Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market Size and Outlook 2031

Report Description

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 1.16 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	10.83%
Fastest Growing Segment	Stationary
Largest Market	Asia Pacific
Market Size (2031)	USD 2.15 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market will grow from USD 1.16 Billion in 2025 to USD 2.15 Billion by 2031 at a 10.83% CAGR. Planar solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are electrochemical devices that utilize flat, ceramic plate assemblies to convert the chemical energy of fuels, such as hydrogen or natural gas, directly into electricity. This planar geometry facilitates compact stacking and high power density, making the technology particularly suitable for stationary power generation in commercial and industrial sectors. The market is primarily driven by the growing requirement for decentralized, resilient energy systems to support critical infrastructure like data centers, alongside the technology's exceptional electrical efficiency and fuel flexibility which aid in meeting decarbonization targets.

According to the International Energy Agency's Advanced Fuel Cells Technology Collaboration Programme, in 2024, global stationary fuel cell installations were projected to reach approximately 418 megawatts. Despite this positive trajectory, the market encounters a substantial challenge related to the long-term durability of stack components. The high operating temperatures necessary for efficient ion conduction often result in material degradation and thermal stress, thereby increasing maintenance costs and hindering the widespread adoption of these systems.

Key Market Drivers

The expansion of data centers requiring reliable on-site power is a primary force propelling the global planar solid oxide fuel cell market. As artificial intelligence and cloud computing drive exponential growth in energy consumption, facility operators are increasingly turning to planar SOFCs for their high power density and ability to generate continuous baseload electricity independently of strained utility grids. The compact geometry of planar stacks allows for efficient space utilization in dense industrial environments, solving critical power availability issues for hyperscale operators. According to Bloom Energy, November 2024, in the 'Bloom Energy and AEP Announce Agreement to Power AI and Data Centers' press release, the company finalized a supply agreement to deliver up to 1 gigawatt of solid oxide fuel cells specifically to support data center infrastructure. This magnitude of deployment underscores the technology's vital role in ensuring operational resilience for digital assets.

Simultaneously, the availability of financial incentives and subsidies for clean energy is accelerating the commercialization and cost-competitiveness of these systems. Public funding mechanisms designed to build out the hydrogen economy are directly benefiting the SOFC sector by subsidizing the fuel infrastructure and manufacturing capacity required for widespread adoption. According to the European Commission, April 2024, in the 'Commission awards nearly €720 million to renewable hydrogen projects' press release, the institution allocated nearly €720 million to seven renewable hydrogen projects via the European Hydrogen Bank auction, fostering an ecosystem essential for fuel cell operation. These incentives encourage technology transfers and manufacturing scaling, which are crucial for market maturation. According to Ceres Power Holdings plc, in 2024, the company secured a collaboration deal with Delta Electronics involving revenue of £43 million, reflecting the growing industrial valuation of planar solid oxide intellectual property driven by this favorable investment climate.

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Key Market Challenges

The Global Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market faces a critical hurdle regarding the long-term durability of stack components. These devices must operate at intense temperatures to facilitate efficient ion conduction, but this thermal environment inevitably causes material stress and degradation. The resulting wear leads to premature performance loss and necessitates frequent, costly stack replacements. This significantly increases the total cost of ownership and creates financial uncertainty for commercial operators who require stable, low-maintenance power solutions.

Consequently, the high operational expenditure associated with stack fragility restricts the technology from competing effectively against conventional grid power in non-subsidized sectors. While government-supported initiatives have fostered adoption in specific niches, the broader market struggles to expand due to these lifecycle cost barriers. According to the Advanced Cogeneration and Energy Utilization Center Japan, in 2024, cumulative residential fuel cell installations reached 503,276 units. Despite this regional progress, the recurring maintenance burden linked to component durability continues to limit the technology's viability for widespread industrial application globally.

