#374 Net Zero Champion – Engineering Matters Awards
Summary
This episode highlights Ceres Power as the gold winner of the Engineering Matters Awards 2026 Net Zero Champion category. Hosts Alex Conacher and Ian Owen interview Nick Lawrence about their steel-supported solid oxide fuel cell technology, which offers a robust, modular power solution for data centers facing grid constraints. The discussion covers how this electrochemical system provides reliable, low-emission electricity without combustion, enabling rapid deployment and scalability for AI infrastructure.
Topics discussed
The surge in data center energy demand and grid constraints
Introduction to Ceres Power and the Net Zero Champion award
Nick Lawrence's engineering background and career path
History of Ceres Power and evolution of solid oxide fuel cells
Challenges of traditional high-temperature solid oxide technology
Ceres' steel-supported cell design and cost advantages
Fuel cell lifespan, stack replacement, and electrolyzer capabilities
Strategic role of fuel cells for data centers and on-site power
Manufacturing scale-up and the benefits of modular power systems
Other award winners and episode credits
Listen ad-free on Castria