Thermax, a prominent player in energy and environmental solutions, has announced a significant strategic partnership with Ceres Power Holdings plc, an innovator in clean energy technologies. This collaboration marks a vital step in advancing green hydrogen production capabilities. Under a non-exclusive, global licensing agreement, Thermax will manufacture, sell, and service stack array modules (SAM) based on Ceres’ cutting-edge solid oxide electrolysis (SOEC) technology. In addition, Thermax will develop and commercialise SAM balance of modules (SBM) alongside multi-megawatt SOEC electrolyser modules.
Advancing Green Hydrogen Initiatives
The primary objective of this partnership is to accelerate the deployment of SOEC technology within India and globally, enabling cost-effective green hydrogen production. This advancement is crucial for industries looking to transition towards cleaner energy sources and achieve sustainability goals.
Innovative Manufacturing Approaches
Leveraging its extensive expertise in heat integration and waste heat recovery, Thermax plans to manufacture a groundbreaking pressurised SAM. The design and engineering of the SBM will serve as a foundational component for developing multi-megawatt SOEC electrolyser modules. This partnership is set to deliver systems that boast efficiency improvements of up to 25% compared to conventional low-temperature electrolysis methods. By effectively utilising steam generated from industrial processes and waste recovery, this approach provides an optimal solution for decarbonising hard-to-abate industries, including ammonia, fertilisers, steel, refineries, and chemical production.
Commitment to Localisation and Commercialisation
As part of its commitment to commercialisation, Thermax plans to establish a dedicated manufacturing facility for electrolysers, focusing on developing a robust supply chain and localising critical components. This partnership positions Thermax among a select few global companies capable of providing large-scale SOEC systems for commercial applications, representing a significant advancement in the industry.
Insights from Company Leaders
Ashish Bhandari, Managing Director & CEO of Thermax, commented on the partnership: “India is making substantial progress in embracing renewable energy sources, particularly green hydrogen. With a target of producing 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030, we are excited to collaborate with Ceres. Utilising our proficiency in thermal management, we strive to provide an efficient and economically viable hydrogen production solution that facilitates the energy transition in India and worldwide. This partnership aligns with our commitment to driving sustainable solutions for decarbonising hard-to-abate industries.”
Phil Caldwell, CEO of Ceres, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating: “We are pleased to announce our SOEC systems partnership with Thermax, a leader in the energy and environment sector operating across India, Europe, and Southeast Asia. This licensing agreement enables Ceres to enter the rapidly evolving Indian market, which is becoming increasingly significant for green hydrogen, green steel, and green ammonia.”
Caldwell noted, ‘This collaboration is crucial for Ceres as we work to expand our network of top-tier global partners. Our technology will empower Thermax to develop next-generation hydrogen solutions for customers in hard-to-abate industrial sectors, driving demand for our manufacturing licensees. Venturing into this new market presents a thrilling opportunity for Ceres as we contribute to advancing industrial decarbonisation in this vibrant region.
The partnership between Thermax and Ceres is poised to make a considerable impact on green hydrogen production in India and beyond. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to sustainable energy solutions that will drive the transition to a low-carbon future.
