Bloom Energy Deploys Solid Oxide Electrolyzer in South Korea

Bloom Energy has deployed its high-temperature solid oxide electrolyzer (SOEC) in Gumi, South Korea, marking its first international deployment. The company announced that following the commercial release of its Bloom Electrolyzer in 2021, this 130 kW installation is set to accelerate its efforts to enable a hydrogen-fueled economy.

The electrolyzer has been operational since January 2022 at the Bloom SK Fuel Cell centre, where it is testing electrolysis efficiency in intermittent mode using water as input. Bloom Energy states that its high-temperature electrolyzer produces hydrogen on-site more efficiently than low-temperature PEM and alkaline electrolyzers, as it requires less energy to split water molecules.

The company highlighted that electricity accounts for up to 80% of the cost of hydrogen produced through electrolysis. Therefore, reduced electricity consumption improves the economics of hydrogen production and aids its adoption. The Bloom Electrolyzer is expected to produce 46 kilowatt-hours (kW-hr) per kilogram of hydrogen (kg H2) with water input, and even less electricity when using steam.

This international deployment aligns with South Korea's objective to decarbonize its energy system and become a leader in the hydrogen economy. Bloom Energy, in partnership with SK ecoplant, aims to rapidly scale up hydrogen production in the country as part of its broader energy transition.