Europe's transition towards climate neutrality requires not only clean energy technologies but also more sustainable ways of manufacturing them. Functional ceramics play a central role in next-generation energy systems, yet traditional manufacturing processes often lack the precision needed for complex components, hindering their industrial adoption.
The SuMaCer project proposes a holistic approach for smart and sustainable scale-up, aiming to enable faster, cleaner, and smarter manufacturing of clean energy devices entirely within Europe. To achieve this, it integrates advanced additive manufacturing techniques, digital twins, and process optimisation, validating market relevance through three industrial-scale minimum viable products: SOFC, SOEC, and a metal-supported sodium battery.
The project, which started in September 2026, held its kick-off meeting on 8 and 9 October in Barcelona, bringing together all 12 European partners to align objectives and establish the project roadmap. With a total budget of over €5 million and a duration of 36 months, SuMaCer combines research, technology, and industrial expertise.
IREC will coordinate the project, leading the definition of manufacturing and system-level requirements, and participating in the development and optimisation of manufacturing routes for solid oxide cells and the metal-supported sodium battery. It will also lead the project's clustering and exploitation activities, under the guidance of Marc Torrell (Nanoionics and Fuel Cells Department) and Shanti Liga (Corporate Development and Technology Transfer Department).
