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Innovation for industry | Energies


Sylfen, local energy storage and production with a single piece of equipment

Published on 19 December 2022
​Locally-produced clean energy at a price that competes with major utilities”

The same piece of Sylfen equipment can produce hydrogen, electricity, or heat depending on energy prices and user needs. It’s a competitive and extremely flexible solution.


3D view of the Sylfen Smart Energy Hub

3D view of the Sylfen Smart Energy Hub - Courtesy of Sylfen

The Sylfen Smart Energy Hub is the result of more than twelve years of R&D conducted at the CEA and is protected by nine patents. It is a fully reversible high-temperature electrolyzer that can also be used as a fuel cell. It is available in several versions, from a few dozen to several hundred kilowatts.

In electrolyzer mode, it converts electricity into hydrogen. In fuel cell mode, it produces electricity. Generated heat is recovered as well, which translates to overall efficiency much higher than that of conventional equipment. Battery hybridization allows short-term electricity storage.

User needs determine the appropriate mode of operation: storing renewable energy, powering hydrogen vehicles, recharging batteries, or heating buildings. Sylfen meets user needs by modulating local energy production and consumption and adapting to major utilities’ price fluctuations.


Key figure: 20

Sylfen is one of 20 French startups on the 2022 “French Tech Green20” list


Key Markets:

  • Public and industrial buildings
  • Logistics facilities
  • Subsidized housing

Technology:

  • High temperature electrolyzer (700 °C–800 °C), reversible for fuel cell use

Year founded: 2015

CEA institute: Liten