Towards a sustainable society: Developing metallic materials to advance solid oxide technology

Research Project, 2021 – 2024

Purpose and goal
The project aims to develop a more cost-effective SOC (Solid Oxide Cell) technology. More specifically, the project seeks to replace the expensive special steels currently used with cheaper steels protected by a coating. Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC) technology will be an important complement to the production of intermittent renewable electricity. SOEC technology can be used to balance the load in the electricity networks and produce hydrogen for the steel industry, the transport sector and the chemical industry.

Expected results and effects
The commercialization of SOC technology is impeded by high cost and short lifetime, largely due to the metallic interconnects that are a central part of the technology. The project will strengthen the Swedish steel industry by making the project partners more competitive and able to increase their sales to SOC developers. In addition, the entire Swedish steel industry will benefit from a cost-effective SOC technology because SOEC technology can produce the hydrogen gas required for the transition to sustainable steel production.

Planned approach and implementation
We will use materials from Outokumpus existing portfolio as well as investigate new alloys to find steels that give the best performance in the demanding SOC environment. Any steel used in a SOC will be coated with a protective coating that reduces Cr evaporation and increases the oxidation resistance. These coatings will be applied by Sandvik Materials Technology. The most promising steel/coating combinations will be tested under real life conditions in stacks at Sunfire.