Boosting efficiency and lifetime in solid oxide planar electrolysers through BoP integration
Abstract:
The IRENA’s 1.5°C Scenario highlights the critical need for substantial expansion of electrolysers to produce green hydrogen to meet increasing demand by 2030 and 2050. Large-scale deployment hinges on enhancing the efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness of hydrogen production technologies, particularly high-temperature solid oxide electrolysers (SOEL). However, SOEL technology faces significant challenges, specially material degradation, high cost and system instability.
Achieving a target operational lifetime of over 40,000 hours requires innovative approaches to predict and mitigate degradation maximising performance, including accelerated stress tests and advanced modelling. Cost reduction strategies involving high-performance materials and innovative BoP designs are also essential.
To address these challenges, ThunderStack aims to develop and validate a new sustainable SOEL concept combined with novel operation methods (AC:DC) for optimal thermal control. ThunderStack’s solutions involve advanced materials to control microstructure and reduce degradation, optimizing manufacturing processes, and improving circularity through CRM recovery.
The project will also focus on optimizing BoP components and operation modes to reduce CAPEX and OPEX. By achieving the ambitious KPIs and objectives, ThunderStack aims to make renewable hydrogen a viable and cost-effective energy vector, contributing to the broader goals of the IRENA’s 1.5°C Scenario.
Leitat’s role in the project:
For selective metal recovery within ceramics, Leitat will optimize the leaching process and operational conditions with the most promising leaching processes, expanding the studies to end of life cell/stack components provided by SOL and manufacturing partners (TAU, DTU).
Also, Leitat will work on the development and evaluation of novel membranes depending on the needs of the project: Nanofibrous Composite Materials (NCMs) as adsorbents and/or Liquid Membranes (SLMs or PIMs) for the selective recovery of target elements.
A comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) will be conducted to evaluate the environmental performance of the novel cells and stacks designed and manufactured through scalable techniques. This assessment will adhere to ISO 14040 and 14044 standards and the PEF initiative, incorporating principal recommendations from other EU projects.
Project budget: 3.968.128,13€
Financial framework: HORIZON-JU-CLEANH2-2025-01-02
Start date: 01/01/2026
Leitat’s budget: 405.758,13€
Contract number: 101250775
End date: 31/12/2029
Partners:
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101250775. Funded by the European Union.
