Delta Electronics announced a groundbreaking GBP43 million deal with Ceres Power Limited, a subsidiary of UK-listed Ceres Power Holdings plc, specializing in fuel cell power generation and hydrogen production through water electrolysis. The agreement focuses on the transfer and licensing of hydrogen fuel cell stack technology.
Post-acquisition of the licenses, Delta intends to synergize its expertise in power electronics, control systems, and heat dissipation to advance the development of complete solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) systems. Production is slated to commence by late 2026, offering efficient fuel cell and hydrogen production solutions for various industries globally, including microgrids, chemicals, ammonia production, energy, transportation, and steel.
Delta's CEO, Ping Cheng, underscores the crucial significance of hydrogen energy in the global shift towards net-zero emissions. Hydrogen fuel cells, renowned for stable power supply and high efficiency, are anticipated to address the burgeoning demands in microgrid construction, decentralized grids, and critical facilities like data centers, semiconductor industries, and precision manufacturing.
The collaboration aims to leverage Ceres' cutting-edge SOFC stack technology alongside Delta's prowess in power electronics and heat dissipation. The objective is to pioneer high-energy conversion efficiency fuel cells and hydrogen production systems, fortifying Delta's infrastructure portfolio and contributing significantly to global decarbonization endeavors.
In addition to securing pivotal stack technology licenses, Delta is set to establish the Net-zero Science Laboratory at its Tainan manufacturing complex. This strategic move underscores the company's commitment to advancing zero-carbon technologies associated with hydrogen energy. With support from Ceres, Delta anticipates completing product development and production line setup at its Tainan facility by 2026, initiating production by year-end. Integrating hydrogen energy systems with existing microgrids and energy management solutions is envisioned to offer customers a more adaptive low-carbon infrastructure.
Ceres' stack technology is the core for both SOFC and SOEC. With electricity, water, and heat generated efficiently, these stacks outperform traditional centralized gas turbine generator sets, achieving an impressive 60% electricity generation efficiency. When coupled with a heat recovery system, the overall efficiency soars to 85%.
Furthermore, the proximity advantages of hydrogen fuel cell power generation equipment provide a solution to energy transmission losses and uncontrollable power instability during transmission, making them an ideal fit for facilities requiring stable power. The technology's application in water electrolysis for hydrogen production brings about a 25% reduction in power consumption compared to other low-temperature hydrogen production technologies.
Utilizing waste heat from customer processes can further slash power consumption by over 30%, accompanied by substantial water savings. Using renewable energy for electrolysis opens avenues for producing zero-carbon green hydrogen, fostering sustainability across industries like steel and chemicals.
With over two decades of dedication to solid oxide technology, Ceres stands as a technological frontrunner in the field. Its 2023 listing on the London Stock Exchange attests to its commitment to technology development and patent licensing. With global hydrogen demand projected to reach 223 Mt by 2030 and 630 Mt by 2050, hydrogen applications will play a crucial role in achieving net zero targets.
