Thyssenkrupp Nucera expands into solid-oxide hydrogen electrolysers

Fraunhofer IKTS, a research institute, has licensed technology capable of producing both green hydrogen and carbon monoxide. Thyssenkrupp Nucera, a German electrolyser manufacturer, has announced its intention to incorporate high-temperature solid-oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) into its product lineup, marking its second technology offering. Currently specializing in alkaline electrolysers, Thyssenkrupp has significant orders, including 2.2GW from the Neom green hydrogen and ammonia complex in Saudi Arabia and 700MW reserved for H2 Green Steel’s project in Sweden.

To develop SOECs, Thyssenkrupp Nucera has forged a strategic partnership with the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems (IKTS). The SOECs utilize chromium-based alloy stacks designed by Fraunhofer IKTS for enhanced efficiency and reduced degradation compared to conventional SOEC stacks. Notably, this technology converts CO2 and water into hydrogen and carbon monoxide, expanding the potential applications beyond conventional electrolysis processes.

Christoph Noeres, head of green hydrogen at Thyssenkrupp, stated that SOEC technology complements their existing portfolio, offering up to 25% higher efficiency than alkaline or proton-exchange membrane (PEM) systems, potentially producing more hydrogen per kilowatt-hour of electricity input. The company anticipates using SOECs for industries with existing waste heat generation, such as green steel, ammonia, methanol, fertilizers, and energy storage, thus optimizing energy consumption.

A pilot manufacturing plant at Fraunhofer IKTS is scheduled for construction in the first quarter of the upcoming year. However, Thyssenkrupp has not provided a timeline for market availability pending the success of the pilot. Noeres emphasized the company's expertise in electrolysis plant development, drawing on their successful development of a 20 MW alkaline water electrolysis module.

Further details on Thyssenkrupp Nucera's decision are sought by Hydrogen Insight, reflecting the industry's interest in this significant development.