Elcogen has begun fuel cell production at ELCO I, its new flagship manufacturing facility on the outskirts of Tallinn, Estonia. The 14,000 m² facility significantly increases the company’s available production capacity from 10 MW to 360 MW, positioning it as one of Europe’s largest manufacturers of solid oxide fuel cell and electrolysis (SOFC/SOEC) technology. The company’s cells, stacks and modules are integrated into third-party systems for a wide range of applications including distributed energy, off-grid and stationary power, industrial backup, green hydrogen production and power-to-x solutions.  

Fuel cells consist of an anode and cathode separated by an electrolyte that conducts ions. At the core of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell is an aqueous electrolyte surrounded by semi-permeable membrane. By comparison, a SOFC’s electrolyte is a solid oxide, which conducts ions. According to Elcogen, SOFCs are the most efficient of all fuel cells, achieving up to or greater than 60% efficiency.  

‘Demand for reliable solid oxide-based clean energy solutions is accelerating worldwide as efforts to cut industrial emissions, develop green hydrogen and improve energy resilience gather pace,’ reports Elcogen. ‘This new facility is seen as a boost to clean technology production at a time when energy security, supply chain stability and net zero commitments are increasingly shaping government policy and private investment.’

The factory is ‘built for scale, speed, and global impact,’ adds Enn Õunpuu, CEO.  

The facility ‘integrates advanced automation, R&D capabilities and sustainable design features to support international supply chains’, says Elcogen. It is powered by a 9 MW energy supply from the nearby Iru waste-to-energy plant and incorporates sustainability measures such as process heat reuse and thermal oxidisers to reduce emissions.

‘As the name implies, ELCO I serves as a flagship model designed to guide future development initiatives globally,’ comments Õunpuu. ‘We plan to eventually license our technology and manufacturing blueprint to trusted partners. This ensures consistent IP control while enabling local manufacturing – a particularly attractive proposition for markets focused on domestic production and resilient supply chains.’

Doosan Fuel Cell begins mass production of fuel cell power systems using UK technology

Meanwhile, South Korean company Doosan Fuel Cell has begun mass market production of fuel cell stacks using solid oxide technology developed by Ceres in the UK. Doosan will manufacture the stacks and fuel cell power systems at its dedicated factory in the province of Jeollabuk-do, South Korea.  

This is a ‘significant milestone’, according to Horsham-based Ceres, as Doosan is the first of its strategic licensing partners to enter mass production using the company’s technology. The fuel cells, stacks and power systems that Doosan Fuel Cell produces will be marketed initially to customers in South Korea. The primary focus will be on applications for stationary distributed power, such as for data centres. Other uses include the stabilisation of renewables-based power grids and microgrids through peak power production, power systems for buildings, and auxiliary power solutions for marine shipping markets.

‘Fuel cells have a major part to play in meeting the world’s rapidly-increasing power demands, developing energy resilience and ensuring decarbonisation,’ comments Phil Caldwell, Chief Executive Officer, Ceres.