The solid oxide cell can be operated reversibly in both fuel cell and electrolysis mode. In fuel cell operation, electrical energy and water are generated from the fuel hydrogen, while in electrolysis operation, electrical energy is used to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.

In reversible operation, additional energy can be stored in the form of hydrogen or synthesis gas (if water is combined with carbon dioxide) in times of energy surplus and used later in times of energy demand in fuel cell operation.

This dynamic can be used to stabilise energy production and increase the efficiency of large production plants.