Topsoe has inaugurated a solid oxide electrolyser cell (SOEC) manufacturing facility in Herning, Denmark. The facility, spanning 23,000 square metres, will produce high-efficiency electrolysis stacks for industrial-scale green hydrogen production, which can be converted into ammonia and methanol. It has an initial annual production capacity of 500 MW, with provisions for future expansion. The project has received €94 million in support from the EU Innovation Fund.
When fully operational, the facility will be capable of servicing up to 10 GW of installed capacity at customer sites over the next decade. Additionally, the facility integrates advanced automation and precision manufacturing to supply electrolyser stacks for global markets, primarily in Europe and US. These systems will support decarbonisation efforts across sectors such as steel, cement, chemicals, and long-distance transport.
Furthermore, Topsoe has signed offtake agreements with First Ammonia for a green ammonia project in Texas, US, and with Forestal for an e-methanol project in Spain. These agreements include a 10-year service warranty. The company claims that its SOEC technology reportedly delivers around 20 per cent higher efficiency compared to alkaline and PEM systems, with efficiency gains rising to 30 per cent when integrated with steam, leading to higher hydrogen yields and lower levelised costs per MW.
REGlobal’s Views: European nations are planning large green ammonia and green hydrogen projects to help decarbonise their energy intensive industries as well as for long haul transport. This SOEC facility in Denmark will cater to many such upcoming projects in Europe and the US.