Thyssenkrupp nucera (THYKF) and Fraunhofer IKTS have jointly unveiled the first pilot production plant for solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) stacks in Arnstadt, Thuringia, marking a significant milestone in their strategic collaboration. The inauguration event, graced by key industry and political figures including Thuringia's Minister President Prof. Dr. Mario Voigt, signifies a new phase in developing next-generation high-temperature electrolysis systems for green hydrogen production. The partnership, initiated in March 2024, targets the scaling of SOEC technology for industrial hydrogen production, with thyssenkrupp nucera taking the lead in commercializing SOEC stacks. The pilot facility, designed and constructed by Fraunhofer IKTS, is set to initially produce small quantities of stacks with an anticipated output of 8 megawatts per year. These SOEC stacks boast oxygen-conducting ceramic electrolytes and chromium-iron interconnectors, providing exceptional corrosion resistance, thermal stability, and a simplified component structure conducive to highly automated mass production. High-temperature electrolysis offers superior efficiency compared to conventional methods by harnessing waste heat, which is prevalent in industries like steel, resulting in up to 30% lower electricity usage. Moreover, SOEC systems can utilize industrial CO2 to produce green synthesis gas alongside hydrogen, enabling the development of sustainable chemicals and e-fuels. Dr. Werner Ponikwar, CEO of thyssenkrupp nucera, stressed the strategic importance of advancing SOEC technology to commercial maturity as a crucial component of a climate-friendly energy transition. Professor Alexander Michaelis, Director of Fraunhofer IKTS, underscored the technology's capacity to integrate with waste heat systems and CO2 utilization, key aspects for efficient decarbonization. Insights gained from the pilot plant's operation will inform the development of a fully automated, large-scale SOEC manufacturing facility, laying the groundwork for the industrial-scale deployment of this transformative hydrogen technology. On Tuesday, THYKF closed unchanged at $9.90 on the OTC Markets OTCPK.