First for China | Estone plans to build 1GW solid-oxide electrolyser and fuel-cell factory in Hefei city

A Chinese firm specializing in the manufacturing of composite and ceramic materials has unveiled ambitious plans to construct a state-of-the-art 1-gigawatt (1GW) solid-oxide electrolyser and fuel-cell production facility in Hefei, the bustling capital of Anhui province located in eastern China. The company, known as Anhui Estone Materials Technology Company or simply Estone, is also sometimes referred to as Yishitong in Chinese. They have declared their intent to invest a substantial sum of 1.21 billion yuan (equivalent to $165.9 million) into the development of this cutting-edge facility. The decision to embark on this endeavor follows the successful mastery of solid-oxide technology by Estone's team of accomplished scientists.

According to an official statement issued to the Shanghai Stock Exchange, a pilot production line dedicated to this innovative technology is currently making steady progress. It is anticipated that this pilot line will be fully completed and commence trial operations by the conclusion of the year 2023. However, the precise commencement date for the construction of the 1GW-per-annum factory, which would be an unprecedented undertaking in China, remains undisclosed.

Notably, California-based Bloom Energy presently operates a 2GW solid-oxide electrolyser (SOE) factory in Delaware, while Danish company Topsoe has ambitious plans to establish 5GW factories in both the United States and central Denmark. Germany's Sunfire is also setting its sights on gigawatt-scale production, encompassing pressurized alkaline electrolysers alongside SOEs. Additionally, Japanese automotive components provider Denso has set its sights on introducing a new solid-oxide electrolyser into the market starting in 2025.

Solid-oxide technology distinguishes itself by utilizing ceramics, as opposed to metals, enabling operation at substantially higher temperatures compared to conventional electrolysers and fuel cells. SOEs leverage both electricity and high-temperature steam to efficiently split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen, or vice versa, a process that solid-oxide fuel cells also rely on. When harnessed in conjunction with waste heat, they exhibit the remarkable ability to yield more hydrogen per kilowatt-hour of electricity than any other type of electrolyser presently available. Furthermore, they can simultaneously separate water and carbon dioxide molecules to generate hydrogen and carbon monoxide, commonly referred to as synthesis gas or syngas. This syngas serves as the foundation for the production of synthetic methanol and other synthetic hydrocarbons, including jet fuel.

Estone, based in Bengbu city, Anhui province, is currently known for its extensive range of advanced inorganic non-metal composite materials, primarily serving three major sectors: active safety materials for cutting-edge new energy power batteries, 5G communication electronic materials, and environmentally friendly fire-retardant materials.