New Denso and JERA Partner to Harness Waste Heat for High-Efficiency Hydrogen with SOEC Tech
August 7, 2024Joint Effort to Utilize Waste Heat
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Japanese automotive supply giant Denso has partnered with JERA, Japan’s largest power generation company, to develop high-efficiency hydrogen generation technology using Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC). This partnership aims to transform the landscape of sustainable energy by leveraging waste heat to produce green hydrogen.
Background on Partners
Denso Corporation is a global leader in mobility solutions, headquartered in Kariya, Japan. With over 180 facilities worldwide and a workforce of 162,000, Denso is at the forefront of developing advanced technology and components for a range of vehicles. The company is committed to corporate social responsibility and aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035. Denso invests around 7.7% of its global consolidated sales in research and development, continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation.
JERA Co., Inc. was established in 2015 as a joint venture between Tokyo Electric Power Company and Chubu Electric Power Company. It is now Japan’s largest power generation company and one of the world’s leading power producers. JERA manages the entire supply chain, from fuel procurement to power generation and sales. The company is dedicated to achieving net-zero CO2 emissions from its domestic and international operations by 2050, aligning with its JERA Zero CO2 Emissions 2050 objective.
Explanation of SOEC Technology
SOEC (Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell) operates at high temperatures using a ceramic membrane as an electrolyte to electrolyze water vapor and produce hydrogen. Unlike other hydrogen production methods, such as alkaline water electrolysis and PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) water electrolysis, SOEC requires less electrical energy. This high efficiency reduces energy consumption, making the process more sustainable and cost-effective. SOEC technology is a significant enabler for developing a global supply chain for green hydrogen, contributing to decarbonization and addressing global energy issues.
Joint Development Details
The collaboration between Denso and Jera focuses on high-efficiency hydrogen production utilizing waste heat. Starting in FY 2025, the companies will conduct joint demonstration testing at a JERA thermal power station using Denso’s 200 kW SOEC technology. This initiative marks a crucial step towards integrating multiple SOECs to scale up the technology to a multi-thousand kW level.
“Denso’s expertise in automotive systems and our commitment to energy efficiency make this partnership with JERA an exciting opportunity to address global energy use challenges,” said Yasuhiko Yamazaki, Executive Vice President of Denso. “Hydrogen production is essential for achieving our carbon neutrality goals, and SOEC technology offers the high stability and efficiency needed for this mission.”
Tetsuya Watabe, Corporate Vice President of JERA, emphasized the importance of this collaboration in achieving a sustainable future. “Under our JERA Zero CO2 Emissions 2050 objective, we are dedicated to building a hydrogen and ammonia supply chain. This partnership with Denso allows us to leverage waste heat and SOEC technology to move closer to our zero-emissions goals.”
Other Partnerships in the News for Denso
Denso just announced yesterday that it also has signed a manufacturing license agreement with Ceres Power Holdings (CWR.L), a prominent innovator in solid oxide cell stack technology. This collaboration aims to enhance the early practical application of Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells (SOECs), which generate hydrogen through water electrolysis. The cell stacks, responsible for separating steam into hydrogen and oxygen, are a vital component of SOECs. Ceres Power’s unique technology combines metal and ceramic materials, resulting in high-output performance. Denso plans to utilize this advanced technology alongside its own ceramic expertise, developed over years in the automotive sector, to achieve mass production of high-quality cell stacks.
Significance and Future Impact
The joint development between Denso and JERA holds immense potential for global decarbonization efforts. By integrating SOEC technology with waste heat utilization, the partnership aims to establish an early global supply chain for green hydrogen and ammonia. This initiative not only addresses energy issues but also contributes to the broader goal of net-zero CO2 emissions.
The success of this collaboration could lead to significant advancements in sustainable energy technologies, providing a blueprint for other industries to follow. The ability to produce green hydrogen efficiently and cost-effectively will play a crucial role in reducing global dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change.
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