Status of National Project for SOFC Development in Japan

Abstract

The basic research and development for SOFC technology began in 1989, and included two phases prior to 2001. In Phase 3, from 2001 to 2004, we carried out the development of thermal self-supporting modules, which resulted in high performance, cost effective and reliable modules. To prepare for the demonstration for introduction, NEDO carried out system technology development for 10kW to 200kW classes of SOFCs from 2004 to 2007. Furthermore, elemental technology development for future generation SOFCs was done from 2005 to 2007. In 2007 NEDO started demonstrative research on SOFC, to identify issues for future technological development. Our novel project from 2008 to 2012 has just been commenced for the improvement of durability and the advancement of practical applications. This paper summarizes status of national project for SOFC Development in Japan.