The technologies are evaluated for cost efficiency and environmental impact to ensure the materials bring value to the European economy without harmful emissions or high energy costs. The output of the recycling technologies maximise opportunities for both closed loop and open loop recycling.

More specifically, Pt and membrane materials are delivered back for manufacturing MEAS to be tested in full stacks, while both anode and catode materials from EoL SOFCs are treated for direct recycling into cells. The whole EoL device is considered, with technologies validated for open loop recycling and opportunities for recovery of other components of the cells/stacks explored.

BEST4Hy involves a strong consortium inclusive of FCH devices manufacturers, a leading recycling centre already aware of the market opportunities for PEM recycling, leading research organisations and innovation support specialists to deliver a recycling strategy with wide buy-in, accompanied by LCA and LCC full assessments, consideration on regulatory issues and a training program to support its take up.