Alma Clean Power: 100 kW direct ammonia fuel-cell system tested

August 13, 2024, by Fatima Bahtić

Norwegian clean energy solutions provider Alma Clean Power has completed testing of a 100 kW fuel-cell system powered directly by ammonia.

As disclosed, the testing was conducted at the Energy House at Stord where the system is fully integrated into a simulated maritime environment. When the 100 kW module is validated, larger power systems can be developed and interconnected, using this module as a building block, according to Alma Clean Power.

The testing is part of the Clean Ammonia Power (CAP) project developed with industry partners such as Finnish technology group Wärtsilä, Norwegian energy major Equinor, chemical company Yara, and supply, subsea, seismic and cable-laying shipping company.Eidesvik.

The project is supported by Innovation Norway, Sustainable Energy and Siva.

The “first-of-its-kind” solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system converts ammonia directly to electricity without upstream cracking. The technology is designed and produced by Alma Clean Power in cooperation with production partners PSW and Aker Solutions. The cell and stacks to the project are provided by Fraunhofer IKTS.

Earlier on, Alma Clean Power performed testing of a 6 kW direct ammonia fuel cell system. Now, the system has been significantly scaled up, and it includes all auxiliary systems necessary for maritime applications, such as safety systems and advanced control.

“This milestone marks a significant step forward in our commitment to developing clean, sustainable energy solutions for the maritime industry,” said Bernt Skeie, CEO at Alma Clean Power.

“Our team has worked tirelessly to bring this innovative system to life, and we are proud to be at the forefront of ammonia-based energy solutions.”

Alma Clean Power specializes in the production of high-temperature SOFC for the ocean industries. The technology is expected to decarbonize deep-sea shipping, as it can operate on hydrogen-based fuels with zero emissions or on fossil-based fuels such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) with efficient carbon capture.

The firm is currently in a pilot and demonstration phase to refine its technology and prepare for its upcoming commercialization.