About the project
Power-to-X (PtX) is a key technology in the clean energy transition, with hydrogen playing a central role. Green hydrogen, produced via water electrolysis or photocatalysis using 100% renewable energy, is gaining global traction as a clean energy carrier. Electrolysis technologies include alkaline electrolysis cells (AECs), proton exchange membrane electrolysis cells (PEMECs), and solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs). While AEC and PEMEC are more mature, SOEC offers ~20% higher power-to-hydrogen efficiency and competitive Capital Expenditure (CAPEX). However, its commercialization is hindered by limited lifetime, high costs, and challenges in dynamic operation. The CHARGE project aims to develop cost-efficient, durable SOEC stack technology for green hydrogen production
To address the challenges for SOECs related to limited lifetime high costs, and dynamic operation, CHARGE will focus on three different elements of SOEC technology. These three elements are:
1) Developing impurity tolerant and durable SOEC cells for steam electrolysis at high current density
Building on vast experience in SOE cell development, the partner DTU will develop durable, impurity tolerant cells by means of infiltration of the fuel electrode and optimization of electrode microstructure.
2) Developing of cost-effective coated interconnects suitable for mass-production
By combining COAT-IT’s novel patented technology and Gdansk Tech knowledge on interconnect development, cost-effective interconnects will be developed by applying protective oxide coating on low-cost widely available alloys using a cost-effective and up-scalable electroplating process.
3) Applying AC:DC for improved durability
To extend the lifetime of SOEC’s Dynelectro will apply the company’s novel, patented AC:DC operation mode on commercial stack supplied by VERMES. Importantly, AC:DC operation also holds great promises for increasing stack lifetime during dynamic operation.
