Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has recently launched a test module utilizing the Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC), an advanced, highly efficient hydrogen production technology at its Takasago Hydrogen Park in Takasago City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan.
The initiative utilizes the previously developed Solid Oxide Fuel Cell technology, setting itself apart with its proprietary tubular cell stack which supports high-pressure operations. The 400 kW test module has been working towards optimizing output and capacity, with the results of the research supporting further development.
The SOEC test module features a module with multiple cartridges of 500 cell stacks. Test results confirmed an electrolytic efficiency of 3.5 kWh/Nm³ (101%-HHV (higher heating value)), bringing MHI a step closer to its ambitious goal of achieving an overall system efficiency of 90%-HHV.
At Nagasaki Carbon Neutral Park, MHI has made significant strides towards the development of a “megawatt class” SOEC with high power density, conducting cartridge tests under larger amounts of electric current per cell stack. The plan is to establish a megawatt-class SOEC system demonstration facility at Takasago Hydrogen Park in the next few years, with preparations underway for integrated verification within the park, aiming for system commercialization following actual operation.
Takasago Hydrogen Park is the first-of-its-kind global facility capable of integrated verification of hydrogen technologies, from production to power generation. Operational since September 2023, the park features an alkaline electrolyzer by Norway’s HydrogenPro AS with a high hydrogen production capacity of 1,100Nm³/h.
In the works are demonstrations aimed at the commercialization of various hydrogen production equipment with different features, such as anion exchange membrane water electrolysis and methane pyrolysis. MHI is also planning to increase its current hydrogen storage capacity threefold to prepare for a 50% hydrogen fuel co-firing using the JAC gas turbine at T-Point 2.
Takuya Murase, Senior Fellow, and Senior General Manager for the GTCC Business Division of Energy Systems at MHI, highlights the importance of Takasago Hydrogen Park in achieving MHI Group’s MISSION NET ZERO and carbon neutrality by 2040.
MHI Group is leveraging the Energy Transition as a growth catalyst, based on its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2040. Through Takasago Hydrogen Park, MHI Group is accelerating the development and verification of hydrogen production and power generation technologies, contributing to electricity supply stability across the globe and a swift transition to a carbon-neutral world.
