Shell PLC (LSE:SHEL, NYSE:SHEL) is to step up its development work in green hydrogen with a new solid oxide electrolyser (SOEC) module for large-scale industrial applications such as synthetic fuels, ammonia and green steel.
The oil and gas giant will work with existing partner Ceres on the new design, with the two collaborating since 2022 on a 1MW SOEC system at Shell's R&D facility in Bangalore, India.
Shell’s aim is to develop a pressurised module design using data from work done so far system that can be used to make sustainable fuels at industrial sites.
Testwork has shown SOEC technology generates 35% more hydrogen per unit of electrical energy when coupled with heat from industrial processes.
The new project will target a module-level efficiency of less than 36kWh/kg of hydrogen, which aligns to EU SOE 2030 technology targets.
Shell's commitment to 'greener' technologies has been an area of growing criticism from environmental groups ever since Wael Sawan took over as chief executive in January 2023.
Unlike his predecessor, Sawan has rowed back on previous commitments to develop greener tech and reduce its focus on fossil fuels.
Sawan has instead said the FTSE 100 group will continue to explore for oil and gas and focus more on maximising returns for shareholders.