Genevos Joins EU-Backed Project to Develop Marine Solid Oxide Fuel Cell

Genevos, a leading marine fuel cell company, is participating in the EU-backed Helenus project to develop a modular solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) power unit for large oceangoing vessels. This initiative aims to advance the use of fuel cell technology in the maritime sector, focusing on improving efficiency and reducing emissions on large ships.

Key Technical Specifications and Facts

The core of Genevos’ contribution to the Helenus project is its XPM-100 module, a 100 kW power unit designed for marine applications. This module is engineered to operate on a variety of fuels, including liquefied natural gas (LNG) and bio-methane, offering flexibility in fuel sourcing. The XPM-100 is intended as a building block for multi-megawatt (MW) onboard power systems, suggesting its scalability for larger vessels.

The Helenus project involves a consortium of shipbuilders, technology providers, and shipowners, all working together to promote the adoption of fuel cell technology in the shipping industry. A key aspect of the project is a demonstration phase, where the developed SOFC system will be tested on a research vessel operated by the German Aerospace Centre (DLR). The project aims to achieve Technology Readiness Level 7 (TRL 7), indicating a system prototype demonstration in an operational environment. The project has a particular focus on cruise vessels.

Technical Analysis — Innovative Aspects and Challenges

The use of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) presents several innovative aspects for marine propulsion and power generation. Unlike proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, which necessitate pure hydrogen as fuel, SOFCs can utilize a broader range of fuels, including LNG and bio-methane. This fuel flexibility is a significant advantage in the maritime sector, where infrastructure for hydrogen bunkering is still under development. The ability to use readily available fuels like LNG can facilitate a smoother transition to cleaner energy sources.

SOFCs operate at very high temperatures, which contributes to their higher fuel flexibility and potentially higher efficiency compared to PEM fuel cells. However, these high operating temperatures also pose technical challenges related to material selection, thermal management, and system durability. Ensuring the long-term reliability and safety of SOFC systems in the harsh marine environment is a critical consideration.

The modular design approach, exemplified by the XPM-100, is a key innovation for scaling up fuel cell power systems for large oceangoing vessels. By combining multiple 100 kW modules, it becomes possible to create multi-megawatt systems that can meet the power demands of large ships. This modularity also offers advantages in terms of redundancy and maintenance, as individual modules can be serviced or replaced without shutting down the entire power system.

Industry and Regulatory Context

The maritime industry is under increasing pressure to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set targets for reducing carbon intensity and total greenhouse gas emissions from shipping, driving the adoption of alternative fuels and propulsion technologies. Hydrogen and hydrogen-derived fuels are seen as promising solutions for decarbonizing the sector, but their widespread adoption requires overcoming several challenges, including infrastructure development, cost competitiveness, and regulatory frameworks.

The Helenus project aligns with the EU’s broader efforts to promote sustainable shipping and reduce emissions from the maritime sector. By supporting the development and demonstration of fuel cell technology, the project contributes to the EU’s goals of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. Furthermore, the project’s focus on cruise vessels is significant, as this segment of the shipping industry is particularly visible and faces growing scrutiny regarding its environmental impact.

The involvement of shipbuilders, technology providers, and shipowners in the Helenus project highlights the importance of collaboration in driving innovation in the maritime sector. By bringing together different stakeholders, the project can address the technical, economic, and regulatory challenges associated with the adoption of fuel cell technology in shipping.

Why This Matters for the Hydrogen Shipping Sector

The Helenus project and Genevos’ involvement are significant for several reasons. Firstly, the project demonstrates the potential of SOFC technology as a viable alternative to traditional combustion engines in large oceangoing vessels. The fuel flexibility of SOFCs makes them particularly attractive in the context of a transition to cleaner fuels, as they can utilize existing fuels like LNG as well as future fuels like hydrogen and bio-methane.

Secondly, the project contributes to the development of a supply chain and ecosystem for fuel cell technology in the maritime sector. By bringing together shipbuilders, technology providers, and shipowners, the project fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing, which are essential for accelerating the adoption of fuel cell technology.

Thirdly, the demonstration of the SOFC system on a research vessel will provide valuable data and insights into the performance, reliability, and safety of the technology in a real-world operating environment. This will help to build confidence in the technology and pave the way for its commercialization. Achieving TRL 7 is a key milestone in this process.

Finally, the project’s focus on cruise vessels is strategically important, as this segment of the shipping industry is facing increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact. The successful demonstration of fuel cell technology on a cruise vessel could serve as a catalyst for its wider adoption in the industry.

Challenges and Open Questions

Despite the promising potential of SOFC technology, several challenges and open questions remain. The high operating temperatures of SOFCs pose significant engineering challenges related to material selection, thermal management, and system durability. Further research and development are needed to improve the performance and reliability of SOFC systems in the harsh marine environment.

The cost of fuel cell technology is another barrier to its widespread adoption. While the cost of fuel cells has decreased significantly in recent years, it is still higher than that of traditional combustion engines. Further cost reductions are needed to make fuel cell technology economically competitive.

The availability of suitable fuels is also a critical consideration. While SOFCs can utilize a range of fuels, the long-term sustainability of the technology depends on the availability of renewable fuels like hydrogen and bio-methane. Investments in the production and distribution of these fuels are needed to support the widespread adoption of fuel cell technology.

Finally, regulatory frameworks need to be adapted to accommodate the use of fuel cell technology in shipping. Clear and consistent regulations are needed to ensure the safety and environmental performance of fuel cell systems.

Sources

shipandbunker.com — https://shipandbunker.com/news/emea/508292-genevos-joins-eu-backed-project-to-develop-marine-solid-oxide-fuel-cell