Elcogen and Shanghai HyEnergy Technology Co. Ltd. are advancing their collaboration to accelerate the commercial deployment of solid oxide electrolysis and fuel cell technologies in China, with the companies now working together on multiple large-scale demonstration projects.
The collaboration began six years ago and accelerated in March 2026, when Hannu Anttila, Sales Director at Elcogen, travelled to Shanghai to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Professor Jian-Qiang Wang, CEO of Shanghai HyEnergy Technology Co. Ltd.
The MoU established a framework for co-operation between the companies, focused on accelerating the commercialisation of solid oxide electrolysis cell and solid oxide fuel cell technologies in the Chinese market. Under the agreement, Shanghai HyEnergy intends to integrate Elcogen’s high-performance cells, stacks and stack modules into its energy systems, while Elcogen provides technical expertise to support system integration and scale-up.
Since then, the relationship has progressed from initial co-operation towards concrete commercial opportunities. In June 2026, members of the Shanghai HyEnergy executive team visited Elcogen’s headquarters in Tallinn, Estonia, for further discussions on technology, applications and project development.
Both companies have subsequently signed supply agreements for the first MW-level projects in China, representing an important step towards the wider commercial deployment of Elcogen’s solid oxide (SOC) technology.
From proven technology to commercial scale
The collaboration brings together complementary capabilities from both sides. Elcogen supplies high-performance solid oxide cells, stacks and stack modules, while Shanghai HyEnergy contributes technologies in stack module, system engineering and integration, and the industrialisation of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.
Ultimately, the two companies are working towards standardised, large-scale solid oxide module platforms that can provide the core building blocks for commercial energy systems. Potential applications include green hydrogen production, combined heat and power and energy storage, where SOC technologies can offer high efficiency and operational flexibility.
“China is an important market for the development and deployment of SOC technologies, and we are very pleased with the progress of our collaboration with Shanghai HyEnergy,” said Hannu Anttila, Sales Director at Elcogen.
“Since signing the MoU in March, we have continued to build the relationship through technical discussions, the visit to Tallinn and now the signing of supply agreements for our large-scale SOC projects. This progress demonstrates the strong commitment from both sides to bringing SOC technology to commercial scale in China.” said Jian-Qiang Wang, CEO of Shanghai HyEnergy.
Supporting China’s hydrogen economy
The collaboration comes as China continues to develop hydrogen and clean energy technologies in line with its Medium- and Long-Term Plan for the Development of the Hydrogen Energy Industry (2021–2035), alongside wider national priorities for energy transition, decarbonisation, energy security and technological innovation.
Solid oxide electrolysis offers an efficient route to hydrogen production, with the potential to make use of both electricity and available heat. In reverse mode, solid oxide fuel cells can similarly deliver efficient power generation, with opportunities to utilise heat as part of combined heat and power applications.
For industrial users, these characteristics create opportunities to improve energy efficiency while reducing emissions and supporting the integration of low-carbon energy.
About Shanghai HyEnergy
Shanghai HyEnergy was founded in 2019 and is a Chinese national high-tech enterprise integrating R&D, production and sales. The company focuses on solid oxide cell technologies, which originate from the Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences.
The company’s product portfolio includes single cells, stacks, stack modules, testing stations and SOC systems. Shanghai HyEnergy has already demonstrated its capabilities in solid oxide electrolysis through a successful 200 kW SOEC system project in China.
Building a platform for future growth
For Elcogen and Shanghai HyEnergy, the focus now is on translating established technology and system integration expertise into repeatable, scalable commercial solutions.
The first MW-level projects provide an important foundation for this work, while the development of standardised module platforms have the potential to support a broader range of industrial applications and future projects across China.
“Our ambition is to build solutions that can move beyond individual demonstration projects and provide a scalable platform for commercial deployment,” said Hannu Anttila, Sales Director at Elcogen.
The progress made since the MoU was signed in Shanghai reflects the growing commercial momentum behind the collaboration. With Elcogen’s SOC technology and Shanghai HyEnergy’s system integration capabilities working together, the companies are continuing to develop solutions designed to support the next generation of hydrogen production and clean energy systems in China.
Elcogen Contact:
Laura Quinton, Communications Manager,
laura.quinton@elcogen.com, +358 (0)456163133
About Elcogen
Elcogen develops and supplies a proprietary solid oxide technology platform that operates in both fuel cell (SOFC) and electrolysis (SOEC) modes, enabling affordable green hydrogen production and zero-emission power generation to drive the clean energy transition. Founded in 2001, the company has its registered office in the UK, its main headquarters in Tallinn, Estonia, and R&D centres of excellence in both Estonia and Finland. Serving a growing global customer base, Elcogen’s cells, stacks, and modules are integrated into third-party systems across sectors where decarbonisation is essential, including steel, fuels, shipping and energy infrastructure. Application-agnostic by design, Elcogen’s technology delivers exceptional efficiency, flexibility and reliability, unlocking the full potential of renewable energy. Together with its partners, Elcogen is enabling a wider ecosystem of developers to advance the global shift to net zero, bridging today’s energy landscape with a sustainable future.
Photos: Andres Tarto