University of California, Irvine (UCI), Advanced Power and Energy Program (APEP), will lead the program, and will be responsible for establishing and facilitating the collaborate effort of all team members to meet project goals, milestones, and deliverables. The APEP team has more than 20-years' experience leading interdisciplinary research teams in the study of electrochemical systems. APEP team has recognized state-of-the-art facilities and capabilities to design and test SOEC modules and unique expertise to develop and apply system integration energy conversion and simulation. APEP team has led the development of capabilities for physical simulation and application to electrochemical energy devices and systems that will be used for the evaluation of SOEC module design and off-design.

Politecnico Milano is the largest technical university in Italy and according to the QS World University Rankings for subject area 'Engineering & Technology', it ranked in 2020 as the 20th best in the world. Its Energy Department is famous for contributions to renewable and sustainable energy conversion technologies and systems. The PoliMi team is expert in thermodynamic analysis of advanced power cycles, the integration of high temperature fuel cells and gas turbine cycles for power generation and CO2 capture, and the electrochemical and thermal modeling of fuel cells, electrolyzers, and related hydrogen processes. PoliMi offers an exclusive set of capabilities – unique in Europe – in terms of novel systems conceptualization and integration of electrochemical energy systems into the industrial sector.

LEAP (Laboritorio Energia e Ambiente Piacenza) is a consortium limited liability company founded in 2005 at the Piacenza campus of Politecnico di Milano. LEAP primary activities are the development of research projects in the field of Energy and Environment (experimental and modeling activities), the provision of consulting and technical services and the pursuit of technology transfer. LEAP carries out experimental investigations and tests in its own labs (e.g. thermodynamic properties of CO2-rich mixtures), on industrial plants and in the environment. Since 2005 LEAP has secured more than 150 private/public funding research contracts, including the coordination of the ongoing CLEANKER Horizon 2020 project. In this last project, LEAP team has gained experience in supporting the conceptualization and the techno-economic analysis of a first of a kind CO2 capture pilot plant, providing useful inputs for the engineering phase.

Hatch is a global engineering, procurement and construction management firm that specializes in the metals, energy, and infrastructure sectors. Hatch's main role on the project will be coordination of the techno-economic feasibility study. In addition to Hatch's steel process engineering specialists, Hatch will use a full complement of mechanical, electrical, civil, structural, and cost estimating engineers to complete Hatch's work package.

FuelCell Energy is a global leader in delivering clean, efficient and affordable fuel cell solutions configured for the supply, recovery and storage of energy. FCE provides comprehensive turn-key solutions for our customers that include everything from the design and installation of a project to the long-term operation and maintenance of fuel cells and electrolysis systems. Currently, FCE is a pioneer in development of solid oxide based electrolyzes in the US. The project coordinator at FCE will be Dr. Hossein Ghezel-Ayagh, VP of Advanced Technology Programs. He has a proven record of accomplishment and long history of successful innovation and commercial product realization and launch. He directs a highly skilled team of scientists and engineers, who are involved in all aspects of the fuel cell and electrolysis technology development including cell components, stack scale-up, and systems design.

SoCalGas is the largest natural gas utility in the US, serving 21.6 million consumers through 5.9 million meters with infrastructure in more than 500 communities. SoCalGas is a regulated subsidiary of Sempra Energy, a Fortune 500 energy services holding company based in San Diego. Mr. Ron Kent, who has more than 30-years' experience in leading and managing complex energy research, development and demonstration efforts will lead the SoCalGas team. SoCalGas has made substantial investments in successful RD&D efforts (e.g., CNG engines, power-to-gas) over many years of leading a nationally recognized portfolio of technology advancement projects. SoCalGas will provide both cost-share, technology development support and technology-to-market knowledge.

The Advisory Board


The APEP team is working to secure the collaboration of new stakeholders in the steel and iron producing industries.