Next Generation solid oxide fuel cell and electrolysis technology

The EU has the long-term goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% to 95% compared to 1990 levels by 2050, mainly by introducing more shares of renewable energy sources in the EU energy systems. Solid oxide technologies (SOC: SOFC & SOE) are key enabling technologies for allowing for such integration. They are an efficient link between sectors: power, gas, heat. SOC can therefore emerge as key players in the energy transition in many concepts, such as • fuel/gas to power and heat at small to large scale, • energy storage through power to hydrogen/fuel, • utilisation and upgrading of biogas, • balancing of intermittent electricity from renewable sources through load following and reversible operation, and • central and decentral solutions for electricity and heat production. The NewSOC project aims at significantly improving performance, durability, and cost competitiveness of solid oxide cells & stacks compared to state-of-the-art (SoA). In order to achieve these goals, NewSOC proposes twelve innovative concepts in the following areas: (i) structural optimisation and innovative architectures based on SoA materials, (ii) alternative materials, which allow for overcoming inherent challenges of SoA, (iii) innovative manufacturing to reduce critical raw materials and reduction of environmental footprint at improved performance & lifetime. The NewSOC project will validate the new cells & stacks at the level of large cells with > 50 cm2 active area and short-stacks in close collaboration with industry thereby moving the technology readiness level from 2 to 4. Six major European SOC manufacturers are part of the consortium, representing a large range of SOC concepts and product & market strategies. Industry partners will take the lead for providing a path how to increase the TRL level beyond the project period towards TRL of 6. The NewSOC project will evaluate the new SOC materials and fabrication processes according to life cycle impact and cost assessment.