The Energy research Centre of the Netherlands (ECN) is a private, independent market oriented organization for research, development consultancy and knowledge transfer and has an international key position in the development of sustainable energy supply systems. For the short and medium term sustainable energy solutions the major contribution will be from the clean and efficient conversion of fossil fuels and biomass. Fuel cells are essential elements in these energy supply scenarios. ECN is the main national research institute in the field of fuel cells. ECN has nine years experience in PEM development. In addition, ECN has a twelve-year experience in Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells (MCFC). ECN has been involved in SOFC development since 1991, working closely with Siemens (D) and Sulzer (CH). The core efforts are on the development of SOFC cells and the development of cost efficient (mass) manufacturing processes. ECN established a pre-pilot cell manufacturing unit for SOFC cells in 1997. In 1999 it became an independent commercial venture, InDEC. In March 2003 the German company H.C.Starck acquired the majority of shares from InDEC and took over control. For its fuel cell activities ECN pursues co-operation with universities, other R&D institutes (particularly FZJ Germany, DTU Denmark, VTT Finland, CEA France) and with industrial parties that aim for the commercialisation of fuel cell technology.