"The main objective of the present project proposal is to develop uniform and industry wide test procedures for SOC cell/stack assembly. The proposal builds on experiences gained in the FCTESTNET, FCTESQA series of projects taking up the methodology developed there. This project proposal will address new application fields which are based on the operation of the SOFC cell/stack assembly in the fuel cell and in the electrolysis mode. The project partners have long-term experience in the development, testing and harmonization of solid oxide cells/stacks. The project will have a clear structure based on an initial definition phase, the development of generic test modules which will be validated by experimental validation phases. The review of the test procedures will result in modified test modules leading to a subsequent second validation loop. At the end of the project, the final test modules will be confirmed by round robin tests. Moreover, the project will address safety aspects, liaise with standardization organizations and establish contact with industrial practice. This collaborative project will essentially help to accelerate the development and the market penetration of hydrogen and fuel cell (H2&FC) energy systems in Europe."