Estonian manufacturer Elcogen has inaugurated a new 14,000 m² industrial facility on the outskirts of Tallinn, dedicated to the large-scale production of Solid Oxide technologies. The investment amounts to approximately EUR50mn ($53.4mn), financed by industrial partners including Baker Hughes and HD Hyundai, as well as the European Innovation Fund, which committed an additional EUR25mn ($26.7mn) to support capacity expansion.
The plant, named ELCO I, marks a major scale-up for Elcogen, boosting its annual production capacity from 10 MW to 360 MW. This expansion positions the company among Europe’s largest manufacturers of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) and Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC) components.
Industrial capacity and international deployment
The components produced – cells, stacks, and modules – are integrated by third-party partners into systems for applications such as hydrogen production and off-grid power generation. The facility is powered by a 9 MW energy supply from the nearby Iru Power Plant and features heat recovery and thermal oxidisers to reduce emissions from the production process.
Construction was carried out by Maru Ehitus AS, with completion on schedule and on budget. According to Chief Executive Officer Enn Õunpuu, the facility is designed to meet growing global demand for Solid Oxide-based energy solutions, while maintaining the performance required for industrial-scale production.
A platform for growth
Elcogen plans to create around 300 local jobs as the site ramps up to full production. Founded in 2001, the company currently employs nearly 150 people from more than 20 nationalities. Its customers include system integrators operating in hydrogen, distributed power, and industrial backup sectors.
The company also intends to use ELCO I as a blueprint for replicating its operations internationally. Manufacturing licences could be granted to trusted partners in markets focused on domestic production and supply chain resilience.
Technological and industrial cooperation
The inauguration gathered more than 300 guests, including representatives of partner companies, financial institutions, and universities. Chairman of the Board Chris Nash stated that the launch demonstrates Elcogen’s readiness to deliver at scale and to build long-term partnerships with system integrators and governments.
The participation of major industrial groups, including HD Hyundai and Baker Hughes, reflects a strategy to position in markets where energy sovereignty and industrial decarbonisation have become key priorities.
