thyssenkrupp nucera (THYKF) and Fraunhofer IKTS Tuesday inaugurated the first pilot production plant for solid oxide electrolysis cell - SOEC stacks in Arnstadt, Thuringia.
The launch marks a new phase in their strategic collaboration to develop next-generation high-temperature electrolysis systems for green hydrogen. The event was attended by key figures from industry and politics, including Thuringia's Minister President Prof. Dr. Mario Voigt.
The partnership began in March 2024 with the aim of scaling SOEC technology for industrial hydrogen production. Building on Fraunhofer IKTS's foundational research, thyssenkrupp nucera will now lead the commercialization of SOEC stacks. The pilot facility, designed and built by Fraunhofer IKTS, will initially produce small quantities of stacks with a targeted output of 8 megawatts per year.
These SOEC stacks use oxygen-conducting ceramic electrolytes and chromium-iron interconnectors, offering superior corrosion resistance, thermal stability, and a simplified component structure. Their design supports highly automated mass production, essential for achieving cost-effective, industrial-scale manufacturing.
High-temperature electrolysis offers significantly higher efficiency than conventional methods by utilizing waste heat—common in industries like steel—reducing electricity usage by up to 30%. Additionally, SOEC systems can use industrial CO2 and convert it into green synthesis gas alongside hydrogen, enabling the production of sustainable chemicals and e-fuels.
Dr. Werner Ponikwar, CEO of thyssenkrupp nucera, emphasized the strategic value of advancing SOEC to commercial maturity, calling it vital for a climate-friendly energy transition. Professor Alexander Michaelis, Director of Fraunhofer IKTS, highlighted the technology's ability to integrate with waste heat systems and CO2 utilization as key to efficient decarbonization.
Insights from the pilot plant's operation will guide the development of a fully automated, large-scale SOEC manufacturing facility, laying the foundation for industrial-scale deployment of this transformative hydrogen technology.
Tuesday, THYKF closed unchanged at $9.90 on the OTC Markets OTCPK.
For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
Business News
May 22, 2026 14:46 ET Minutes of the latest Fed policy session was the highlight of the week along with survey data on the U.S. housing market. In Europe, survey data signaled the trends in the euro area private sector. Further, consumer price inflation data from the U.K. was in focus. In Asia, various economic indicators from China drew attention to the health of the economy.