New electrolyzer manufacturing facility to meet growing green hydrogen demand
S. Himmelstein | May 28, 2021Denmark-based Haldor Topsoe plans to invest in a manufacturing facility producing highly efficient solid oxide electrolyzers (SOEC) with a total capacity of 500 MW per year with the option to expand to 5 GW per year.
With efficiencies above 90%, Topsoe’s proprietary SOEC electrolyzers offer 30% greater hydrogen output from water electrolysis compared to standard alkaline or polymer electrolyte membrane electrolyzers. The 
The SOEC electrolyser delivers more than 90% energy efficiency when using green power to produce hydrogen. Source: Haldor Topsoeimproved efficiency is attributed to SOEC operation at temperatures above 700˚ C, which sets it apart from more conventional electrolysis technologies.
The SOEC is primarily assembled with abundant, low-cost ceramic materials in a metal housing. No rare metals or conflict minerals are consumed.
With the new facility, Topsoe will accommodate the rapidly increasing demand for competitive electrolysis technology, predominantly for green hydrogen plants based on renewable electricity. The facility is expected to be operational by 2023.
I like and am skeptical of the 90% efficiency claim. Does this high efficiency calculation exclude the energy needed to get water to 700° C? The temperature for Hydrogen autoignition is only 585° C, how does it not immediately recombine with the split off Oxygen?