Electrical anode reduction of solid oxide fuel cell

Method for electrical anode reduction of at least one solid oxide fuel cell comprising at least an anode, a cathode, an interposed electrolyte and an interconnector, assembled to form an assembled solid oxide fuel cell, comprising the steps of:

• providing the at least one solid oxide fuel cell in an ambient air environment,
• raising the temperature of the at least one solid oxide fuel cell from ambient temperature to a target temperature above 700° C., sufficient to reduce the anode,
• applying a voltage in the range of 0.6 to 2.4 Volt per cell to the at least one solid oxide fuel cell, sufficient to reduce the anode,
• cooling the at least one solid oxide fuel cell to ambient temperature when the electrical current through the at least one solid oxide fuel cell has reached a constant low level, whereby the anode reduction is completed,
• cutting off the voltage to the at least one solid oxide fuel cell.