In a milestone for green hydrogen innovation, thyssenkrupp nucera and Fraunhofer IKTS officially opened Germany’s first solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) pilot production plant in Arnstadt. The event was attended by notable figures from politics, science, and industry, including Prof. Dr. Mario Voigt, Minister President of Thuringia.
The launch marks a significant next step in the strategic partnership between the two organizations, who began their cooperation in March 2024 to develop the next generation of high-temperature electrolysis technology. Building on Fraunhofer IKTS’s research, thyssenkrupp nucera is now advancing SOEC technology for industrial-scale production of green hydrogen.
The pilot plant, developed and constructed by Fraunhofer IKTS, will manufacture SOEC stacks—critical components of high-temperature electrolyzers. With an initial annual capacity of 8 megawatts, the facility aims to produce small batches of stacks to support testing, optimization, and eventual scale-up to full commercial deployment.
Game-Changing SOEC Technology
The SOEC stack is built from oxygen-conducting ceramic substrates and chromium-iron (CF) interconnectors, designed to deliver high thermal stability, corrosion resistance, and long operational life. The stack’s architecture allows for automated mass production with fewer components, positioning it ahead of other available designs globally.
SOEC’s main advantage lies in its superior energy efficiency. By using high-temperature steam instead of liquid water, the technology cuts electricity consumption by 20–30% compared to conventional low-temperature electrolysis methods. This makes SOEC particularly well-suited for industries like steelmaking, where abundant waste heat can be reused for hydrogen production.
Furthermore, SOEC systems can convert industrial CO₂ and water vapor directly into green syngas, paving the way for the sustainable production of synthetic fuels and chemical feedstocks—a unique capability that positions SOEC as a key enabler of deep industrial decarbonization.
Strategic Vision
“We are confident in SOEC’s role in the future energy mix,” said Dr. Werner Ponikwar, CEO of thyssenkrupp nucera. “Its high efficiency and unique features make it a cornerstone of climate-friendly hydrogen production. Together with Fraunhofer IKTS, we’re pushing this technology toward market readiness.”
Prof. Alexander Michaelis, Director of Fraunhofer IKTS, added: “SOEC enables companies to produce green hydrogen at unmatched efficiency by integrating with industrial heat sources or directly producing synthesis gas from CO₂ and water. This makes it a true game changer for decarbonization.”
The operational experience gained from the Arnstadt pilot plant will feed directly into plans for a fully automated, large-scale SOEC manufacturing facility, supporting the mass deployment of high-efficiency hydrogen solutions for industrial applications.
This initiative strengthens Germany’s role as a leader in clean hydrogen technology and highlights SOEC’s potential to drive Europe’s green energy transformation.
