Bosch Shifts Focus to Hydrogen Electrolysers, Impacting Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market
Key Ideas
- Bosch discontinues solid oxide fuel cell technology in favor of hydrogen electrolysers due to market conditions and focuses on decarbonizing energy systems.
- The company plans to provide components for fuel cell stacks and benefit from significant EU subsidies for proton exchange membrane technology.
- Hydrogen electrolysis is expected to grow significantly by 2030, with Bosch aiming to capitalize on a global electrolysis market volume as high as €37bn by the end of the decade.
- Despite the shift, Bosch continues exploring solid-oxide technology for corporate research and remains committed to mobile applications of hydrogen in fuel cells and engines.
Robert Bosch has announced its decision to discontinue the industrialisation of decentralised power supply systems based on solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology and instead focus on hydrogen electrolysers. This move impacts technology suppliers like Ceres Power in the UK, which was part of a joint venture with Bosch and Weichai Power in China. Bosch also collaborated with Powercell, a Volvo spinout in Sweden, on fuel cell technology. The company's shift is driven by volatile market developments and its belief in hydrogen as a key energy source for decarbonizing the energy system.
Bosch plans to leverage its expertise in electrolysis and provide components for fuel cell stacks, with a particular emphasis on proton exchange membrane (PEM) technology. The company anticipates significant growth in hydrogen electrolysis capacity by 2030, estimating an installed capacity of 100 to 170 gigawatts. Additionally, Bosch aims to tap into the EU subsidies available for developing electrolysers using PEM technology.
Despite discontinuing SOFC technology, Bosch will continue exploring solid-oxide technology within its corporate research unit. The company also reaffirms its commitment to mobile applications of hydrogen in fuel cells and engines. Bosch's decision to exit the SOFC market has led to changes in partnerships, including the orderly end of its collaboration with Ceres and the sale of its minority holding in the company. Ceres Power, however, remains confident in its technology and global ecosystem of manufacturing partners, such as Delta in Taiwan and Denso in Japan. The company's CEO, Phil Caldwell, highlights Ceres' strong financial performance and strategic positioning for the future amidst these industry shifts.
Topics
Fuel Cells
Renewable Energy
Energy Transition
Business Strategy
Market Development
Partnership Changes
Technology Shift
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