Demonstration of rSOC operation for local grid-connected hydrogen production and utilisation

Expected Outcome:Given the increasing penetration of Renewable Energy Sources (RES), Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) is essential to facilitate their integration into the power grid and avoid overbuilding infrastructure. Reversible Solid Oxide Cells (rSOC) offer a valuable solution to this problem, also leveraging the effective coupling between the gas and electricity grids. Reversible fuel cells could be a solution to this problem, but they are still in the early stages of commercial deployment, with ongoing research focused on improving efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness. The project should demonstrate the use of rSOC for providing services to both the electric and hydrogen grids or proxy environments (e.g., on-site usages) including heat recovery. When operated in electrolysis mode, the MW-scale system should produce hydrogen to then be compressed and injected into the hydrogen infrastructure or a storage solution. When operated in Fuel Cell (FC) mode, the system will consume hydrogen to produce electricity.Despite their potential, the widespread adoption of rSOC technology still faces several challenges. One of the primary issues is the need for large-scale demonstration projects to validate their performance, reliability, and economic viability in real-world conditions. Additionally, the integration of rSOC systems into the existing electricity grid requires advanced control strategies and robust system designs to ensure seamless operation and grid stability.The topic of the project will focus on validating the system's ability to support grid stability, also assessing the impact of hydrogen pressure in the hydrogen pipeline, and the stability of energy price. This will contribute to the development of a more flexible and resilient energy infrastructure, supporting the sector coupling and transition to a decarbonised energy system.Project results are expected to contribute to the following expected outcomes:Demonstrate the integration of rSOC to