The agenda focused on several core objectives: validating the design and performance of 900 cm² SOEL cells, refining stack architecture for improved durability, and preparing for upcoming system-level testing. Discussions ranged from manufacturing techniques and materials integration to techno-economic modelling and data-driven optimisation. 

The milestone-driven dialogue underscored the project’s momentum. Notably, partners reviewed performance data from ongoing 2000+ hour stack validation trials and shared updates on module-level integration for the 80 kW demonstrator. 

Beyond the technical updates, the Milan meeting reinforced the value of interdisciplinary collaboration. From TNO and VTT’s materials leadership, to Elcogen’s innovations in cell production,to SHELL’s knowledge and to Convion’s system integration expertise—each partner plays a vital role in ensuring OUTFOX delivers on its ambitious goal: removing “scale” as a barrier to green hydrogen deployment. 

As the project moves into its next implementation phase, the Milan consortium meeting marked a key moment of alignment, progress, and shared purpose—bringing Europe one step closer to a sustainable hydrogen future. 

Stay updated via our newsletter and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter for more behind-the-scenes insights. 

This moment isn’t just about a presentation. It’s a statement of progress. 

What Is SOFC-XIX—and Why Does It Matter? 

SOFC-XIX is the leading international conference dedicated to solid oxide technologies—bringing together researchers, technologists, and innovators from across the world. It’s a platform where new ideas are tested, results are scrutinized, and tomorrow’s hydrogen economy begins to take shape. 

This year, OUTFOX will join the conversation—not with speculation, but with data. 

The Talk: Scaling Solid Oxide Electrolysis from Lab to Industry 

On July 15, 2025, at 17:20, Michiel Langerman from TNO will deliver a talk titled: 
“Development of Thin, Robust, and High-Performance Upscaled Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells.” 

The topic? 
Our consortium’s breakthrough in developing solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOEL) with a 900 cm² geometric area. 
That’s more than three times the size of conventional lab cells—without compromising durability or efficiency. 

What makes this milestone so impactful is the fact that upscaling in electrolysis is not a linear journey. It brings complex thermal, mechanical, and chemical challenges. Until now, most efforts have stalled at mid-size scale due to degradation, poor current distribution, or material failures. 

OUTFOX has changed that trajectory. 

The Technology That Made It Possible 

Scaling a SOEL cell from 300 cm² to 900 cm² may sound straightforward. It’s not. Larger surface areas introduce uneven gas flows, thermal gradients, and risks of fracture. The OUTFOX consortium, however, addressed these challenges head-on. 

Using advanced manufacturing techniques, Elcogen and TNO developed thin, robust cell designs with uniform electrolyte thickness and enhanced mechanical integrity. These cells maintained electrochemical performance even under demanding short-stack validation tests. 

Key design optimizations included: 

• Gas distribution modelling to ensure consistent current density across the entire surface. 
   
   

• Thermal management strategies to avoid stress-induced failures. 
   
   

• Sealing techniques that withstand temperature cycles typical of industrial SOEL operation. 
   
   

These solutions were validated during testing campaigns led by VTT, which demonstrated stable performance over 2,000+ hours—an essential requirement for real-world deployment. 

Why It Matters 

SOEL is one of the most promising technologies for green hydrogen production. Its high efficiency (up to 85%) and ability to leverage waste heat from industrial processes make it uniquely suited to hard-to-abate sectors like steel, chemicals, and synthetic fuels. 

By scaling SOEL cell size to 900 cm², OUTFOX has made a critical leap toward systems that are cheaper to produce, easier to maintain, and ready for industrial integration. The result? Fewer cells per megawatt, lower system costs, and faster commercialization. 

Be Part of the Journey 

Join us at SOFC-XIX—or follow along via our website and newsletter for post-event insights and technical highlights. 

This is more than a project update. It’s a look at the future of green hydrogen. 

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Official Announcement Regarding EC Recognition 

The European Commission’s Innovation Radar has officially recognized our progress in solid oxide electrolysis (SOEL) technology. It has identified our research group as a key innovator in developing high-performance upscaled SOEL cells. This recognition confirms the effectiveness of our approach throughout the development process. It also places our research at the cutting edge of industrial-scale green hydrogen production technology. 

