Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) aims to commercialise its solid-oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) electrolyser technology within the next few years after launching a test module this month at Takasago Hydrogen Park in Takasago City, west-central Japan.

The test module, with a capacity of 400kW, was designed and manufactured based on technology adopted for solid-oxide fuel cells. It comprises a module with multiple cartridges of 500 cell stacks bundled together.

The next step  in the development process will be the launch of a megawatt-scale demonstration plant in the next few years, the Japanese firm said. MHI has successfully conducted cartridge tests and is “steadily making progress toward development of a megawatt-class SOEC with high power density”, it said.

400kW – Test module capacity

In addition to its advantage of high efficiency, the use of MHI's proprietary tubular cell stack supports the development of a technology capable of operating at high pressures, setting it apart from competing systems, according to MHI.

MHI is also ramping up work on developing other hydrogen technologies at Takasago Hydrogen Park. Plans include demonstrations of anion exchange membrane  water electrolysis and methane pyrolysis.

In addition, MHI will further expand the park’s hydrogen storage facility to 120,000Nm³, which is about three times the current capacity, in preparation for the demonstration operation of a gas turbine using a 50% hydrogen co-firing.

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Author: Stuart Penson