Lyngby, 28 June 2010

Topsoe Fuel Cell and Risø DTU have received a grant of 7.3 mill EUR (54.5 mill DKK) from the Energy Technology Development and Demonstration Program (EUDP).

The grant is given with the aim of ensuring that the current efforts within in ceramic fuel cells (SOFC) will be continued, leading to prototypes in 2012 which meet market demands for efficiency, life time and price. 
 

Continued development and demonstration

The project allows Topsoe Fuel Cell and Risø DTU to continue their collaboration within development and demonstration as foreseen in the national strategy for that field. The project is also essential for the development of technological solutions for the Danish Micro Combined Heat and Power project – read more at www.dmkv.dk
 

Funding for internationally leading competences

The project is an extension of previous projects from the Energy Technology Development and Demonstration Program, ForskEL and the Advanced Technology Foundation, which have assisted in the formation of a unique competence within ceramic fuel cells.

"With the award of this grant, the Energy Technology Development and Demonstration Program has met its declared goal of supporting projects, where Danish competences are internationally leading, where the project participants have the necessary strength to expand the technology internationally and where they at the same time set up a credible business plan for capacity expansion and market introduction," says Helge Holm-Larsen, Director of Business Development, Topsoe Fuel Cell.
 

Technology meeting energy and climate challenges

The SOFC technology is a very appropriate tool to achieve the Danish political goals for energy and climate, and the long term business potential will be the size of the wind turbine industry.

"Fuel cells are expected to become a key technology in the intelligent and de-centralized power system of the future. With rapid response time and great flexibility, SOFC can utilize many different types of fuel, e.g. natural gas, hydrogen, biogas and bio-ethanol, and regardless of which fuel that will supply adjustable power for the future, SOFC will use it more efficiently," says project leader Jens Ole Gulløv, and adds: "This 2-year project will ensure the necessary support to work through the gap between the idea concept and the product."

A market oriented project

Compared to previous SOFC projects, the new project is characterized by being significantly more market oriented. "The market orientation is expressed through the proto types which aim for specific product markets, while relevant milestones and objective market demands are ensured via an external hearing panel with the participation of independent energy companies and end users," says Helge Holm-Larsen.

 

Contact

Helge Holm-Larsen, Director of Business Development
Tel. +45 4527 2168, cell +45 2275 4168, e-mail hhl@topsoe.dk
www.topsoefuelcell.dk

 

Project title	Fuel cells put to work – market-driven solutions for high performance power
Total budget	15.9 mill EUR (118.1 mill. DKK)
Grant	7.3 mill EUR (54.5 mill. DKK)
Project period	1 July 2010 until 30 June 2012
Project participants	Topsoe Fuel Cell A/S & Risø DTU
Technology	The SOFC technology permits direct electrochemical conversion, providing higher electrical efficiency than the thermal conversion technology used today. Electrical efficiencies exceeding 60% is possible, even in the low kW range, and waste heat generated at high temperature facilitates heat recovery. Lower emission of CO2, noise and other emissions are other favorable features.
Expected results	Industrially relevant manufacturing methods and capacity   Maturing of the technology to meet critical requirements such as efficiency, durability and cost Manufacture of prototypes within the most important market segments: residential CHP, de-central heat and power and auxiliary power systems