Bosch Forms Fuel Cell Collaboration

Bosch announced it is pressing ahead with the development of fuel-cell technology for potential new power systems. Together with the technology specialist Ceres Power, Horsham, U.K., the company wants to develop the next stage of solid- oxide fuel-cell (SOFC) technology. Bosch also plans to take a four percent equity stake in Ceres Power.

The two companies have signed a collaboration and license agreement for the further development of technology, and establishment of small-volume production operations at Bosch, as well as a share purchase agreement.

Ceres Power is a developer of next-generation SOFC technology. Its strategy is to commercialize its technology through mass production with partners, and to use this technology for grid-based and distributed power generation. The intention is that SOFC systems will be used in cities, factories, and data centers, and also as a power supply for charging points for electric vehicles.

SOFC technology uses an electrochemical reaction in the fuel cell stack to convert fuel such as natural gas or hydrogen into electricity. The environmental benefits include much lower emissions.

 “Bosch believes that the highly efficient fuel cell, with its very low emissions, has an important role to play in energy systems’ security of supply and flexibility,” said Stefan Hartung, the Bosch management board member whose responsibilities include the Energy and Building Technology business sector. “Fuel cell technology will bring the move to alternative energy a step closer, and we will be working on this with our development partner Ceres Power.”

“The vision for our partnership with Bosch is to set a new industry standard for solid-oxide fuel cells, leading to widespread adoption in distributed power supplies. By combining Ceres’ unique Steel Cell technology with Bosch’s engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain strength we will establish a strong partnership that can make our technology even more competitive and prepare it for potential mass production,” says Phil Caldwell, CEO of Ceres Power.