CLUED-O
Total project budget: 3,198 millions €
ERDF budget: 1,919 millions €
Duration: 48 mois
Background to the project
The France-Wallonia-Flanders cross-border region occupies a strategic position in terms of hydrogen distribution and accessibility. This privileged access to carbon-free hydrogen makes it possible to envisage the development of autonomous electricity production systems at a time when the cost of energy and dependence on fossil fuels have become critical.
Project objective
The objective of the CLUED-O project is to develop a solid oxide fuel cell (stack), operating at T<650°C (Gen.3), in fuel cell mode but also usable in electrolysis mode. We are aiming for devices with enhanced durability for improved performance in use thanks to the hybridisation of advanced deposition processes that will enable optimisation of interfaces and layer stacking. In this context, the development of a high-performance
solid oxide fuel cell will provide cross-border regions with the means to develop a more efficient industry by providing flexible energy solutions: autonomous and efficient co-production of electricity and heat without recourse to electric renewable energies, particularly when market prices are too high, and recovery of unused hydrogen.
The partners
The consortium brings together 10 partners with complementary skills: research centres (Mano, CRIBC); higher education and research bodies (Centrale Lille, UMons, ULCO, ULille, UGent), an SME (Techlink) and specialists in networking and socio-economic modes (Polénergie and TEAM2).
It also has two associate partners: the TWEED cluster and VITO NV.
The skills of the laboratories and research centres involved in CLUED-O, in conjunction with an SME specialising in engineering, make it possible to envisage the development of innovative, high-performance solid oxide fuel cells that will operate advantageously below 650°C for the autonomous production of electricity and heat from European hydrogen networks (existing and future). As the durability of the systems is closely linked to the quality of the interfaces, the priority here is to focus on processes for depositing layers that can be industrialised in the area concerned, simplifying the choice of auxiliary components while anticipating the recycling of components.
The main thrusts of the project
The first part of the project will involve improving existing cells by depositing cathodes with controlled and durable microstructures on commercial half-cells (fast track). The optimised cells will be assembled to form a stack. At the end of the project, the conditions for integration into a pilot plant will be studied with a view to industrial transfer.
The second part of the project will focus on the development of complete 3rd generation cells on a metal support (slow track). At the same time, the recyclability of all the components will be studied and supplemented by an analysis of the life cycle and environmental impact of the components and the implementation processes. The project will also be the subject of a socio-economic analysis. The aim is to achieve TRL7 under real operating conditions.
Project challenges
The innovation that will result from CLUED-O will make it possible to consider assembling such devices in the cross-border area, to develop its leadership in surface treatment processes by meeting the needs of the
industrial fabric and by developing a recycling activity for critical fuel cell materials.
CLUEDO will not only result in a demonstrator, but above all it will enable the teams, who will be working together for the first time, to combine their strengths and thus contribute to a cross-border dynamic. The research and higher education bodies involved in CLUED-O have become aware of their complementary nature and their ability to respond to the
challenges of this new economy. Their dynamism is reinforced here by the involvement of a local SME with an international reputation and by the strong involvement of competitiveness clusters, which will enable the deployment of the solutions resulting from the project. This project goes beyond the national, regional and local levels and finds its strength in cross-border collaboration.