Sunfire to install SOEC test facility at BASF’s Industriepark Lausitz, Schwarzheide
- Sunfire will build a solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) test facility at Industriepark Lausitz in Schwarzheide.
- SOEC runs at about 850°C; Sunfire expects up to 89% electrical efficiency (LHV, AC) for its 3rd‑generation units, with 84% LHV (AC) proven in the GrInHy2.0 project (2022, GEN1).
- The facility will generate operational experience and enable long‑term industrial‑scale testing under real site conditions to support large‑scale deployment.
- The project builds on H2Giga (HTEL MODULE) research, aligns with the IPCEI framework, and is co‑financed by the European Investment Bank via a loan.
Project overview
Sunfire will install a test facility for its solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) technology at Industriepark Lausitz in Schwarzheide. The site partnership is intended to strengthen regional industrial value creation and provide a platform for innovation-driven testing under industrial conditions.
Technology and performance
SOEC technology operates at roughly 850°C and offers significant electrical efficiency advantages. Sunfire cites expected electrical efficiencies of up to 89% (LHV, AC) for its third‑generation electrolyzers; an 84% LHV (AC) result was demonstrated in the EU‑funded GrInHy2.0 project in 2022 with GEN1. The facility will further validate these performance claims and assess long‑term operation at scale.
Strategic context
The test facility leverages prior advances from the H2Giga flagship, subproject HTEL MODULE, and supports technological maturity for large‑scale deployment within the Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) framework. The European Investment Bank is co‑financing the development and industrialization of Sunfire’s SOEC electrolyzers through a loan.
Source: Sunfire