Key Market Trends

Manufacturers are aggressively advancing reversible planar solid oxide cell and solid oxide electrolysis cell technologies to enable dual-mode operation for efficient energy storage. This trend is shifting the technology's primary value proposition from solely power generation to acting as a critical grid-balancing asset that converts excess renewable electricity into green hydrogen. The planar architecture is particularly favored for these applications due to its high volumetric density and thermal integration capabilities, which are essential for scaling industrial hydrogen production. According to Topsoe, August 2024, in the 'Topsoe’s new SOEC factory: A pioneering effort at hydrogen production comes online' press release, the company prepared to operationalize its new manufacturing facility in Herning, Denmark, with an initial annual capacity of 500 megawatts of solid oxide electrolysis cells to support this growing demand.

The maritime industry is simultaneously integrating high-density planar SOFCs into onboard auxiliary power units to mitigate emissions in regulated shipping lanes and ports. Unlike propulsion systems which require immense power, auxiliary units utilize the compact footprint of planar stacks to provide cleaner hotel load power, thereby replacing polluting diesel generators on space-constrained vessels. This application is further accelerated by the compatibility of planar cells with hydrogen carriers like ammonia, allowing ship operators to utilize future-proof fuels without extensive engine retrofits. According to Alma Clean Power, August 2024, in the 'Alma Clean Power achieves milestone with 100 kW ammonia fuel cell test' news release, the company successfully completed the testing of a 100 kilowatt direct ammonia solid oxide fuel cell module specifically designed to decarbonize ocean industries.

Segmental Insights

The Stationary segment has emerged as the fastest-growing area in the Global Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market due to rising requirements for consistent and decentralized power generation. This expansion is primarily supported by the integration of these systems into data centers and commercial infrastructure where uninterrupted energy is essential. Additionally, regulatory frameworks from organizations such as the U.S. Department of Energy promoting low-emission technologies have significantly boosted adoption rates. The ability of these units to operate efficiently on various fuels further solidifies their position as a preferred solution for sustainable and resilient stationary power supply.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific dominates the Global Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market, driven by robust government support and rising industrial energy demand. Nations like Japan and South Korea actively accelerate hydrogen infrastructure development through strategic policies. Notably, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in Japan incentivizes the commercialization of fuel cell technologies for residential and industrial use, significantly boosting regional adoption. Furthermore, China's expanding manufacturing sector necessitates efficient distributed power generation systems. These regulatory frameworks and economic factors collectively establish the region's leading status in the planar solid oxide fuel cell sector.

Recent Developments

In November 2025, Weichai Power signed a manufacturing license agreement to produce solid oxide fuel cell technology developed by Ceres Power. This agreement allowed the Chinese power systems developer to establish a manufacturing facility for cells and stacks specifically targeting stationary power markets, including data centers and industrial applications. The deal superseded previous joint venture arrangements and granted the partner rights to manufacture the planar solid oxide fuel cell technology in China. The collaboration was expected to address the growing demand for reliable power systems in the region, utilizing the technology licensor's established steel cell design.
In August 2024, Bloom Energy launched a new solid oxide fuel cell power solution capable of delivering approximately 60% electrical efficiency while operating on 100% hydrogen. This technical milestone was achieved at the company's research and development center in California and underscored the potential of planar solid oxide fuel cell technology in the clean energy transition. The system was designed to provide reliable, low-carbon electricity for energy-intensive sectors such as data centers. Additionally, the technology supported combined heat and power configurations, which could elevate total system efficiency to roughly 90%, offering a viable solution for distributed power generation.
In May 2024, Elcogen announced the development of a new manufacturing facility located in Tallinn, Estonia, designed to significantly expand its production capacity for planar solid oxide fuel cells and stacks. The new 14,000 square meter factory was planned to increase the company's manufacturing capability from 10 megawatts to 360 megawatts. This expansion utilized the company's advanced technology to meet the rising global demand for emission-free energy and green hydrogen production solutions. The facility was developed in partnership with a construction firm and incorporated automated production processes to enhance efficiency and enable cost reductions in the planar solid oxide fuel cell market.
In January 2024, Ceres Power Holdings and Delta Electronics entered into a global long-term manufacturing collaboration and license agreement. This strategic partnership focuses on the production of both solid oxide electrolysis cell and solid oxide fuel cell stacks using the company's specialized planar technology. The agreement involves revenue of £43 million payable to the technology developer through technology transfer and engineering services. The collaboration aims to enable the mass production of efficient clean hydrogen solutions for various applications. Construction of the new factory was scheduled to begin in 2024, with initial production by the manufacturing partner expected to commence by the end of 2026.

