The C-Cell is engineered to solve the persistent cost, complexity, and efficiency barriers facing green hydrogen adoption today.
This next-generation system introduces a radical redesign of electrolyser architecture, delivering unmatched energy performance, reduced capital and operating costs, and unprecedented compatibility with renewable power sources.
A Groundbreaking Electrolyser Architecture
At the heart of the C-Cell is a novel, ultra-thin ceramic membrane electrolyte. This proprietary design delivers a high surface area for oxygen evolution, improved ionic conductivity, and long-term stability at elevated temperatures.
The Result is a System Capable of:
• Operating at 100–150°C without the need for external heat sources
• Achieving up to 41.5 kWh/kg-H₂ efficiency at stack level under real-world current densities • Supporting pressurised operation (5+ bar) and high current density (0.6 A/cm²)
• Minimising balance of plant requirements while simplifying installation and scale-up Addressing the Pain Points of Green Hydrogen
While many hydrogen ventures have announced ambitious targets, the majority of large-scale projects have stalled due to untenable costs and integration complexity. CRT’s C-Cell addresses these issues directly:
• Lower Capex: Low-cost membrane fabrication and streamlined stack design and simpler overall system reduce upfront expenses
• Lower Opex: Fewer moving parts, superior durability, and minimal thermal management cut lifecycle costs
• Modular Flexibility: Independently controlled modules allow precise turndown and intermittent operation—ideal for solar and wind coupling
Cavendish Renewable Technology Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Aniruddha Kulkarni said, “a lot of solutions have been proposed, but very few deliver where it truly matters—on both performance and cost.
“With C-Cell, we’re not proposing anything that contradicts the laws of thermodynamics or depends on speculative science,” said Kulkarni
“It’s simply an elegant way of utilising internally generated heat during electrolysis to significantly reduce electrical energy input—without needing any external thermal source,”
“That said, if low-grade external heat is available, our modelling indicates the efficiency could be improved even further. We aim to validate this through upcoming trials,”
“What makes this particularly remarkable is that comparable performance has only been achievable with solid oxide electrolysis systems operating above 800°C—a range that introduces serious challenges around heat integration and long-term material stability, which the industry has yet to solve reliably,”
“C-Cell delivers similar benefits at a fraction of the temperature, with far greater practicality and scalability.” he said.
Built for Solar, Wind and Grid Synergy
The C-Cell’s modular stack configuration, where each bundle of cells operates in parallel, allows finer load control and voltage flexibility. This enables:
• Efficient direct coupling to DC solar power systems with minimal conversion losses • Operation during brief windows of low or negative energy pricing
• High-purity gas output at low loads, with proven turndown to 7% in lab testing • Utility scale design
A Platform for the Future of Electrochemistry
Beyond hydrogen generation, the C-Cell’s membrane-electrode structure offers pathways for multiple emerging applications:
• CO₂-to-fuels electrolysis for synthetic hydrocarbons and industrial feedstocks • Flow batteries for grid-scale storage using redox couples
• Fuel cells with tubular PEM geometry for mobile and stationary energy solutions
CRT’s prior experience scaling pressurised alkaline and AEM systems positions the team to rapidly commercialise the C-Cell. The system leverages off-the-shelf components from filtration and battery industries, ensuring a robust and scalable supply chain.
“We see the C-Cell not just as a product, but as a foundation,” Kulkarni concluded. “It’s a versatile platform built on strong IP, backed by deep testing, and ready to integrate into the next generation of clean energy systems.”
About Cavendish Renewable Technology (CRT)
CRT is a clean technology company based in Melbourne, focused on breakthrough electrochemical systems for hydrogen production, carbon conversion, and clean energy storage.
With proprietary IP in advanced membranes, devices, and stack architecture, CRT is pioneering scalable solutions for the global energy transition.
