CLUED-O Project
Technical Objectives of the Project
Our Goals
The expertise of the laboratories and research centers involved in the CLUED-O project, in collaboration with an SME specialized in engineering, enables the development of innovative and efficient solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) designed to operate at temperatures below 650°C. These cells aim to autonomously produce electricity and heat using both existing and future European hydrogen networks. Since the durability of such systems is strongly linked to the quality of their interfaces, this project prioritizes industrializable layer deposition processes in the relevant zones. It also simplifies the selection of auxiliary components while anticipating the recycling of materials.
Our Focus Areas
01.
— Enhancing Existing Cells
The first focus area targets the improvement of existing cells through the deposition of durable, controlled-microstructure cathodes onto commercial half-cells (fast track). The optimized cells will be assembled into stacks. By the end of the project, conditions for pilot integration will be studied with the aim of industrial transfer.
02.
— Developing 3rd-Generation Complete Cells
The second focus area involves the development of 3rd-generation complete cells on metallic supports (slow track). Simultaneously, the recyclability of all components will be assessed, complemented by a life cycle analysis and an environmental impact study of the components and processes used. The project will also include a socio-economic analysis.
The goal is to achieve TRL7 under real operating conditions.
The innovation from CLUED-O will enable the assembly of such devices in the cross-border region, strengthen leadership in surface treatment processes to meet industrial needs, and foster the recycling of critical fuel cell materials.
CLUED-O aims not only to deliver a demonstrator but also to unite the strengths of teams collaborating for the first time. This synergy will contribute to a cross-border dynamic. Research and higher education institutions involved in CLUED-O have recognized their complementarity and capacity to address the challenges of this new economy. Their efforts are reinforced by the involvement of a local SME with international reach and the strong support of competitiveness clusters, which will facilitate the deployment of project outcomes. This project transcends national, regional, and local boundaries, drawing strength from cross-border collaboration.
Hydrogen Challenges and the Relevance of Development in Our Regions
Beyond the urgent need to adapt to climate change, geopolitical instability and volatile energy markets demand a drastic acceleration of the energy transition to achieve independence from fossil fuels. In this context, Europe is accelerating its shift towards a hydrogen-inclusive renewable economy. The REPowerEU plan has set a goal of 15 million tons of renewable hydrogen, in addition to the 5.6 million tons targeted by the Fit for 55 package. This necessitates the development of hydrogen supply chains and adequate production technologies.
A study by WaterstofNet Vzw highlights that the Benelux and neighboring regions (Hauts-de-France, Grand Est, North Rhine-Westphalia, Saarland, Palatinate, and Lower Saxony) form the European hub of the steel and chemical industries. The Benelux alone accounts for 20% of ammonia, methanol, and olefin production. These regions, with their open access to international ports, boast a dense network of energy infrastructures. Such infrastructure facilitates the development of new hydrogen-based chemical industrial units, alongside existing units in fields like chemistry, glass, mechanics, and metallurgy, which are well-established in the project’s target area.
However, developing this industry requires simultaneous access to green electricity. Bottlenecks are likely to emerge due to its intermittent nature or significant price volatility. Producers must therefore develop sectoral integration strategies with additional conversion processes (Power to X and X to Power), without necessarily coupling the two. For example, local conversion from biomass or mine gas should be anticipated. The regions involved in the project are uniquely positioned to mobilize multiple resources for Power to X, such as biogas in Hauts-de-France and Belgium, and mine gas exploited by the same group on both sides of the French-Belgian border. This enables the production of decarbonized hydrogen through plasma-assisted methane pyrolysis and distributable synthetic gas production via biomass gasification.
Decarbonized hydrogen is considered the energy vector of the future. The France-Wallonia-Flanders cross-border region holds a strategic position in hydrogen distribution and accessibility. This privileged access to decarbonized hydrogen facilitates the development of autonomous electricity production devices at a time when energy costs and dependency on fossil fuels are critical concerns. In both Belgium and France, initiatives are underway to promote low-emission electricity production technologies.