DOE awards additional $8M to FuelCell Energy in pursuit of solid oxide fuel cell technology

FuelCell Energy netted $8 million in additional funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) this week for its efforts toward commercial deployment of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology, an ultra-high efficiency system being promoted by the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E).

This SOFC effort is based on a multi-stack module that represents a modular, scalable foundation for larger systems. In theory, it could help decarbonization efforts, and ARPA-E has been developing systematic approaches for ultra-high electric efficiency in that space.

This new funding follows successful phase one design activities. Phase two will focus on designing and building an actual SOFC sub-megawatt power generation prototype system, including improved pressurized stack module designs.

“We continue to make progress in advancing our solid oxide fuel cell platform toward commercialization with the aid of key DOE programs in addition to our own capital investment,” Jason Few, president and CEO of FuelCell Energy, said. “With the addition of solid oxide technology, FuelCell Energy offers one of the most complete portfolios of stationary fuel cell platforms in the industry. FuelCell Energy is committed to providing distributed power platforms that help modernize the electric grid, provide a path to decarbonization, deliver energy resiliency and offer a solution to more seamlessly integrate intermittent sources of renewable power like wind and solar.”

Additionally, FuelCell is advancing a modular solid oxide electrolysis project, with funding from DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). That project seeks to promote the solid oxide platform for high efficiency electrolysis, using electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. In this regard, it’s the polar opposite of traditional fuel cell operation.

“FuelCell Energy’s platform has the ability to extend the life and usefulness of existing nuclear plants and firm up the capacity of intermittent renewable technologies,” Few said. “Additionally, electrolysis technology supports the hydrogen economy by providing carbon-free, clean hydrogen for transportation, power generation, agricultural uses, and a host of other industrial applications such as making steel. Our solid oxide platform will allow us to add long-duration energy storage, electrolysis, and global sub-megawatt power generation to our commercial offerings, increasing the Company’s total addressable commercial markets.”

Solid oxide cells used with electrolysis allow for the production of hydrogen more efficiently than existing technology. That production only becomes more efficient with the addition of thermal heat.