Ceramics in the energy transition—key material for green technologies
Technical ceramics make an important contribution to the generation of renewable energies. In solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOEC), ceramic electrolytes enable the efficient production of green hydrogen at high temperatures. They are also used in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) to generate electricity and heat from renewable sources. In wind turbines, ceramic bearings ensure low friction, long service lives and corrosion resistance—even under extreme conditions. Porous ceramics are used as high-temperature heat accumulators in solar heating systems. Ceramic materials also play a role in the production of solar cells, for example, as heat-stable substrates or in structuring the cells. Their heat resistance, chemical stability and long service life make ceramics an indispensable material in numerous energy transition technologies.
Ceramic materials for the energy transition: key technology for renewable systems
Technical ceramics make an essential contribution to transforming energy systems. They enable efficiency, durability and functionality in processes where other materials reach their limits—particularly at high temperatures, in corrosive media or under extreme mechanical loads. Ceramic materials have become a crucial technological component in the generation and use of renewable energies—from the hydrogen economy and wind power to solar energy and heat storage.
At the center of many current developments are solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) and solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOEC)—both are based on ceramic electrolytes and electrodes. In the fuel cell, they generate emission-free electricity and heat from hydrogen and oxygen, while the electrolysis cell uses electricity to break down water into hydrogen and oxygen. Ceramic materials such as yttrium stabilized zirconium oxide (YSZ) or lanthanum strontium cobaltite (LSC) are used in both systems—they offer high ionic conductivity, temperature resistance and electrochemical stability. Particularly in the field of high-temperature electrolysis (SOEC), intensive research is being carried out to further increase the efficiency of hydrogen production. The first plants for large-scale use are already running in pilot projects.
Ceramics are also increasingly being used in wind turbines—not as spectacular rotor blades but as resilient, durable internal components: Hybrid bearings with ceramic balls made of silicon nitride (Si₃N₄) reduce friction and wear in gearboxes and generators, especially under fluctuating load conditions. Their electrical insulation protects against electric discharge in the bearing and significantly extends the service life. In addition, ceramic sensor housings and insulators improve the reliability of electrical systems even under harsh environmental conditions.
Another future field is the use of ceramic materials in heat storage systems, for example, for concentrated solar power (CSP) or industrial high-temperature processes. Ceramic storage media based on aluminum oxide or silicates are characterized by high thermal shock resistance and low thermal aging. Innovative concepts rely on molded ceramic bodies or ceramic packed beds to efficiently store process heat that is later used to generate electricity or for industrial applications.
Ceramics are also indispensable in solar cell production, whether as high-temperature resistant carrier plates, insulators in sintering furnaces, or precise flow elements in coating processes. Ceramic components are also used in wafer manufacturing, glass finishing and in the field of plasma technology. Their resistance to thermal and chemical stress contributes significantly to the quality and efficiency of modern photovoltaic production.
Looking ahead to future developments, the focus is on functional and structural ceramic materials. Materials that conduct heat, insulate electrically, act as electrolytes, or are chemically catalytically active can now be tailored specifically for complex energy processes. The trend is moving toward customized ceramics, for example, through additive manufacturing or targeted microstructure control. The result is components that can function simultaneously as a load-bearing structure, heat exchanger and electrochemical reactor—compact, efficient and durable.
In the context of the energy transition, it is clear that ceramic materials are not a fringe technology but a central link between renewable energy generation, energy storage and system integration. Their high temperature stability, chemical robustness and electrical functionality make them key materials for the sustainable technologies of tomorrow.