The application of a centrifugal field has been demonstrated to intensify the water electrolysis process. Data collected from the linear sweep voltammetry and steady-state measurements showed that an anode potential reduction of up to 0.18 V, a cathode potential reduction of up to 0.20 V, an ohmic voltage reduction of up to 0.25 V and a cell voltage reduction of up to 0.45 V at 300 mA cm(-2), were achieved at a relative acceleration rate of 190 and 80 degreesC, compared to those in stationary conditions. The saving in cell voltage, and thus energy consumption, are significantly larger than the relatively small amount of energy required to rotate the cell. The above observations were modelled using an empirical approach. The model correlated the cell performance to relative acceleration rate and considered the effects of the KOH concentration and the cell temperature. The experimental data were explained satisfactorily by the empirical correlations. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.