Catalytic technology developer Topsoe is moving ahead with plans to build the world’s largest solid-oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) electrolyzer manufacturing plant in Herning, Denmark. The initial manufacturing capacity will be 500 MW/year, with an option to expand to 5 GW.

SOEC technology consumes less electricity than alkaline and polymer electrolyte membrane technologies, as the process requires less power overall. With the integration of a steam feed, the SOEC process becomes even more efficient. The compact SOEC electrolyzer is assembled from abundant, low-cost ceramic materials enclosed within a metal housing. To produce hydrogen, the cathode splits water molecules, via reduction, into hydrogen and oxide ions, after which the oxide ions are transported through the electrolyte to the anode and oxidized into oxygen.

Rendering of the SOEC electrolyzer plant. Source: Topsoe

The company already has 500 MW of pre-sold capacity and is in discussions with other potential offtake partners as well. Topsoe is also delivering on its REPowerEU ambitions when, in May 2022, a Joint Declaration was signed along with other industry leaders and the European Commission to commit to a tenfold increase of European electrolyzer manufacturing capacity by 2025.