New partnership to integrate PEM fuel cell technology with methanol reformers

HELION Hydrogen Power, a French high-power fuel cell manufacturer, and M Reformer, a Spanish company that specializes in developing and commercializing sustainable solutions for hydrogen generation through methanol reforming, have entered a strategic partnership set to focus on coupling proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell technology with methanol reformers.

As disclosed, HELION will provide a 100 kW fuel cell that will be paired with M Reformer’s E-NOMAD, a system designed for the generation of off-grid electrical energy. The aim is to demonstrate that HELION systems are compatible with hydrogen produced from methanol.

“The coupling of hydrogen fuel cells with methanol reformers represents a significant advancement toward sustainable energy solutions. Methanol-hydrogen generators enable the production of high-quality hydrogen, which is essential for the proper operation of a fuel cell,” the companies said.

By combining the two systems, the partners aim to highlight the importance of using hydrogen vectors in liquid form to meet customer demand for increased on-site energy storage capacity.

Vincent Mahéo, President of HELION, stated: “This strategic partnership constitutes a decisive step in our product development strategy, laying the groundwork for the multi-vector H2 function of our systems. By using green hydrogen derived from methanol, we are addressing one of the biggest constraints of storage: the amount of usable energy for our clients. We are committed to supporting the adoption of this future technology by reducing the barriers related to hydrogen storage that currently hinder its widespread use.”

Javier Torres, Managing Director of M Reformer, commented: “Our commitment to green molecules, especially methanol, is maximum, as demonstrated by all those clients who have already trusted in the products designed by M Reformer. I cannot be prouder of this great opportunity provided by HELION to demonstrate the compatibility of our system with their technology and with the desire for future joint collaborations in new designs for the applications in which they are leaders in the various sectors.”