(Invited) DOE EERE Activities in High Temperature Electrolysis and Reversible Fuel Cells

Abstract

The Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO) within the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) supports a range of solid oxide-based research, development, and demonstration efforts that fall under the areas of high temperature electrolysis (HTE) and reversible fuel cells (RFCs). These efforts range from earlier stage R&D on cell components to demonstrating early system technology. HTE technology, particularly when used in conjunction with high temperature process heat, shows promise for highly efficient, cost effective, sustainable hydrogen production at large volumes. This potential has led to its inclusion in multiple HFTO initiatives, including two national lab-led consortia separately focused on next generation materials and overcoming technical barriers to manufacturing durable, affordable, and efficient HTE systems. These consortia objectives, efforts, scopes, and developments are discussed in the context of HTE and recent DOE initiatives and announcements, including the Hydrogen Energy Earthshot and DOE’s H2@Scale® vision.