SOLYDERA SA

Their core work

SolydEra SA (formerly HTceramix) is a Swiss SME specializing in solid oxide cell (SOC) technology — both fuel cells (SOFC) for power generation and electrolysis cells (SOEC) for hydrogen production. They develop and manufacture ceramic cell stacks and integrate them into systems that convert biogas, natural gas, or renewable electricity into power, heat, and hydrogen. Their work spans the full chain from lean stack manufacturing to system-level diagnostics, control tools, and commercial-scale deployment, making them a key technology supplier in the European solid oxide ecosystem.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their early H2020 period (2016–2019), SolydEra focused on maturing SOFC technology for stationary applications: lean stack manufacturing (SOSLeM), biogas-fed systems (WASTE2WATTS), commercial-scale deployment (ComSos), and system diagnostics (INSIGHT). From 2020 onward, their focus shifted decisively toward hydrogen production, reversible solid oxide cells, and new application domains — green hydrogen polygeneration (SWITCH), solar-driven electrolysis (PROMETEO), thin-film reversible cells for energy storage (EPISTORE), and maritime fuel cells (Nautilus). This evolution reflects a company moving from SOFC product maturation toward becoming a versatile solid oxide platform provider for the hydrogen economy.

SolydEra is positioning itself as a dual-mode SOC provider — offering both fuel cell and electrolysis capability — aligning with Europe's push for green hydrogen and sector coupling.

How they like to work

SolydEra operates exclusively as a consortium participant, never as coordinator, which is consistent with their role as a specialist technology supplier contributing SOC hardware and integration expertise to larger research efforts. With 75 unique partners across 15 countries in 13 projects, they maintain a broad European network rather than relying on a small set of repeat collaborators. This makes them an accessible and experienced partner — they know how to deliver within diverse consortia and are comfortable working under different project leads.

SolydEra has built a wide network of 75 partners across 15 countries through 13 projects, indicating strong pan-European reach with no heavy concentration in a single geography. Their consistent participation in FCH2 Joint Undertaking projects connects them to the core European fuel cell and hydrogen research community.

What sets them apart

SolydEra is one of a small number of European SMEs with deep expertise in both SOFC (power generation) and SOEC (electrolysis) solid oxide technology, giving them rare versatility in the hydrogen and clean energy space. Based in Switzerland but deeply embedded in EU research consortia, they bring proven ceramic cell manufacturing capability that bridges the gap between lab-scale innovation and commercial products. For consortium builders, they offer a technology partner who can supply real hardware — stacks, cells, system components — not just research papers.

Highlights from their portfolio

• Nautilus
  Largest single EC contribution (EUR 818,719) and a strategic move into maritime transport, applying solid oxide fuel cells to cruise ship hybrid energy systems.
• SWITCH
  Flagship hydrogen project (EUR 813,453) demonstrating reversible SOC systems for multi-source green hydrogen polygeneration — central to SolydEra's strategic pivot.
• EPISTORE
  Explores thin-film reversible solid oxide cells for ultra-compact energy storage, representing a frontier research direction combining nanoionics with power-to-gas/power-to-power concepts.