The PEPPER project, led by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and funded by the EU's Horizon Europe programme, is a collaborative effort involving eight European project participants. The project aims to develop innovative hydrogen electrolysis cells that operate at intermediate temperatures, offering efficiency and sustainability advantages. By focusing on planar Proton-conducting Ceramic Cells, PEPPER targets challenges in green hydrogen production for sectors like steel, chemistry, and transport. The project addresses important issues such as high energy consumption and limited scalability by developing two scalable cell technologies with reduced raw material usage and enhanced resistance to contaminants. With a goal of commercialization by 2035, PEPPER is set to revolutionize hydrogen production. The project's technical targets include high faradaic efficiency, current density optimization, thin-film electrolyte architectures, and validated performance under realistic conditions. Advanced modelling will ensure optimized stack behavior. Through full techno-economic and life cycle assessments, PEPPER will pave the way for market readiness. The project, starting at Technology Readiness Level 2, aims to reach Level 4 by 2027. By advancing clean hydrogen technology, PEPPER is bridging the gap between research and industrial deployment, promising a sustainable and efficient solution for future hydrogen supply.