Key Market Players

Bloom Energy Corporation
Ceres Power Holdings plc
Solid Power Inc.
FuelCell Energy, Inc
Siemens Energy AG
Ultra Electronics Holdings Limited
Atrex Energy, Inc
Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited
Kyocera Corporation
Versa Power Systems

By End-User	By Application	By Region
Commercial Data Centers and Others	Stationary Transportation Portable	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market, By End-User:

Commercial
Data Centers
and Others

Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market, By Application:

Stationary
Transportation
Portable

Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market, By Region:

North America

United States
Canada
Mexico

Europe

France
United Kingdom
Italy
Germany
Spain

Asia Pacific

China
India
Japan
Australia
South Korea

South America

Brazil
Argentina
Colombia

Middle East & Africa

South Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

Global Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market is an upcoming report to be released soon. If you wish an early delivery of this report or want to confirm the date of release, please contact us at [email protected]

Table of content

1. Product Overview

1.1. Market Definition

1.2. Scope of the Market

1.2.1. Markets Covered

1.2.2. Years Considered for Study

1.2.3. Key Market Segmentations

2. Research Methodology

2.1. Objective of the Study

2.2. Baseline Methodology

2.3. Key Industry Partners

2.4. Major Association and Secondary Sources

2.5. Forecasting Methodology

2.6. Data Triangulation & Validation

2.7. Assumptions and Limitations

3. Executive Summary

3.1. Overview of the Market

3.2. Overview of Key Market Segmentations

3.3. Overview of Key Market Players

3.4. Overview of Key Regions/Countries

3.5. Overview of Market Drivers, Challenges, Trends

4. Voice of Customer

5. Global Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market Outlook

5.1. Market Size & Forecast

5.1.1. By Value

5.2. Market Share & Forecast

5.2.1. By End-User (Commercial, Data Centers, and Others)

5.2.2. By Application (Stationary, Transportation, Portable)

5.2.3. By Region

5.2.4. By Company (2025)

5.3. Market Map

6. North America Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market Outlook

6.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.1.1. By Value

6.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.2.1. By End-User

6.2.2. By Application

6.2.3. By Country

6.3. North America: Country Analysis

6.3.1. United States Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market Outlook

6.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.3.1.1.1. By Value

6.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.3.1.2.1. By End-User

6.3.1.2.2. By Application

6.3.2. Canada Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market Outlook

6.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.3.2.1.1. By Value

6.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.3.2.2.1. By End-User

6.3.2.2.2. By Application

6.3.3. Mexico Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market Outlook

6.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.3.3.1.1. By Value

6.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.3.3.2.1. By End-User

6.3.3.2.2. By Application

7. Europe Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market Outlook

7.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.1.1. By Value

7.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.2.1. By End-User

7.2.2. By Application

7.2.3. By Country

7.3. Europe: Country Analysis

7.3.1. Germany Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market Outlook

7.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.1.1.1. By Value

7.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.1.2.1. By End-User

7.3.1.2.2. By Application

7.3.2. France Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market Outlook

7.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.2.1.1. By Value

7.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.2.2.1. By End-User

7.3.2.2.2. By Application

7.3.3. United Kingdom Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market Outlook

7.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.3.1.1. By Value

7.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.3.2.1. By End-User

7.3.3.2.2. By Application

7.3.4. Italy Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market Outlook

7.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.4.1.1. By Value

7.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.4.2.1. By End-User

7.3.4.2.2. By Application

7.3.5. Spain Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market Outlook

7.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.5.1.1. By Value

7.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.5.2.1. By End-User

7.3.5.2.2. By Application

8. Asia Pacific Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market Outlook

8.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.1.1. By Value

8.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.2.1. By End-User

8.2.2. By Application

8.2.3. By Country

8.3. Asia Pacific: Country Analysis

8.3.1. China Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market Outlook

8.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.1.1.1. By Value

8.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.1.2.1. By End-User

8.3.1.2.2. By Application

