The ESCALA-SOFC project aims to scale up and validate solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology for the direct conversion of renewable fuels, such as hydrogen, biogas and biomethane, into electricity and heat. The initiative contributes to the decarbonization of the energy sector, the efficient use of resources and the integration of the circular economy, aligning with international and European commitments to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

The project focuses on optimizing innovative nanofiber-based anodes with controlled exsolution of nickel nanoparticles, capable of operating stably with hydrogen as well as with biomethane- and biogas-rich mixtures without the need for external reforming. These architectures improve electrochemical activity, reduce carbon deposition and particle agglomeration, and lower the use of critical materials, promoting sustainability, scalability and the viability of both industrial and residential integration of the technology.

In this context, the project will address the challenge of technological scaling, making the leap from laboratory-scale results to applications closer to the market. To this end, nanofiber production will be optimized and scaled up, cell size will be increased by enlarging the active area, and electrolyte thickness will be reduced to minimize ohmic losses while maintaining the optimized microstructure and validating performance and electrical efficiency. In addition, a short stack will be developed and validated, a system made up of several cells that will make it possible to assess joint performance under real operating conditions with different renewable fuels.