thyssenkrupp nucera receives EU funding for 300-MW green hydrogen production project using SOEC technology

The EU has awarded up to €36 million to thyssenkrupp nucera to support the construction of a 300-MW green hydrogen production plant utilizing the company’s high-temperature SOEC technology.

This funding from the EU Innovation Fund aims to advance the industrialization of thyssenkrupp nucera’s highly efficient SOEC technology, licensed from Fraunhofer IKTS, through the construction of an SOEC production facility. Further project details are to be finalized in collaboration with the EU.

Dr. Werner Ponikwar, CEO of thyssenkrupp nucera, said: “The EU is sending an important signal with its decision to support the construction of the SOEC production plant. Due to its high level of efficiency and great cost effectiveness, high-temperature electrolysis technology is a pioneering electrolysis technology to produce green hydrogen. It will enable companies to make an important contribution to decarbonization in the near future.”

Ahead of the large-scale production plant, a pilot facility with 8 MW of installed SOEC capacity is expected to begin operations in the first half of 2025.

The electrolyzer stacks will initially be produced in small quantities in Arnstadt, Thuringia. “Scaling up the production of the SOEC stacks will enable thyssenkrupp nucera to achieve technology and market leadership in the pioneering SOEC technology,” said Professor Dr. Alexander Michaelis, Director of the Fraunhofer IKTS.

thyssenkrupp nucera and the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems (IKTS) formed a strategic partnership in March, focusing on developing high-temperature electrolysis (SOEC) technology for market readiness. Fraunhofer IKTS has laid the groundwork for SOEC technology over 20 years of extensive R&D, providing the essential foundations for industrialization. The two organizations are now working together to advance high-temperature electrolysis towards large-scale industrial application.

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