Development of an engineering model of Regenerative fuel cell system for power generation on Mars

Powering Mars Missions with Local Resources

This ESA project is developing a new energy system that can produce electricity on Mars using only the planet’s own atmosphere. The system is based on a technology called Regenerative Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (RSOFCs), which splits carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the Martian air into carbon monoxide and oxygen. These gases are stored and later used to generate electricity—creating a smart, closed loop.

The goal is to build and test a prototype that’s tough enough for Mars, especially during long missions. A key challenge is preventing carbon buildup inside the system, and the project will explore two strategies: avoiding carbon completely, or safely collecting it.

The end result will be a tested, efficient power system that helps future astronauts or robots work on Mars without needing fuel from Earth.

Contact

Ivar Wærnhus

Senior Researcher - Fantoft

ivar@norceresearch.no
+47 56 10 77 93
+47 930 02 476

Project facts

Name

Development of an engineering model of Regenerative fuel cell system for power generation on Mars

Status

Active

Duration

01.01.19 - 01.06.25

Location

Bergen

Total budget

8.000.000 NOK

Research group

Space & Energy Technology

Funding

ESA - European Space Agency

Prosjekteier

NORCE

Project members

Ivar Wærnhus

Veronika Reckova

Jarle Farnes

Development of an engineering model of Regenerative fuel cell system for power generation on Mars

Powering Mars Missions with Local Resources

Contact

Project facts

Name

Status

Duration

Location

Total budget

Research group

Funding

Prosjekteier

Project members

Contact

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