Sunfire and BASF Launch SOEC Testing Facility at Schwarzheide Chemical Park

Sunfire and BASF InfraService & Solutions Lausitz GmbH have partnered to establish a dedicated test facility for solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) stacks at Industriepark Lausitz in Schwarzheide, Germany. The facility is designed to validate long-term performance of high-temperature electrolyzers under industrial conditions, with operations expected to commence by the end of 2026.

The SOEC technology operates at approximately 850°C, achieving efficiencies up to 89% LHV (AC) in testing. The facility will evaluate stack degradation, operational flexibility, thermal cycling tolerance, and integration with renewable energy sources. Testing will also explore co-electrolysis capabilities for producing syngas and e-fuels.

The initiative aligns with Germany's National Hydrogen Strategy, which allocates over €9 billion in funding toward 10 GW of domestic electrolysis capacity by 2030, and EU decarbonization initiatives including IPCEI Hy2Infra and H2Giga. The Schwarzheide site, formerly focused on coal-derived synthetic fuels, offers existing infrastructure including a 108 MW combined-cycle power plant and utility networks suited for high-temperature electrolysis trials.

Sunfire, founded in 2010, has delivered 30 MW stacks for an industrial demonstration and is launching a 50 MW alkaline system in April 2026. The company has received funding from EU initiatives GrInHy2.0 and H2Giga HTEL MODULE.

The testing facility represents one of the few planned SOEC validation sites globally and is distinguished by its integration within an operational chemical park, enabling evaluation of hydrogen production synergies with existing industrial operations.

Originally reported by Hydrogen Fuel News. Read the full article →