Topsoe Achieves Major Breakthrough in SOEC Electrolysis Technology Advancement

Topsoe, a technology corporation based in Denmark, has successfully completed a 2,000-hour demonstration of their SOEC (solid oxide electrolyzer cell) electrolyzer in real industrial conditions. This milestone involved 12 SOEC stacks, comprising a total of 1,200 cells, all of which exhibited high stability and maintained consistent temperature levels throughout the test. The demonstration took place at Topsoe’s facility in Frederikssund, Denmark, with the specific aim of showcasing the technology’s effectiveness in a hydrogen plant while validating the SOEC electrolyzers under industrial-standard intensity.

This achievement represents a significant advancement in the development and scaling of SOEC electrolysis technology, aligning with Topsoe’s broader mission of facilitating the energy transition by introducing efficient, scalable, and innovative decarbonization technology to the market. Furthermore, the successful results further validate the confidence placed in Topsoe’s SOEC cells by both the market and the EU Innovation Fund. Notably, Topsoe was awarded a substantial €94 million grant in December 2023 for its SOEC factory in Herning, Denmark.

Mr. Kim Hedegaard, CEO of Power-to-X at Topsoe, expressed his optimism about the potential impact of the company’s SOEC technology, stating, “Net zero 2050 will only succeed if we have the courage to deploy new pioneering technologies. The great test results demonstrate the capabilities of our SOEC technology. It is a much more efficient solution to meet the need for rapid decarbonization of our planet compared to conventional electrolysis technologies and ready to make a positive impact in the Power-to-X industry.”

In addition to the success with SOEC technology, Topsoe’s other advancements should not be overlooked. At the beginning of 2024, the company’s innovative ammonia technology was selected for a new hydrogen project in South Korea. Through an engineering agreement with the South Korean industrial supplier of hydrogen Approtium, Topsoe will utilize its H2RETAKE technology to convert low-carbon ammonia into hydrogen. It is important to note that, according to Topsoe, H2RETAKE produces high-quality hydrogen suitable for various industrial applications, and its unique capability to use off-gases as fuel for the endothermic reaction enhances its overall efficiency.

Topsoe’s ongoing commitment to developing cutting-edge decarbonization technologies is evident in these recent achievements. By reaching this significant milestone in SOEC electrolysis technology and expanding into international projects, the company is playing a pivotal role in driving the global transition towards sustainable energy solutions.