SOEC has been shown to offer the lowest levelized cost of hydrogen across all electrolysis types due to the significant reduction in electricity costs¹, and like other high-temperature SOECs, Ceres benefits from inherent system-level efficiencies. Operating at elevated temperatures reduces the need for expensive cooling systems and reduces the cost of power electronics as well as drastically reducing the amount of electricity needed. Its modular architecture simplifies integration and scaling, lowering upfront capital expenditure. But where Ceres truly stands apart is in the unique structure and lower operating temperature of its cell compared to other SOEC.

At the core of Ceres’ cost advantage is its materials selection. The cell is built primarily from steel — an abundant, low-cost, and recyclable material. Remarkably, only approximately 4.5kg  of steel is required per kilogram of hydrogen produced per day at stack level, significantly reducing raw material costs. The ceramic layers within the cell are ultra-thin, 4-6 times thinner than those  used in conventional solid oxide technologies—minimising material usage and thus reliance on expensive critical minerals with potential supply chain risks, as shown in Figure 1.

Since Ceres’ SOEC also operates at a lower temperature than many other high-temperature electrolysers, lower-cost materials can be used in the balance of plant (BoP), such as seals, insulation and piping, which are typically cost drivers in high-temperature systems. The result is a more affordable and robust system architecture.

Transport and logistics costs are also reduced thanks to the mechanical strength and resilience of Ceres’ cells and stacks. The inherent robustness of metal-supported cells allows for easier handling and lower packaging requirements, making them ideal for global deployment at scale. That same robustness also unlocks the ability to thermally cycle and endure emergency shutdowns, further reducing operational costs. 

Independent analysis supports these advantages. According to a recent whitepaper by AtkinsRéalis, Ceres’ direct electrolyser and BoP costs could be up to 12% lower than other high-temperature SOEC systems¹. This positions Ceres as a frontrunner in delivering cost-effective, scalable green hydrogen solutions.

As industries and governments seek to decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors, the need for low-cost, high-efficiency electrolysis has never been greater. With its unique combination of material efficiency, structural innovation, and system simplicity, Ceres is poised to lead the next generation of hydrogen technology.

References

¹ Ceres SOE Technology Readiness, Whitepaper by AtkinsRéalis
² European Patent Application EP 4 135 077 A1
³ Hagen A et. al, 2022 DOI: 10.3390/en15062045