Europe must accelerate its transition to climate neutrality by scaling up renewable hydrogen production, particularly for hard-to-abate sectors. Solid Oxide Electrolysers (SOEL) offer a high-efficiency solution but face challenges related to material degradation and high costs.

The DESIREE project addresses these challenges through a holistic, multi-level approach, advancing SOEL technologies at cell, stack and system levels. It will demonstrate a scalable, multi-stack 2x20 kW SOEL system integrating nanoparticle-infiltrated cells, enhanced stack architectures with durable TEC-gradient sealings, a modular hot box combined with a metal hydride compressor and advanced heat exchangers, advanced dynamic control strategies, and SST power electronics for optimised grid integration. These innovations aim to improve long-term durability and power density while reducing the Levelized Cost of Hydrogen, energy consumption, CAPEX and OPEX.

Circularity is embedded from the outset through the recovery of valuable materials from cells and end-of-life stacks, alongside validated accelerated-stress testing protocols to ensure reliable real-world performance. The project will validate a 40 kW SOEL system under relevant operating conditions, delivering robust performance, durability and techno-economic data. The consortium, comprising 12 partners from 6 countries, ensures a clear pathway from TRL 3 to scalable TRL 5. Aligned with the Clean Hydrogen JU, DESIREE will position the EU as a leader in next-generation electrolysis, advancing performance, sustainability and manufacturability.


The project is supported by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership and its members. Co-Funded by the European Union under Grant Agreement N° 101251323. However, the views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Clean Hydrogen Partnership. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

DESIREE Project

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DESIREE Project

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