Topsoe, ABB and Fluor have formed an alliance to design a standardized concept for building Topsoe’s next Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells (SOEC) factory. The aim is to develop processes continuously to reduce costs, enhance safety, and secure an efficient project execution via a standardized approach.

Momentum for green hydrogen projects is growing and production levels can potentially increase substantially by 2030 if all announced projects are realized. According to the International Energy Agency's (IEA) Global Hydrogen Review 20231, the annual production of hydrogen may reach 38 million tonnes per year in 2030, with almost 75% coming from electrolyzers running on renewable energy.

Topsoe is currently building its first SOEC factory in Herning, Denmark, which is expected to be in operation by late 2024. Building on the Herning factory project experience, the alliance will have the capabilities and know-how to build the next factory more efficiently and through a standardized concept.

The next factory will—subject to Final Investment Decision—be built in Chesterfield, Virginia, and is expected to be operational by 2028.

We’re committed to take a leading role in driving the energy transition forward. E-fuels are an important part of the equation to reach global net zero in 2050, and we need to scale electrolyzer capacity and production of e-fuels at a higher pace than is happening today. Our SOEC solutions for production of green hydrogen can deliver a substantial contribution to the e-fuels economy and with the alliance we can build our next SOEC factory more efficient and faster.

—Kim Hedegaard, CEO Power-to-X at Topsoe

Topsoe’s SOEC electrolysis technology is a modular design that operates at significantly higher temperatures compared to other electrolyzer technologies. When coupled with waste heat from downstream production (from processes producing ammonia, methanol or steel production), Topsoe’s SOEC technology will produce more hydrogen per total power input when compared to conventional electrolyzer technologies. It further allows for the lowest levelized hydrogen cost per megawatt volume, no matter the industry.