PowerCell joins new EU project to develop marine fuel cells

Swedish hydrogen fuel cell provider PowerCell has joined H2Marine, an EU project aimed at developing innovative hydrogen solutions with a focus on developing and testing fuel cells specifically for marine applications.

The project entails a comprehensive process of design, development, testing, and distribution of PEM fuel cell stacks that generate 250-300 kW of electricity.

The H2Marine project spanning 42 months officially commenced in January 2024, with the consortium comprising 13 members, including companies and research institutes coordinated by CERTH (The Centre for Research & Technology-Hellas).

The total funding amounting to €7.5 million is provided by the European Commission under the Horizon Europe framework within the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, co-financed by the European Union (EU) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).

By joining H2Marine, PowerCell will contribute its technical expertise and fuel cell technology to support the project’s goal to further develop fuel cell technology optimized for the harsh climate of marine installations.

“The H2Marine project means we can improve our existing fuel cell platform in a segment where we are at the forefront. We already have validated and certified technology for marine use and this gives us opportunities to take significant steps forward,” said Lisa Kylhammar, SVP Engineering at PowerCell. “I am confident that the collaboration with the other members, combined with our solid industry knowledge, will enable a faster transition for a green maritime industry.”

“We are proud to have been selected to be part of the H2Marine project. PowerCell has significant marine deliveries this year and has shown that we are a key player in enabling and commercialising fuel cell technology within the marine segment,” added Richard Berkling, CEO of PowerCell.

“2030 is approaching rapidly and this will be another important piece of the puzzle to expand our product portfolio for marine applications and help our customers achieve their emission goals.”

In 2023, PowerCell and methanol-to-hydrogen technology firm e1 Marine, in partnership with RIX Industries, conducted a string test of their respective technologies for a 200kW propulsion chain as part of the validation of Maritime Partners LLC’s M/V Hydrogen One inland push boat.