Bosch Buys Small Piece of Fuel-Cell Specialist Ceres Power

By 2050, it is expected that more than 6 billion people worldwide – 70% of the global population – will live in cities.

Bosch and Ceres Power have signed a collaboration agreement on developing the next stage of solid-oxide fuel-cell (SOFC) technology. Bosch also plans to take a 4% equity stake in the company based in Horsham, U.K.

Ceres Power is thought to be a leader in the development of next-generation SOFC technology. Its strategy is to commercialize its technology through mass production with partners, and to use this technology for grid-based and distributed power generation. The intention is that SOFC systems will be used in cities, factories, data centers, and as a power supply for charging points for electric vehicles.

“Bosch believes that the highly efficient fuel cell, with its very low emissions, has an important role to play in energy systems’ security of supply and flexibility,” said Dr. Stefan Hartung, Bosch management board member.

With urbanization on the increase, Bosch thinks that fuel-cell technology has a vital role to play in securing power supplies: by 2050, it is expected that more than 6 billion people worldwide – 70% of the global population – will live in cities.

Currently, the world’s metropolises account for 75% of the energy consumed worldwide. By 2035, global energy consumption will have increased 30%. In the future, meeting this increased demand for electricity solely with large, centralized power stations will not be possible.