Bloom Energy and SK Ecoplant, a subsidiary of the SK Group, have partnered for green hydrogen technology through a collaborative venture. The partnership entails the deployment of Bloom’s solid oxide electrolyzer (SOEC) technology, a breakthrough in the green hydrogen landscape.
The focal point of this joint initiative is a green hydrogen demonstration project scheduled for late 2025. Notably, the project is slated to showcase 1.8 megawatts (MW) of Bloom’s SOEC technology, designed to produce green hydrogen on a large scale. The primary application of the generated green hydrogen is targeted for use as transport fuel, making it an important step in advancing sustainable energy solutions, particularly on Jeju Island, South Korea.
The collaboration involves key stakeholders, including SK Ecoplant, Korea Southern Power Co., and local government entities.
Spearheaded by SK Ecoplant and Bloom Energy, the collaborative project integrates the Bloom Electrolyzer with SK’s robust engineering infrastructure. Established in 2018, this strategic partnership is a joint initiative to advance sustainable energy solutions. The demonstration aims to showcase the potential of generating hydrogen at scale, leveraging off-grid solar energy and the innovative Solid Oxide Electrolyzer (SOEC) technology developed by Bloom Energy.
As part of the collaboration, SK Ecoplant is set to play a role in advancing Bloom’s SOEC technology, with plans to become a preferred distributor for Bloom’s solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) and SOEC technologies in selected markets.
Additionally, the revised terms of the preferred distributor agreement (PDA) signed in 2021 extend SK Ecoplant’s role to purchasing specific volumes through 2027, reflecting a long-term partnership with anticipated substantial economic benefits for both entities.
KR Sridhar, Founder and Chairman/CEO of Bloom Energy, highlighted the strategic importance of extending the partnership with SK Ecoplant to showcase the superior efficiency of Bloom’s Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cell (SOEC) technology in the South Korean market. Sridhar emphasized their role in providing the most cost-effective green hydrogen.
The deployment of Bloom’s SOEC technology in collaboration with SK projects Bloom’s ability to produce 1kg of hydrogen using an average of 39.2kWh, as demonstrated during a session with the US Department of Energy’s Idaho National Laboratory.
Kyung-il Park, CEO of SK Ecoplant, emphasized the role of the demonstration project in advancing SK’s presence in the electrolysis market. He highlighted the strategic nature of the collaboration, expanding from power generation (fuel cell) to global green hydrogen development initiatives.
The results of the upcoming project will serve as instrumental insights for SK eco plant as it seeks to expand into the electrolysis market and pursue domestic and international projects utilizing Bloom’s innovative technology.
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