Innovative Green Hydrogen: SOEC Pilot Production Plant Launched in Arnstadt
Key Ideas
- thyssenkrupp Nucera and Fraunhofer IKTS inaugurated the first SOEC pilot production plant in Arnstadt, Germany, to advance high-temperature electrolysis technology for green hydrogen production.
- The pilot plant will initially produce stacks in small quantities with a target capacity of 8 megawatts per year, paving the way for industrial-scale production.
- SOEC technology promises high efficiency, leveraging industrial waste heat sources and CO2 utilization, offering significant potential for the energy transition and decarbonization strategies.
- The collaboration between the two entities aims to bring high-temperature electrolysis to market maturity, positioning it as a key player in the shift towards a more sustainable energy mix.
On May 27, thyssenkrupp Nucera and Fraunhofer IKTS unveiled the first SOEC pilot production plant for electrolysis stacks in Arnstadt, Germany. This launch marked a significant milestone in the strategic partnership between the two organizations for the development of high-temperature electrolysis technology, specifically SOEC electrolyzers. The collaboration, initiated in March 2024, focuses on advancing SOEC technology to enable the production of green hydrogen on an industrial scale.
The pilot production plant, designed by Fraunhofer IKTS, will produce SOEC stacks with an initial focus on small quantities and a planned production capacity of 8 megawatts per year. These stacks, crucial components for SOEC electrolyzers, are set to enhance thyssenkrupp Nucera's hydrogen technology portfolio for industrial applications.
SOEC stack technology features oxygen-conducting ceramic electrolyte substrates with chromium-iron interconnectors, ensuring high corrosion resistance and thermal performance. This technology stands out for its efficiency, requiring less electrical energy and offering the potential for cost-effective large-scale industrial production. Moreover, the use of SOEC technology can lead to a 20-30% reduction in electricity consumption compared to other methods, particularly beneficial in energy-intensive sectors like the steel industry.
One of the notable advantages of SOEC technology is its ability to utilize industrial CO2 as a raw material, converting it into green synthesis gas alongside green hydrogen. This versatility enables the production of sustainable chemical feedstocks and e-fuels, contributing significantly to the energy transition and sustainability efforts.
Key figures from both organizations, including Dr. Werner Ponikwar from thyssenkrupp Nucera and Professor Alexander Michaelis from Fraunhofer IKTS, emphasized the transformative potential of SOEC technology in the green hydrogen sector. The successful operation of the pilot production plant will inform the construction of a fully automated industrial-scale SOEC production facility, driving the advancement of high-performance stacks for green hydrogen production.