Development of SOEC cells and stacks

In this project a significant progress has been achieved with respect to improving performance and durability of solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs), stack components, and stacks under industrially relevant electrolysis conditions. At the cell level we have shown that the state-of-the-art SOEC cells are capable of electrolysis operation at -1 A/cm2 with reasonable degradation rates (1-1.5%/1000h) and with identified possibilities for further improvement. At the stack level we have demonstrated stable stack performance with negligible degradation at -0.75 A/cm2. The results obtained in this project are in line with the Danish SOEC strategy and roadmap and are close to the 2014 target. Besides, a detailed technology assessment was carried out, focusing on technical and socio-economic effects of various SOEC application scenarios on future renewable energy systems and competitive strengths and possible weaknesses of SOEC technology in comparison with other competing technologies. The outcome of this project provides guidelines for the future focus of development in order to achieve increased performance, better durability, and more cost-efficient solid oxide electrolysis cells and stacks and to further bring the SOEC technology to a technology break through.