Solid oxide electrolyzers set to gain greater prominence following Haldor Topsoe's announcement

March 23, 2021 | Case Study

Haldor Topsoe is one of the world's leading companies in heterogeneous catalysis and has a significant footprint in the chemical industry. In the early 2000s, Haldor Topsoe launched Topsoe Fuel Cell, a subsidiary formed to develop and commercialize solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology for electricity production. In 2014, Haldor Topsoe announced the closure of its fuel cell subsidiary, citing challenging market conditions, despite investing more than $230 million in R&D. It adapted the technology for solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) applications and launched its first commercial product, called eCOs, in 2016 – the technology was used for on-site generation of pure carbon monoxide. Today, Haldor Topsoe is refocusing efforts on the growing hydrogen market and intends to be the first to commercialize SOEC electrolyzers.