Sunfire has commissioned the world's most powerful high-temperature electrolyser for industrial applications at Neste's Rotterdam refinery. The twelve-module system currently operates in test mode, generating 60 kilograms of green hydrogen per hour.
High-Temperature Process Taps Into Waste Heat
Sunfire's SOEC (Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell) technology runs at 850 degrees Celsius, capturing waste heat from refinery operations. This integration cuts power consumption significantly, delivering an efficiency of 84 percent LHV,AC – outperforming conventional electrolysers. SMS Group provides the hydrogen purification unit.
MultiPLHY Consortium Tests Refinery Decarbonization
The demonstration project explores whether green hydrogen can replace fossil-based hydrogen in refinery processes. Sunfire and Neste partner with Engie and French research institute CEA in the consortium. CEA handles project coordination while Engie conducts techno-economic assessments.
Long-Term Testing to Prove Industrial Readiness
An extensive test program now begins to validate the technology under continuous industrial conditions. "This project delivers critical insights for industrial-scale green hydrogen production," says Jukka Kanerva, Senior Vice President Renewable Refining at Neste. The company is evaluating multiple pathways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Sunfire previously tested SOEC technology in the EU's GrInHy2.0 project. The third generation of systems is expected to achieve 89 percent LHV,AC efficiency. The EU's Clean Hydrogen Partnership supports the project. Mirela Atanasiu, Head of Unit Operations and Communication, calls the commissioning "a milestone for Europe's electrolyser industry."
