Elcogen, a leader in solid oxide fuel cell and electrolyser technology, has officially opened its new manufacturing facility, ELCO I, in Tallinn, Estonia. The state-of-the-art facility significantly boosts the company’s production capacity from 10 MW to 360 MW, positioning Elcogen as one of Europe’s largest producers of high-efficiency clean energy components.
The launch of ELCO I is a critical step in Elcogen’s mission to scale up its role in the global energy transition. The 14,000 m² facility is built for speed and global impact, with advanced automation and R&D capabilities. According to CEO Enn Õunpuu, the facility will enable the company to meet the accelerating worldwide demand for reliable, solid oxide-based energy solutions at commercial volumes.
Built with a capital investment of approximately EUR 50 million, the project was delivered on time and on budget. Funding was provided by key stakeholders like Baker Hughes and HD Hyundai, with additional support from the European Innovation Fund. The facility’s design also incorporates sustainable features, including a 9 MW power supply from the nearby Iru Power Plant and process heat reuse to reduce emissions.
“ELCO I serves as a flagship model designed to guide future development initiatives globally,” said Õunpuu. The facility reflects Elcogen’s vision for international expansion, including plans to license its technology and manufacturing blueprint to trusted partners. This approach will enable local manufacturing in key markets, supporting resilient, domestic supply chains.
The new facility will also support the creation of around 300 local jobs as Elcogen moves toward mass production. This expansion is about more than just capacity; it’s about increasing product performance and reducing costs for partners across the energy value chain.
The launch event brought together over 300 guests, including investors, partners, and collaborators from around the world. In a video message, Jorgo Chatzimarkakis, CEO of Hydrogen Europe, praised the project, stating that it “sends a strong message that Elcogen is ready for large scale delivery.”
Chris Nash, Chair of Elcogen’s Board of Directors, added that the company is “committed to partnering with global system integrators, strategic partners and governments to build resilient, low-carbon energy systems of the future.”
