High-Temperature Solid Oxide Electrolysis (SOE) is a groundbreaking technology that operates at high temperatures, utilizing waste heat to achieve greater efficiency. The potential of this technology is immense, particularly for integrated industrial processes. It enables us to use waste heat in green hydrogen production – energy that would otherwise be lost – resulting in an even better overall energy efficiency.
HTEM300 uses innovative technologies to create real climate and business impact
The project – HTEM300 – aims to establish a 300-megawatt (MW) manufacturing facility for high-temperature SOE stack modules, with potential future scalability towards multi-gigawatt production facilities. It also aims to completely avoid greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions relative to the reference scenario, directly contributing to Europe’s decarbonization targets and accelerating the transition from fossil fuels to clean hydrogen.
HTEM300 introduces a comprehensive and innovative approach to SOE stack module production. The project uses advanced manufacturing processes, including semi-automated assembly, quality control systems, and intelligent logistics, to ensure high production yields, consistent quality, and more effortless scalability.
The SOE modules’ high operating temperature as well as the possibility to incorporate heat enables a higher electrical efficiency of 20-30% in hydrogen production compared with other technologies such as PEM electrolyzers. It allows for their installation within industrial hard-to-abate sectors with high levels of surplus heat, such as steel and fertilizer production. HTEM300 aims to avoid a cumulative 3.7 million tonnes of CO₂e by replacing conventional energy carriers with renewable hydrogen.
Speed of scale-up and positive impact for climate and value creation depend on regulation
HTEM300 is perfectly aligned with the European Union’s industrial strategy. Our facility will strengthen regional supply chains, fostering resilience within Europe’s clean energy infrastructure. The project is set to create over 100 direct and indirect jobs, bolstering the local economy and supporting the European clean-tech industry. SOE technology’s competitive advantage and expected market growth drive further cost reductions in hydrogen production, further incentivizing its use in clean industrial production.
However, taking a more long-term view, the speed at which it can be scaled up further to create impact for the climate and value creation as well as jobs in the EU depends on how the market assess today’s and future regulation. As for any other green hydrogen technology, regulatory certainty is needed to support the road to final investment decisions (FID). Amongst other measures this can be achieved by simplifying the rules for electricity sourcing in order to reduce the costs of green hydrogen and by swiftly implementing the renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBO) quotas for industry from RED III at national level to increase demand.
