Nissan Motor has developed a stationary, bio-ethanol-fueled solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) capable of high-efficiency power generation. Trials have begun at Nissan’s Tochigi Plant in Japan aimed to improve power generation capacity toward full-scale operations from 2030.

In 2016 Nissan became the first automotive company to create a vehicular propulsion system powered by a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) run by bio-ethanol. (Earlier post.) Nissan is now applying this SOFC development experience to stationary power generation systems.

SOFCs can be paired with reformers that operate at high temperatures and can generate electricity using hydrogen obtained by reforming various types of fuels that react with oxygen, including ethanol, natural gas, and LP gas. Operations at high temperatures promote high catalytic activity, enabling the SOFC to achieve a high-power generation efficiency of 70%, compared to 60% for polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs).

Looking ahead, the development of a metal-supported cell, which is a component of the SOFC stack, will help to enhance cell strength. As a result, start-up and shutdown times can be shortened and load-following operations can be performed in response to sudden fluctuations in output demand. This will enable effective SOFC system operation in the future, when it is anticipated that the system will be used in conjunction with renewable energy.

The stationary power generation system will be fueled by bio-ethanol produced from sorghum (sorghum bio-ethanol), which has been jointly developed with Binex Inc., with fuel being procured from Binex. This component will commence from 2025.

Although sorghum bio-ethanol emits CO₂ during SOFC power generation, that CO₂ is absorbed from the atmosphere during the sorghum growth process, contributing to the realization of a carbon neutral cycle where CO₂ increases are effectively reduced to zero.

There are major changes occurring in the transition from the internal combustion engine to electric vehicles. Nissan is taking up various technological development challenges in new areas, and SOFC power generation is one of our strengths. We will continue to contribute to the promotion of electrification and efforts toward carbon neutrality with Nissan-unique, innovative technologies.

—Kazuhiko Murata, corporate vice president responsible for Powertrain Production Engineering and Development

Nissan’s goal is to electrify plant equipment fully by 2050 through the introduction of innovative production technologies and by reducing energy use. To achieve carbon neutrality at production plants, all electricity used will be generated from renewable energy sources or generated with onsite fuel cells that use alternative fuels.