Among the different electrolysis technologies, AEL is very competitive, because of its low investment costs and good scalability. The levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) produced by AEL can be reduced by enhancing the efficiency, maximal current densities and by enabling better integration with downstream processes. A well-tuned design of high-pressure stack and system improve the performance and overall efficiency, by eliminating the need for further compression for downstream processes. As compressors for hydrogen represent a significant share of CAPEX and OPEX of electrolysis systems, those can be reduced or eliminated. In this project, the consortium will design and develop an AEL system demonstrator >50 kW, capable of operating at a pressure up to 90 bar, achieved by a novel concept in which the pressurization is done at two stages: by applying up to 60 bar hydraulic pressure using a pressure vessel in which a stack operates at additional 30 bar, resulting in up to 90 bar gas pressure. Integrating advanced components, innovative design, and optimizing operation strategies, through modelling and experimental testing, a system with an efficiency of 70 % (LHV) at a current density of 1 A/cm2 will be demonstrated. With this technology an AEL system will be provided that may lead to major cost reduction of green hydrogen production. The main scientific aims of the project are further supported by sustainability and circularity aspects as well as dedicated outreach activities, and jointly addressed by 2 medium-sized enterprise (SMEs), 4 R&D centres with established expertise in alkaline stack, system and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and one of the largest hydrogen production and utilization companies in the world. Lastly, use cases and the concept of the integrated plant will be proposed. Together, the new developments will target a technology breakthrough with a clear commercial perspective, placing Europe at the lead of highly pressurized AEL technology in 3 years.

Currently there are no portable test or biosensors validated for air, soil or water quality control for pathogens, Chemicals of Emerging Concern (CECs) and Persistent Mobile Chemicals (PMCs), so such devices are much awaited by all stakeholders to ensure successful control and prevention of contamination and infections. Mobiles consortium will develop an interdisciplinary framework of expertise, and tools for monitoring, detection, and consequently mitigation of pollution from pathogens, CECs, PMCs, thus benefiting human and environmental health. Mobiles consortium will work to achieve the following objectives: Develop electronic biosensors for monitoring organic chemicals (pesticides, hormones) and antimicrobial resistance bacteria and pathogens in water, soil and air; Develop organism-based biosensor for detection of organic and inorganic pollution in water and soil; Study environmental performance of developed organisms and devices; Metagenomics analysis of organisms leaving in polluted areas in order to enable searches for diverse functionalities across multiple gene clusters Perform safety tests (e.g., EFSA) to assess the impact of developed organisms on the natural environment. Organism-based biosensor will consist on genetically modified chemiluminescent bacteria able to detect antibiotics, heavy metals, and pesticides in water; genetically modified plants that will change colour when in the soil is present arsenic; and marine diatoms that will be used to detect bioplastic degradation in marine and aquatic environments. Developed devices and organisms will be implemented by using flexible technologies, which can guarantee an easy adaptation to other biotic and abiotic pollutants. Devices and organisms, after proper validation and approval, could be used by consumers, inspection services and industry operators, as well as environmental emergency responders to monitor and detect PMCs, CECs and pathogens in water, air and soil

PROTEIN4IMPACT aims at evaluating the nutritional, health, safety and quality aspects together with the environmental and socio-economic impacts of protein novel foods (NFs) obtained from unconventional sources. In order to close the project loop by maximizing the positive impact on the transition towards healthier, protein NFs, the overall approach to alternative protein production in PROTEIN4IMPACT is based on utilization of selected agri-food and fisheries & acquaculture by-products as primary feedstock as well as on the utilization of natural protein producers, i.e. fungi, bacteria, insects micro- and macroalgae. The secondary by-products formed along the value chain will be up-cycled for their use in the food production cycle or for the production of process energy. The obtained proteins will undergo modification and functionalization followed by a sensory evaluation and testing in food human trials and in aquaculture as feed ingredients. The project will also test the feasibility of producing NF products by simulating realistic industrial scale, using different methods and tools such as LCA, LCC, RA, and TEA as well as Digital Twins and real time AI-driven monitoring and DSS tools. The optimization of parameters affecting the protein NF production will be evaluated at the end to increase protein content and the impact assessment evaluated on each single stage (extraction, characterization, modification/functionalization of protein rich fraction, production of NFs) and on the integrated processes. PROTEIN4IMPACT NF acceptance and social relevance –also through sensory evaluation actions- will be assessed in four markets (Europe, USA, Africa and Asia) to benchmark the European scenario with the rest of the world. Only by using an integrated approach like the one proposed in PROTEIN4IMPACT will it be possible to evaluate the correct feasibility in the use of alternative proteins in the food sector with a realistic sustainable approach.