DENSO Corporation and JERA Co., Inc. (“JERA”) have announced a partnership to develop advanced hydrogen generation technology by combining Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells (SOEC) with waste heat utilisation. The collaboration will include joint demonstration testing at a JERA thermal power station.
The joint development will use a 200kW SOEC developed by DENSO to focus on high-efficiency hydrogen production technology utilising waste heat. Starting in FY 2025, DENSO and JERA will begin demonstration testing at a JERA thermal power station. Following the 200kW test results, the companies plan to scale up the technology to multi-thousand kW levels by integrating multiple SOECs.
DENSO has been focusing on “Monozukuri (manufacturing),” “mobility products,” and “energy use.” Hydrogen production is crucial for energy use, and the company is leveraging its automotive system technology to advance SOEC technology, known for its high stability and efficiency.
JERA is working on establishing a hydrogen and ammonia supply chain to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions from its global operations by 2050. The company is also introducing greener fuels in its thermal power operations to reach zero-emissions thermal generation.
Through this joint effort, DENSO and JERA aim to establish an early global supply chain for green hydrogen and ammonia, contributing to solutions for global decarbonization and energy challenges.