The Anonymous Widower

Centrica Partners With Ceres Power On Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

The title of this post, is the same as this article on gasworld.

This is the sub-heading.

UK multinational energy and services company Centrica is partnering with clean tech firm Ceres Power to accelerate solid oxide fuel cells [SOFCs] production to meet forecasted ‘multi-gigawatt’ demand from industrial customers across Europe.

These three paragraphs indicate the market opportunity, that Centrica feel, that the partnership will fill.

With electricity grid connection delays impacting new industrial, commercial and digital projects, the UK and Europe are experiencing a widening gap between demand and available capacity.

Centrica aims to offer customers high‑efficiency, low‑carbon, grid independent on‑site power that can be deployed much faster than gas turbines or nuclear.

Group Chief Executive Chris O’Shea said by collaborating with Ceres’ technology it sees an opportunity to support data centres, AI and industry with cleaner power at scale. Ceres claims SOFCs can be manufactured and delivered on site to get power online “in months not years”.

It certainly sounds feasible to drop in an appropriate-sized stack of fuel cells and connect them up to the gas main.

These two paragraphs, indicate how Ceres will support Centrica.

Initially, Ceres will support Centrica in expanding a new differentiated service-led model for clean power, providing access to British technology through its expanding network of global manufacturing partners.

Ceres will assist Centrica with opportunities across project origination, installation and commissioning, remote monitoring, predictive maintenance and end of life recycling.

I have a few questions for Google AI.

Do Ceres Fuel Cells Emit Carbon Dioxide?

Google AI replied this.

Yes, Ceres Power has developed Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) technology, known as the SteelCell®, that works on natural gas. This technology is specifically designed to be fuel-flexible, capable of converting grid natural gas into electricity at high efficiency.

Key Details About Ceres Fuel Cells and Natural Gas:

Technology Capability: The Ceres SteelCell runs on natural gas, as well as future-focused fuels like hydrogen and biogas.

Application: These fuel cells are used for distributed power generation in homes, businesses, and industrial settings (such as AI data centres).

Efficiency: When running on natural gas, the SOFC systems can achieve an electrical efficiency of around 62%, with total efficiency exceeding 90% when combined with heat recovery.

Emission Reductions: Compared to conventional combustion engines, the technology offers a 30% reduction in carbon emissions.

Current Strategy: As of early 2026, Ceres is focusing on natural gas-fueled SOFCs for stationary power markets, particularly in collaboration with partners like Centrica to address power shortages in the UK and Europe.

While the systems can be used for hydrogen in the long term, they are currently fully functional with natural gas, making them a “bridge” technology for decarbonisation.

A 30% reduction is surely worthwhile!

In What Size Are Ceres Power Holdings Fuel Cells Manufactured?

Google AI replied this.

Ceres Power Holdings’ solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology is manufactured in modular, scalable sizes, with individual stacks ranging from 10-50 kW and commonly deployed in 1-5 MW power modules. These stacks are produced at manufacturing facilities with capacities like 50MW (e.g., with partner Doosan), with plans for up to 100MW annual capacity.

Key manufacturing and size details include:

Cell Component: 30–150W.

Stack: 10–50 kW.

Stack Array/Module: 100–500 kW, up to 1-5 MW modules.

Manufacturing Capacity: 50MW production facility in South Korea (Doosan), with plans for 100MW+ annual capacity in future plants.

Applications: Primarily stationary, distributed power systems for AI data centres, industrial decarbonisation, and commercial buildings.

Ceres licenses its technology to partners like Bosch and Doosan, with cell technology based on low-cost printed steel substrate

How Much Power Does A Top Of The Range MRi Scanner Use?

I am asking this question, as it is surely something you might power with a Ceres fuel cell powered by natural gas.

Google AI replied this.

 

A top-of-the-range MRI scanner (such as a 3-Tesla or 7-Tesla system) is highly energy-intensive, consuming substantial power 24/7 to maintain its superconducting magnet. During active scanning, power usage often ranges from 25 kW up to 80 kW or more.

Here is a breakdown of the power consumption for high-end MRI scanners:

Power Consumption Breakdown

Idle/Stand-by Mode (24/7): The machine constantly consumes roughly 6 to 7 kW for background cooling (liquid helium refrigeration).

Standard Scanning: Productive scanning sessions typically demand around 25 kW.

High-Demand Scanning: Demanding examinations (e.g., head examinations with EPI sequences or special angles) can cause power usage to surge to 70 kW to 80 kW.

System Total: A 3T MRI, including cooling systems (chillers) and peripheral electronics, might require a 3-phase, 480V, 200A supply—roughly equivalent to the capacity of six modern houses.

Conclusion

This seems to be a deal with a large number of possibilities.

Speaking from my past experience of banks and financing, where the bill is ultimately paid by a reputable individual or company like Shell or BP, I believe that Centrica will have no difficulty in financing lots of these systemsusing instiutions like Lloyds or Deutsche Bank.

March 26, 2026 Posted by | Artificial Intelligence, Energy, Hydrogen, Manufacturing | , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

EasyJet’s New Slimline Seats Will Offer 2 Inches More Legroom

The title of this post, is the same as that of this article in The Times.

This is the sub-heading.

The Kestrel seat’s thinner design promises improved knee and shin clearance. Could the ‘fixed recline’ feature also lead to fewer spats over space?

These three paragraphs add more detail to the story.

As budget airlines try to squeeze more and more passengers onto flights, it can feel as though the seat in front gets slightly closer every time you step on a plane.

But a “next generation” economy seat is coming, which its makers say will give travellers extra legroom with no loss of space for airlines.

The Kestrel seat from Mirus Aircraft Seating, a British manufacturer, will be installed from 2028 on hundreds of easyJet’s new aircraft, providing an extra two inches of “improved knee and shin clearance” for passengers.

Hopefully easyJet’s passengers will be sitting more comfortably.

 

March 24, 2026 Posted by | Design, Manufacturing, Transport/Travel | , , | Leave a comment

UK Steel Industry Backed By Major New Trade Measure And Strategy

The title of this post, is the same as that of this press release from UK Government.

These three bullet points act as sub-headings.

  • Landmark new Steel Strategy sets ambition for up to 50% of steel used in the UK to be made in the UK, boosting production from 30%.

  • UK will introduce new trade measure to support national security by preserving vital steel production for critical national infrastructure and defence.

  • Steel import quotas will be reduced with higher tariffs of 50% outside of quotas, ensuring the UK steel sector’s future in the face of global overcapacity.

These three paragraphs add details.

On a visit to Tata Steel Port Talbot to meet steelworkers and launch the Strategy, the Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle announced the Government’s ambition to boost domestic production so that it can meet up to 50% of our domestic demand for steel, and secure the industry’s role in supporting vital UK sectors like infrastructure, defence and clean energy.

Building on the direct financial support the government has made so far, the National Wealth Fund will be the government’s main mechanism for providing up to £2.5 billion of financing for investment in the steel sector this Parliament. The Steel Strategy forms a vital part of the Government’s activist and strategic approach to British industry, taking decisive action to give businesses the certainty and support they need in uncertain times and bolstering the UK’s resilience.

Today, the UK also announces that from 1 July 2026, overall quota levels for steel imports will be significantly reduced by 60% compared to current arrangements, and steel coming into the UK above these levels will be subject to a 50% tariff.

 

March 19, 2026 Posted by | Finance & Investment, Manufacturing, News | , , , , | 3 Comments

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