Two European projects related to solid oxide electrolysis (SOEC) organised a Joint Workshop with the topic: Route to the Industrialisation of High-Temperature Electrolysis, at the German Salzgitter AG in September.
40 Experts from 8 European countries, from 9 research and 8 industrial players, exchanged their views on status, progress, and critical issues on the path towards the market.
The project Green Industrial Hydrogen via reversible high-temperature electrolysis (GrInHy) with Salzgitter AG as coordinator is committed to the proof-of-concept of operating a high-temperature electrolyser in the industrial environment of an integrated iron and steel works, while meeting its hydrogen quality standards and reaching highest electrical efficiencies by using steam preferably from waste heat. During a guided tour, the unit was demonstrated. It is integrated into the gas and heat streams of the Salzgitter company site.
The other organising project, Efficient Co-Electrolyser for Efficient Renewable Energy Storage (ECo) with DTU Energy as coordinator pursues the concept of converting excess renewable electricity into distributable and storable hydrocarbons, such as methane, by the simultaneous electrolysis of steam and CO2 via Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells (SOEC).
In 13 presentations, the versatility of the SOEC technology was impressively illustrated by concepts ranging from providing green molecules for the industry (such as hydrogen for the steel industry or ammonia production and CO for the catalytic industry), over dynamic SOEC to balance electricity fluctuations from renewable sources to Power to X in order to provide fuels for transport and energy storage options.
The main SOEC manufacturers in Europe: Sunfire (Germany), SolidPower (Switzerland, Italy), and HTAS (Denmark) participated and shared their visions for technology introduction into the market.
The workshop provided an optimistic view regarding the matureness level of SOEC technology, where the large range of potential application areas is certainly a strength to finally reach a market breakthrough.
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