A fuel cell layer with a fuel plenum, an oxidant, and a plurality of fuel cells, wherein each fuel cell has a porous substrate, a channel, an anode and a cathode formed in opposite channel walls, an electrolyte contacting the anode and the cathode preventing transfer of fuel to the cathode and transfer of oxidant to the anode, a coatings to prevent fuel or oxidant from entering a portion of the porous substrate, a first sealant barrier disposed on the first side and the second sealant barrier disposed on the second side, and a positive and a negative electrical connection disposed on the second side, wherein multiple fuel cells are connected and the fuel cell assembly generates a current to drive an external load.