The University of Surrey has entered into a new partnership with clean energy technology company Ceres to accelerate the development of next-generation clean power and hydrogen production systems.
The collaboration brings together Ceres’ expertise in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) and solid oxide electrolysis (SOEC) with Surrey’s research strengths in electrochemical energy systems, advanced materials characterisation, and digital and multiscale modelling.
Advancing solid oxide technologies
Solid oxide electrolysis enables highly efficient hydrogen production using electricity and heat, while solid oxide fuel cells can generate low-carbon electricity for applications including industrial processes, data centres and decentralised energy systems.
Under the partnership, researchers will focus on improving the efficiency, durability and operational performance of these technologies. Advanced modelling and mechanistic insights will be used to help bridge the gap between fundamental research and real-world deployment.
The aim is to shorten development timelines and support the scale-up of electrochemical technologies that are increasingly seen as critical to a low-carbon energy system.
Supporting skills and workforce development
In addition to technical research, the collaboration seeks to address a growing skills gap in hydrogen and electrochemical energy technologies. Demand for expertise in these areas is rising as the UK expands its clean energy and net zero programmes.
Through joint research projects, collaborative funding bids, and student training and placement opportunities, the partnership aims to help develop the next generation of engineers and scientists with practical experience in clean energy systems.
Professor Qiong Cai, Professor in Sustainable Energy and Materials at the University of Surrey and academic co-lead, said:
“Solid oxide electrolysis and fuel cells have huge potential to underpin future energy systems, from large-scale hydrogen production to low-carbon power for industry. Progress depends on improving efficiency, durability and performance so these systems can operate reliably in real-world conditions.”
Professor Jin Xuan, Associate Dean of Research and Innovation for the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences and co-lead for the partnership, highlighted the importance of workforce development:
“There is a growing skills gap in hydrogen and electrochemical energy technologies at a time when demand is increasing rapidly. Working with Ceres allows us to help train future engineers and scientists and ensure the UK has the expertise needed to support a net zero economy.”
Industry–academia collaboration
The partnership is set out in a three-year Heads of Terms agreement and will establish a pipeline of joint research activity aligned with national clean energy priorities.
Dr Subhasish Mukerjee, Chief Scientific Officer at Ceres and a Visiting Professor within Surrey’s School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, said the collaboration builds on existing strengths in the solid oxide field.
“By combining fundamental electrochemistry research with modelling, digitalisation and strategic testing, this collaboration supports the development of the next generation of clean energy technologies and the UK’s progress towards net zero.”
The partnership supports broader UK efforts to decarbonise power generation, enable low-carbon hydrogen production and strengthen domestic capability in advanced energy technologies.
