Topic: Water Electrolysis under Intermittent Renewable Power: Materials, Degradation, and System Control

Hydrogen production through water electrolysis offers a promising pathway for storing renewable energy and supporting industrial decarbonization. However, intermittent renewable power introduces fluctuating loads and frequent startup–shutdown cycles, creating coupled challenges in material durability and system operation.

This Special Issue of Energy Z brings together research on water electrolysis under variable operating conditions, connecting material degradation mechanisms with system performance. Topics include durable electrocatalysts and interfaces, electrode and membrane stability, reverse currents, operando diagnostics, and dynamic modeling. Contributions on degradation-aware control, startup–shutdown management, and renewable energy integration are also welcome. Particular emphasis is placed on studies that translate mechanistic understanding into coordinated materials design and operating strategies.

We invite original research articles, reviews, and perspectives advancing efficient, durable, and flexible renewable hydrogen production.

Water electrolysis, intermittent renewable power, electrocatalyst durability, interface engineering, degradation mechanisms, dynamic modeling, system control, renewable hydrogen