AMPS synergies: connecting SOC manufacturing with real-world applications

AMPS is working on the scale-up and automation of Solid Oxide Cell manufacturing, but understanding where SOFC, SOEC and reversible SOC technologies can create value is equally important. For this reason, AMPS activities on market uptake and end-user identification are being connected with complementary projects and initiatives exploring concrete application fields.

These synergies contribute to the ongoing work in WP6/T6.4, where POLITO analyses possible routes to market and application opportunities for SOFC/SOEC systems, and build on the WP7/T7.2 end-users analysis, which mapped both direct industrial users of SOC technologies and final application sectors.

A first example is the collaboration with SOFFHICE, a PRIN PNRR project coordinated by Politecnico di Torino, focused on SOFC-based hybrid solutions for maritime applications, including hoteling and auxiliary power needs in short-sea shipping. More information is available on the SOFFHICE LinkedIn page. The work led to the open-access paper “Techno-economic and environmental assessment of hybrid propulsion systems based on solid oxide fuel cells for short-sea shipping”, published in Applied Thermal Engineering. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2026.131778.

AMPS also interacted with TULIPS – Green Airports, a European project on airport decarbonisation. In this context, POLITO investigated SOFC operation under hydrogen–methane blends in connection with airport energy systems and hydrogen integration. This activity was presented as a poster at the European Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Piero Lunghi Conference 2026 in Capri. More information is available on the TULIPS website.

Finally, collaboration with Consorzio Monviso Agroenergia (CMA) and recent POLITO research supported the analysis of SOFC opportunities in agricultural biogas plants, both for biogas-to-electricity pathways and as a possible support to biomethane-oriented plants. The related paper “The role of solid oxide fuel cells in repowering agricultural biogas plants: A techno-economic assessment of electricity and biomethane pathways” was published in Energy Reports. DOI: 10.1016/j.egyr.2026.109716.

Together, these activities help connect AMPS manufacturing-oriented research with concrete market opportunities, supporting a broader understanding of how Solid Oxide Cell technologies could contribute to Europe’s decarbonisation pathways.