and PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) electrolysis technology.

Mentioned Countries: China, UK. The Asian/Pacific region is also mentioned. EU, EFTA.

Project Stage: The project stage is likely commercialization or supply of existing PEM electrolyser stack technology, as the call is for the procurement of a 30kWe power PEM electrolyser stack.

Funding Amount: The opportunity is described as a "low or middle value procedure," but the estimated total value is not provided.

Application Type: The application type is a planned call for tenders, specifically a negotiated procedure. An expression of interest is required initially.

Nature of Support: The nature of support is monetary, in exchange for the supply of a PEM electrolyser stack.

Application Stages: There are multiple stages. First, an expression of interest is required. Then, there will be a negotiated procedure.

Success Rates: Success rates are not mentioned.

Co-funding Requirement: Co-funding is not mentioned.

Summary:

This is a pre-announcement for a future negotiated call for tenders by the European Commission, DG JRC - Joint Research Centre (JRC). The JRC intends to procure one PEM electrolyser stack with 30kWe power. The primary objective is to evaluate the technological and safety disparities between European and non-European (especially Chinese) stack suppliers. While suppliers from any country can apply, preference will be given to products manufactured in the Asian/Pacific region. The procedure does not limit any manufacturing country but a mechanism of decreasing preferential points is used to select the most interesting one. The contract duration is expected to be 18 months. The procedure is classified as a low or middle value procedure. The start date for expression of interest is 2025-10-14 and the deadline for expression of interest is 2025-11-01. The indicative date of launch of the negotiated procedure is 2025-10-31. Interested parties must submit an electronic expression of interest. This procurement aims to provide scientifically-backed guidance to other Directorate Generals on the optimal approach for maintaining a robust European-based supply chain in the face of rapidly expanding technologies from countries like China.