Project description
Solid oxide-based electrolysers for sustainable hydrogen production
The EU aims to position renewable hydrogen as a key energy source for decarbonisation. Solid oxide-based electrolysers (SOEL) have the potential to provide the EU with a competitive edge in the global hydrogen economy. The EU-funded Hy-SPIRE project seeks to enhance SOEL technology by lowering operating temperatures to below 700 °C and improving flexibility to match renewable energy generation. Key performance indicators (KPIs) include low degradation, high current densities, and rapid operation. The project will focus on developing new oxygen ion-conducting (O-SOE) and proton-conducting (P-SOE) cells on ceramic and metallic supports, with an emphasis on advanced materials and manufacturing techniques. Its objectives include reducing hydrogen production costs to EUR 3 per kg by 2030 and optimising production for large-scale applications.
Objective
According to long-term goals of EU, renewable hydrogen will become an energy vector for decarbonisation of the EU economy. The technology of solid oxide-based electrolysers (SOEL) can become a key technological advantage for EU to become a world leader in hydrogen economy. The Hy-SPIRE project aims at further boosting the potential of SOEL by lowering the operating temperature below 700°C, and increasing its flexibility in order to fit with RES generation profiles.
Within the project, novel cells will be developed towards achieving strict KPIs such as low degradation equal to or lower than 0.75% per 1,000 h, operation at high current densities ca. 1.2 A/cm^2 and ability to operate dynamically and fast ramping. The goal will be reach by the means of developing and applying new materials, advanced manufacturing techniques and optimized cell and stack designs. The Hy-SPIRE project will aim at developing oxygen ion- and proton-conducting cells (O-SOE and P-SOE, respectively) on both, ceramic and metallic supports, therefore analysing broad range of technological possibilities. The new cells and stacks will go beyond the SoA technology in terms of designs, performance and operation. The consortium of the project brings together a recognized European stack manufacturer (SolydEra), top players in the development of materials for SOCs, expertise in fabrication as well as unique testing capacities and know-how in technology assessment. Techno-economic analysis, supported by the LCA will be used for the evaluation of project novelties and the market potential.
The project will cover definition of barriers and research directions to achieve SRIA objectives such as reduction of hydrogen production cost to 3 €/kg by 2030, reduction of CAPEX 520 €/(kg/kW) and OPEX 45 €/(kg/kW). Moreover the technology of cells and stacks – the effects of Hy-SPIRE – will be designed for large-scale production, and tailored for coupling with RES and other industry sectors.
Keywords
Programme(s)
- HORIZON.2.5 - Climate, Energy and Mobility Main Programme
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-JU-RIA - HORIZON JU Research and Innovation ActionsCoordinator
01-330 WARSZAWA
Poland