8.3.2. India Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market Outlook

8.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.2.1.1. By Value

8.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.2.2.1. By End-User

8.3.2.2.2. By Application

8.3.3. Japan Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market Outlook

8.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.3.1.1. By Value

8.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.3.2.1. By End-User

8.3.3.2.2. By Application

8.3.4. South Korea Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market Outlook

8.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.4.1.1. By Value

8.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.4.2.1. By End-User

8.3.4.2.2. By Application

8.3.5. Australia Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market Outlook

8.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.5.1.1. By Value

8.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.5.2.1. By End-User

8.3.5.2.2. By Application

9. Middle East & Africa Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market Outlook

9.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.1.1. By Value

9.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.2.1. By End-User

9.2.2. By Application

9.2.3. By Country

9.3. Middle East & Africa: Country Analysis

9.3.1. Saudi Arabia Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market Outlook

9.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.3.1.1.1. By Value

9.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.3.1.2.1. By End-User

9.3.1.2.2. By Application

9.3.2. UAE Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market Outlook

9.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.3.2.1.1. By Value

9.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.3.2.2.1. By End-User

9.3.2.2.2. By Application

9.3.3. South Africa Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market Outlook

9.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.3.3.1.1. By Value

9.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.3.3.2.1. By End-User

9.3.3.2.2. By Application

10. South America Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market Outlook

10.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.1.1. By Value

10.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.2.1. By End-User

10.2.2. By Application

10.2.3. By Country

10.3. South America: Country Analysis

10.3.1. Brazil Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market Outlook

10.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.3.1.1.1. By Value

10.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.3.1.2.1. By End-User

10.3.1.2.2. By Application

10.3.2. Colombia Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market Outlook

10.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.3.2.1.1. By Value

10.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.3.2.2.1. By End-User

10.3.2.2.2. By Application

10.3.3. Argentina Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market Outlook

10.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.3.3.1.1. By Value

10.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.3.3.2.1. By End-User

10.3.3.2.2. By Application

11. Market Dynamics

11.1. Drivers

11.2. Challenges

12. Market Trends & Developments

12.1. Merger & Acquisition (If Any)

12.2. Product Launches (If Any)

12.3. Recent Developments

13. Global Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market: SWOT Analysis

14. Porter's Five Forces Analysis

14.1. Competition in the Industry

14.2. Potential of New Entrants

14.3. Power of Suppliers

14.4. Power of Customers

14.5. Threat of Substitute Products

15. Competitive Landscape

15.1. Bloom Energy Corporation

15.1.1. Business Overview

15.1.2. Products & Services

15.1.3. Recent Developments

15.1.4. Key Personnel

15.1.5. SWOT Analysis

15.2. Ceres Power Holdings plc

15.3. Solid Power Inc.

15.4. FuelCell Energy, Inc

15.5. Siemens Energy AG

15.6. Ultra Electronics Holdings Limited

15.7. Atrex Energy, Inc

15.8. Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited

15.9. Kyocera Corporation

15.10. Versa Power Systems

16. Strategic Recommendations

17. About Us & Disclaimer

Report Description

Table of content

Figures and Tables

Frequently asked questions

What was the market size of the Global Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market in 2025?

Which is the dominating region in the Global Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market?

Which is the fastest growing segment in the Global Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market?

What is the expected growth rate of the Global Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market?

Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast Segmented By End-User (Commercial, Data Centers, and Others), By Application (Stationary, Transportation, Portable) By Region, Competition 2021-2031F

Report Description

Table of content

Figures and Tables

Frequently asked questions

What was the market size of the Global Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market in 2025?

Which is the dominating region in the Global Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market?

Which is the fastest growing segment in the Global Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market?

What is the expected growth rate of the Global Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market?