MoU signals new research partnership into fuel cells
Fraunhofer IKTS, Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering (KSOE), and Elcogen, an Estonia-based manufacturer of solid oxide fuel cells, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to undertake more research into the fuel cell field.
Fraunhofer has more than two decades of experience in the development of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) and solid oxide electrolyser cells (SOEC). KSOE, a research-oriented intermediate company of the Hyundai Heavy Industry Group, has a keen focus on environmentally friendly marine propulsion systems and the hydrogen value chain. Meanwhile, Elcogen manufactures solid oxide systems generating green hydrogen and zero-emission electricity.
Fraunhofer IKTS director, Prof. Alexander Michaelis, said: “We are very happy that we can contribute our world leading research and development competencies in solid oxide fuel cell and solid oxide electrolyser technology to this outstanding partnership with KSOE and Elcogen. This is another huge step in fulfilling our mission to transfer technology for a sustainable and carbon-free energy future.”
Enn Õunpuu, Elcogen CEO, noted the importance of SOFC technology as a possible contributor to shipping’s decarbonisation and KSOE’s Chief Technical Officer, Dr Sung-Joon Kim emphasised the significance of the new collaborative initiative at this time.
