Thyssenkrupp Nucera and Fraunhofer IKTS Forge Strategic Partnership in Cutting-Edge SOEC Technology

Thyssenkrupp Nucera, a global leader in electrolysis technology, has announced a strategic alliance with Fraunhofer IKTS to bolster its hydrogen technology arsenal through advanced high-temperature electrolysis (SOEC). This collaboration is anticipated to deliver a significant cost advantage in various application areas due to SOEC's superior efficiency.

The partnership entails a technology transfer of the CFY stack technology, developed by Fraunhofer IKTS, hinting at future commercial advantages in electrolysis. Fraunhofer IKTS, with over two decades of research in SOEC technology, aims to industrialize this innovation for broad applications.

A pilot plant, set for operation in the first quarter of 2025, will test the production viability of SOEC stacks, with an eye on further scaling depending on pilot outcomes. Thyssenkrupp Nucera has also secured a license for producing and utilizing CFY stacks, underscoring the potential for mass production and commercial use.

Dr. Werner Ponikwar, CEO of thyssenkrupp Nucera, emphasized the alignment of this partnership with their growth strategy and the company’s efforts to present an eco-friendly energy solution. Professor Dr. Alexander Michaelis, Director of Fraunhofer IKTS, highlighted the technological and environmental benefits of SOEC, including its role in CO2 reduction and the production of e-fuels.

SOEC technology is expected to revolutionize industries with industrial waste heat, promoting energy efficiency and reducing reliance on rare precious metals. This collaboration marks a significant step towards the integration of green hydrogen in industrial applications, reinforcing thyssenkrupp Nucera's commitment to sustainable energy solutions.