Hydrogen production by innovative solid oxide cell for flexible operation at intermediate temperature

According to long-term goals of EU, renewable hydrogen will become an energy vector for decarbonisation of the EU economy. The technology of solid oxide-based electrolysers (SOEL) can become a key technological advantage for EU to become a world leader in hydrogen economy. The Hy-SPIRE project aims at further boosting the potential of SOEL by lowering the operating temperature below 700°C, and increasing its flexibility in order to fit with RES generation profiles.
Within the project, novel cells will be developed towards achieving strict KPIs such as low degradation equal to or lower than 0.75% per 1,000 h, operation at high current densities ca. 1.2 A/cm^2 and ability to operate dynamically and fast ramping. The goal will be reach by the means of developing and applying new materials, advanced manufacturing techniques and optimized cell and stack designs. The Hy-SPIRE project will aim at developing oxygen ion- and proton-conducting cells (O-SOE and P-SOE, respectively) on both, ceramic and metallic supports, therefore analysing broad range of technological possibilities. The new cells and stacks will go beyond the SoA technology in terms of designs, performance and operation. The consortium of the project brings together a recognized European stack manufacturer (SolydEra), top players in the development of materials for SOCs, expertise in fabrication as well as unique testing capacities and know-how in technology assessment. Techno-economic analysis, supported by the LCA will be used for the evaluation of project novelties and the market potential.
The project will cover definition of barriers and research directions to achieve SRIA objectives such as reduction of hydrogen production cost to 3 €/kg by 2030, reduction of CAPEX 520 €/(kg/kW) and OPEX 45 €/(kg/kW). Moreover the technology of cells and stacks - the effects of Hy-SPIRE - will be designed for large-scale production, and tailored for coupling with RES and other industry sectors.