CX-100897 Thin-Film, Metal-Supported High-Performance and Durable Proton-Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cell

Thin-Film, Metal-Supported High-Performance and Durable Proton-Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cell
Award Number: DE-EE0008080
CX(s) Applied: A9, B3.6, B3.15
Fuel Cells Technologies Office
Location(s): CT
Office(s): Golden Field Office

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is proposing to provide federal funding to United Technologies Research Center (UTRC) for the demonstration of a proton-conducting solid oxide electrolyzer cell (p-SOEC) concept through fabrication and testing of a p-SOEC cell and the development of a detailed cost estimate model. Project work would occur within existing facilities at UTRC and the University of Connecticut in Connecticut. This is a three-year research project that includes multiple budget periods. Only Budget Period 1 (BP1) is being negotiated at this time so this NEPA review is for BP1 activities only. Additional NEPA review will be required if DOE proposes to continue funding the project into subsequent budget periods.

Project work includes the design, fabrication, testing, and characterization of p-SOEC cells at a laboratory scale as well as project management and reporting activities. These activities would utilize standard laboratory equipment and would occur in existing laboratories designed for this type of work; therefore no major modifications, new permits, additional licenses and/or authorizations would be necessary. Minor modifications to testing and/or cell fabrication equipment may be required at both facilities. No ground disturbing activities, no changes in operation of existing facilities, and no installation of equipment outdoors would occur at any of the facilities involved in the project. Each of the laboratory facilities would follow the proper procedures for the handling and disposal of gases and chemicals in accordance with each facility’s existing environmental health and safety plans and procedures as well as all federal, state, and local environmental regulations. All employees have been trained in these policies and procedures and appropriate equipment is in place at each facility to minimize the health and safety risks to both employees and the public. Other non-hazardous wastes would be disposed of in accordance with established procedures at each facility and would comply with all local regulations. The University of Connecticut would be utilizing nanoscale materials during this project. These materials would be handled in laboratory facilities with appropriate equipment designed and dedicated for these purposes. All waste would be handled and disposed of in accordance with existing environmental health and safety procedures and would comply with all local regulation. DOE does not anticipate any impacts to resources of concern due to the proposed activities of the project.