Imagine making hydrogen generators like we make smartphones: fast, cheap, and in huge quantities. Instead of slow, expensive lab methods, this project uses a water-based 'printing' technique and special thin coatings to protect parts. It's all about moving from hand-made prototypes to a streamlined factory assembly line.
Current SOEL production is too expensive and slow to meet the EU's massive 17.5 GW annual capacity target. High costs are driven by expensive raw materials, manual assembly, and inefficient manufacturing steps.
A water-based tape casting process for cells, PVD/ALD protective coatings for interconnectors, and an optical inspection system for automated stack assembly.
If you are an electrolyser manufacturer dealing with high production costs and slow assembly — this project developed automated stack assembly and water-based tape casting that lowers the price of hydrogen production.
If you are a coating provider dealing with the high cost of critical raw materials — this project developed PVD and ALD thin protective layers that allow the use of cheaper alloys without losing durability.
If you are an integration firm dealing with inefficient manual assembly of energy stacks — this project developed an optical inspection system and automated assembly processes to increase manufacturing speed.
It reduces costs by implementing water-based tape casting, using cheaper alloys enabled by PVD coatings, and increasing automation in stack assembly.
Yes, the project specifically targets the transition from MRL 4 to MRL 5 to enable GW-level mass-manufacture to meet the EU target of 17.5 GW per year.
Based on available project data, specific licensing terms are not mentioned, but the consortium includes 4 industrial partners and 3 SMEs who are developing the processes.
The project runs from 2023-06-01 to 2026-05-31, with the goal of reaching MRL 5 by the end of the period.
It focuses on reducing the use of Critical Raw Materials (CRM) and implementing recycling in cell production to secure the European supply chain.
The consortium is heavily industry-weighted with a 67% industry ratio, comprising 4 companies (including 3 SMEs) and 2 universities across 5 countries. This structure suggests a strong focus on commercial viability and manufacturing scalability rather than pure academic research.
Contact Danmarks Tekniske Universitet (DTU) regarding SOEL manufacturing processes.
Contact us to connect with the PilotSOEL industrial partners for licensing and scaling.
