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Princeton Study: Wastewater Cuts Hydrogen Production Costs Significantly

10/29/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Princeton University researchers show reclaimed wastewater can replace water in electrolysis for hydrogen production, cutting water costs by 47% and energy costs by 62%.
Led by Z. Jason Ren of Princeton University, the study shows adding sulfuric acid to wastewater prevents calcium- and magnesium-induced performance decline.
This approach enables use of local wastewater facilities for sustainable hydrogen production and decarbonization.
The findings appeared in Water Research on Sept. 24, 2025.

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Story summary

Princeton University researchers show reclaimed wastewater can replace water in electrolysis for hydrogen production, cutting water costs by 47% and energy costs by 62%.
Led by Z. Jason Ren of Princeton University, the study shows adding sulfuric acid to wastewater prevents calcium- and magnesium-induced performance decline.
This approach enables use of local wastewater facilities for sustainable hydrogen production and decarbonization.
The findings appeared in Water Research on Sept. 24, 2025.