In Europe, Thyssenkrupp Nucera has partnered with Fraunhofer IKTS to develop high-temperature solid oxide electrolyzer cell (Soec) technology for industrial manufacturing and applications. The focus is on reducing electricity consumption and eliminating the need for rare precious metals in industries like green steel, ammonia, methanol, and fertilizers. By early 2025, a pilot plant built by Fraunhofer IKTS will start production of high-temperature electrolysis stacks using Soec.
In the US, Thyssenkrupp Nucera and De Nora have received funding to automate gigawatt-scale alkaline water electrolysis production lines to serve multiple gigawatt projects per year. The grant is part of a larger federal funding initiative under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, totaling $750 million for 52 projects across 24 states. This move aims to transition from manual labor to mass production and position their business for success in the US market.
The strategic partnership between Thyssenkrupp Nucera and Fraunhofer IKTS includes a licensing agreement for Thyssenkrupp Nucera to produce and use stacks based on the Fraunhofer technology. The companies believe that Soec technology will benefit industries where industrial waste heat is generated during production by reducing electricity consumption and relying on a more sustainable technology. To stay updated on the latest news, analysis, and commentary on green hydrogen, subscribe to the green hydrogen bulletin for bi-weekly updates. If you have news, comments, case studies, or analysis ideas for the green hydrogen bulletin, feel free to reach out to the editorial team.