Preliminary study on possible pilot plant for high-temperature electrolysis (SOEC) in Stenungsund
To transition the chemical industries in Stenungsund to climate neutrality, large amounts of fossil-free hydrogen will be needed. In the event that all hydrogen is to be produced via electrolysis, significant amounts of electricity will be required. However, the capacity of the local electrical grid is limited, necessitating the exploration of alternative, significantly less electricity-intensive solutions.
A technology under development that has the potential to significantly reduce electricity demand compared to low-temperature electrolysis is called Solid Oxide Electrolyser Cell (SOEC). Understanding the maturity of this technology is crucial to assess its potential and investment risks, and a pilot plant is an excellent way to acquire this knowledge. The purpose of this preliminary study is to investigate the technical and commercial conditions (feasibility) and assess the benefits of an SOEC pilot plant in Stenungsund.
Another significantly less electricity-intensive option for large-scale hydrogen supply is to import blue and/or green ammonia to Stenungsund, which is then cracked into hydrogen. In this preliminary study, analyses will be conducted for various scenarios to understand how SOEC and ammonia cracking can best complement each other from a techno-economic perspective and with regard to supply security.
Goals
One of the main goals of the project is to develop a conceptual proposal for the design of a pilot plant for high-temperature electrolysis and make an initial estimate of the construction and operation costs of the plant (CAPEX/OPEX). The project also intends to assess the interest in a plant, potential use of the produced hydrogen, and thus investigate the purpose and assess the benefits of a pilot plant in Stenungsund.
Another aim of the project is to increase knowledge about how SOEC and ammonia cracking can collaborate and complement each other for large-scale hydrogen supply to the chemical cluster in Stenungsund and how this can occur over time. The goal is to analyze and quantify how these production units should be operated for cost-optimized hydrogen production under various scenarios and operating conditions.
Finally, an important project goal is to provide recommendations for continued work in a possible future phase.
Participating parties
RISE, Borealis, Chalmers, Preem, Uniper, Vattenfall
Time Period
2024-02-29 – 2024-09-30
Total Budget
651 000 SEK
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