Ceres and Delta Partner in Fuel Cell Technology Licensing

Delta Electronics has signed a technology transfer and licensing collaboration agreement with Ceres Power, paying approximately £43m to access Ceres' hydrogen stack technology for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs).

"Through this partnership, Delta expects to integrate Ceres' energy stack technology with its own power electronics and thermal management technologies to develop SOFC and SOEC systems for hydrogen energy applications, with production expected to start by the end of 2026," according to Delta.

In a fuel cell, Ceres' stack generates electricity, water, and heat by reacting oxygen with hydrogen or methane. Delta states that its power generation efficiency is around 60% and can reach 85% with a heat recovery system.

Regarding electrolysis cells, Delta explains that "SOEC technology produces hydrogen up to 25% more efficiently than incumbent low-temperature technologies, particularly when thermally integrated with industrial processes. With electricity coming from renewable sources, the technology can produce green hydrogen."

Ceres, originally an Imperial College spin-out 20 years ago, is headquartered in Horsham, UK, and has been listed on the London Stock Exchange since last year.

Delta has chosen its manufacturing site in Tainan, Taiwan, for the development of its hydrogen energy products. With Ceres' engineering support, they will be developed and integrated into the production line over the next two years. Tainan is also where Delta is building what it calls its 'Net-zero Science Laboratory' where it will develop zero-carbon technologies.