On June 24, Fraunhofer IKTS and its strategic partner thyssenkrupp nucera presented the innovative SOEC electrolysis technology at the summer party of the Thuringia State Representation in Berlin. The event provided a platform for exchange with representatives from politics, business, and science on the potential of green hydrogen for the energy transition.

Groundbreaking technology for the energy industry of tomorrow

High-temperature electrolysis based on the Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC) enables the particularly energy-efficient production of green hydrogen. Fraunhofer IKTS has developed a robust stack technology for this purpose that impresses with its high long-term stability, corrosion resistance, and thermal cycle stability. The institute is working with thyssenkrupp nucera to industrialize this technology. A first milestone was reached in May 2025 with the commissioning of a pilot plant in Arnstadt (Thuringia). The plant will be used to further develop and scale up SOEC technology for industrial applications.

Dialogue with decision-makers from politics and industry

During the event, Prof. Alexander Michaelis (Institute Director of Fraunhofer IKTS), Dr. Roland Weidl (Deputy Institute Director, Site manager in Arnstadt) and Jan Domhardt (Managing Director of thyssenkrupp nucera HTE GmbH) had in-depth discussions with politicians and representatives from industry and research. These included Thuringia's Minister President Mario Voigt, Bundestag President Julia Klöckner, Thuringia's Minister of Economic Affairs Colette Boos-John, Thuringia's Minister of Finance Katja Wolf and Thuringia's Minister of the Interior Georg Maier. The focus was on the role of green hydrogen and e-fuels as key elements of a sustainable energy future.

Partnership for market readiness

The cooperation between Fraunhofer IKTS and thyssenkrupp nucera aims to advance SOEC technology to market readiness. The stack technology developed at IKTS will create the decisive prerequisites for the long-term stable and economical operation of high-temperature electrolyzers.