1Electrocatalytic conversion of metane in a cell with a solid oxygen conducting electrolyte:CH4, Ni\0.9ZrO(2) + 0.1Y(2)O(3)\Pt + PrO2, airwas studied at the temperature range 750 degrees C-850 degrees C. The Ni electrode was found to be an active electrode-catalyst for partial oxidation of CH4 to syngas with the concentration ratio [H-2] : [CO]similar to 2. The CH4 conversion and CO selectivity attained 85%-95% and 90%-95%, respectively, at 800 degrees C-850 degrees C. Under these conditions the Ni electrode-catalyst was stable to coking and had a negative value of electrode potential with respect to an air counter electrode. The direct partial oxidation mechanism was shown to be the most probable for the electrocatalytic conversion of CH4 to syngas.