Delta Receives License from Ceres to Develop Electrolysis, Fuel Cell Technology

Delta Electronics has entered a long-term collaboration agreement with Ceres Power Limited for the technology transfer and licensing of Ceres’ hydrogen energy stack portfolio. Delta gained access to Ceres’ hydrogen technology for approximately GBP 43 million. Through the collaboration, Delta will integrate Ceres’ energy stack technology with its own power electronics and thermal management technologies. The integration will allow Delta to develop solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) systems for hydrogen energy applications, with production scheduled to start by the end of 2026.

In addition to the license transfer for energy stack technology, Delta will also establish a net-zero science laboratory at the Tainan manufacturing complex to develop zero-carbon technologies and accelerate its own R&D capabilities. From 2024 to 2026, product development and production line integration will be carried out at the Tainan plant with Ceres’ engineering service support. Delta will deploy these hydrogen energy systems to provide a flexible low-carbon infrastructure for its customers.

"Hydrogen has high heating value and zero CO₂ emission potential characteristics, and will play a crucial role in the global transition towards net-zero. Moreover, hydrogen SOFC systems boast reliability and high efficiency in electricity generation, making them ideal for micro-grid applications, distributed power systems, mission-critical facilities, such as data centers, semiconductor production lines, and other advanced manufacturing,” said Ping Cheng, CEO, Delta. “SOEC systems will also play a key role in the chemical, utilities, and steel industries as they are adopting green hydrogen to replace fossil fuels in their manufacturing processes and operations. By leveraging Ceres' expertise in solid oxide stack technology and our technologies in power and thermal management, Delta will enrich its infrastructure solutions portfolio by delivering high-efficiency SOFC and SOEC systems for our customers."

The SOFC can generate electricity, water, and heat by reacting oxygen with hydrogen or methane. Its power generation efficiency is around 60% and can reach 85% with a heat recovery system installed. SOFCs can be built in locations with high electricity demands, capable of avoiding power transmission loss and other unexpected, unstable factors during the transmission and distribution process.

SOEC technology produces hydrogen up to 25% more efficiently than low-temperature technologies, specifically when thermally integrated with industrial processes. The technology can produce green hydrogen with electricity from renewable sources, which is an optimal solution for the decarbonization of various industries. Decarbonizing of industry includes steel and chemical, which are currently seeking to replace fossil-fuel based materials to reduce carbon emissions.