What if the key to industrial-scale green hydrogen wasn’t just better chemistry—but smarter engineering?
This July, OUTFOX is stepping onto the global stage at one of the most respected gatherings in solid oxide technology: the 19th International Symposium on Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC-XIX), taking place in Stockholm.
This moment isn’t just about a presentation. It’s a statement of progress.
What Is SOFC-XIX—and Why Does It Matter?
SOFC-XIX is the leading international conference dedicated to solid oxide technologies—bringing together researchers, technologists, and innovators from across the world. It’s a platform where new ideas are tested, results are scrutinized, and tomorrow’s hydrogen economy begins to take shape.
This year, OUTFOX will join the conversation—not with speculation, but with data.
The Talk: Scaling Solid Oxide Electrolysis from Lab to Industry
On July 15, 2025, at 17:20, Michiel Langerman from TNO will deliver a talk titled:
“Development of Thin, Robust, and High-Performance Upscaled Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells.”
The topic?
Our consortium’s breakthrough in developing solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOEL) with a 900 cm² geometric area.
That’s more than three times the size of conventional lab cells—without compromising durability or efficiency.
What makes this milestone so impactful is the fact that upscaling in electrolysis is not a linear journey. It brings complex thermal, mechanical, and chemical challenges. Until now, most efforts have stalled at mid-size scale due to degradation, poor current distribution, or material failures.
OUTFOX has changed that trajectory.
The Technology That Made It Possible
Scaling a SOEL cell from 300 cm² to 900 cm² may sound straightforward. It’s not. Larger surface areas introduce uneven gas flows, thermal gradients, and risks of fracture. The OUTFOX consortium, however, addressed these challenges head-on.
Using advanced manufacturing techniques, Elcogen and TNO developed thin, robust cell designs with uniform electrolyte thickness and enhanced mechanical integrity. These cells maintained electrochemical performance even under demanding short-stack validation tests.
Key design optimizations included:
- Gas distribution modelling to ensure consistent current density across the entire surface.
- Thermal management strategies to avoid stress-induced failures.
- Sealing techniques that withstand temperature cycles typical of industrial SOEL operation.
These solutions were validated during testing campaigns led by VTT, which demonstrated stable performance over 2,000+ hours—an essential requirement for real-world deployment.
Why It Matters
SOEL is one of the most promising technologies for green hydrogen production. Its high efficiency (up to 85%) and ability to leverage waste heat from industrial processes make it uniquely suited to hard-to-abate sectors like steel, chemicals, and synthetic fuels.
By scaling SOEL cell size to 900 cm², OUTFOX has made a critical leap toward systems that are cheaper to produce, easier to maintain, and ready for industrial integration. The result? Fewer cells per megawatt, lower system costs, and faster commercialization.
Be Part of the Journey
Join us at SOFC-XIX—or follow along via our website and newsletter for post-event insights and technical highlights.
This is more than a project update. It’s a look at the future of green hydrogen.
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