This recognition has a major influence on validating the technical parameters we’ve reached. It also confirms how SOEL technology could impact efforts to reduce carbon emissions in many industries. The Innovation Radar label shows our research meets what the Commission looks for in promising innovations that matter in the market. 

Innovation Radar Recognition Significance 

The Innovation Radar recognition represents a pivotal validation of OUTFOX’s technological achievements in SOEL development. This acknowledgment places the project among select EU-funded innovations identified for exceptional market potential. 

Evaluation Methodology 

The Innovation Radar employs a methodology developed by the Joint Research Center (JRC) to assess innovations. The evaluation process utilizes two core indicators: the Innovation Potential Indicator and the Innovator Capacity Indicator. 

OUTFOX received the ‘Exploring’ status of the different maturity levels of innovations towards commercialization. 

Exploring Status:  

This category includes innovations, which actively explore value creation opportunities. They are considered ‘Getting things started’. These innovations are in the early phases of technological readiness, but already show high commitment levels from the organisations developing them. Their commercialisation requires efforts in transforming technology into marketable products. Alternatively, this category includes concrete market-oriented ideas, which depend on further progressing on technology development process. 

Why This Research Matters Technically 

The scaling up of SOEL technology tackles a key problem that has held back the industrial use of solid oxide electrolysis. Past studies have shown that performance often gets worse when increasing the active cell area. This happens because it’s hard to keep the temperature, gas flow, and structure the same across a larger area. 

Our study has broken through these barriers by: 

• Using cutting-edge manufacturing methods to ensure the electrolyte is the same thickness across the 900 cm² area 

• Creating better interconnect designs to spread gas 

• Adding new sealing solutions that stay strong even when heated and cooled 

• Getting the same electrochemical results across the whole active area 

These technical improvements together lead to SOEL cells showing better performance metrics than reported large-format cells. This has big effects on system-level efficiency and cost-effectiveness in green hydrogen production. 

Consortium Teamwork and Project Details 

The project’s main goal is to remove scale as a limiting factor when deploying Solid Oxide Electrolyser technologies to produce green hydrogen. 

The consortium uses a step-by-step method to optimize cells and systems aiming for large-scale industrial use. This team effort has led to several measurable results: 

· Finished short stack testing methods with new reference cells 

· Reached current density levels of 0.85A/cm² in short stack setup with reference cells 

· The team delivered and set up stacks with reference scale thin cells to test the first phase of the 80KW system 

These technical achievements show major steps forward in reaching the project’s goals and confirm that the scaling method used throughout development works well. 

Impact on Hydrogen Production Technology 

Scaling up SOEL technology affects the technical and economic aspects of making green hydrogen. Current studies suggest that the larger cells could play a big role in cutting costs, which is crucial for hydrogen to become affordable for many uses. 

Main effects include: 

• It has a potential to cut down the money needed for each kW of installed power 

• Better system efficiency leads to lower running costs 

• Tougher systems last longer 

• Easy-to-change system design allows for flexible setup plans 

These improvements line up with what the European Union wants to do with hydrogen, as outlined in their European Hydrogen Strategy. This could speed up the use of hydrogen tech in areas where it’s hard to cut emissions. 

Future EU Fundung Implications 

Innovation Radar recognition unlocks support mechanisms that accelerate commercialization. OUTFOX gains exposure on a platform showcasing high-potential EU-funded innovations to investors, partners, and customers.  

This recognition validates not only OUTFOX’s technological achievements but also its strategic alignment with Europe’s broader goals for industrial decarbonization and hydrogen economy leadership. 

The journey from research recognition to industrial deployment requires continued focus on technical objectives. The foundation established through OUTFOX positions SOEL technology as a key component of the sustainable energy landscape. 

Following the European Commission’s recognition, OUTFOX is positioned to move from research success to industrial implementation. The project team has outlined clear next steps to advance SOEL technology toward commercial viability.