ABB and Ballard plan 3MW marine fuel cell

The new system is intended to fit in a single module of a similar size to a traditional marine engine of the same power. During the initial phase, the collaboration will focus on the development of fuel cell power systems for passenger vessels.

The proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEM) will convert chemical energy from hydrogen into electricity through an electrochemical reaction. They involve no combustion, with heat and clean water the only by-products, resulting in an emissions-free energy chain (if hydrogen is generated by renewable energy).

Rob Campbell, chief commercial officer, Ballard Power Systems, said: “The rapidly evolving marine market represents an exciting growth opportunity for zero-emission fuel cell technology. Ballard’s prior development and deployment of megawatt-scale containerised PEM fuel cell systems for land-based use gives us the experience and knowledge to collaborate effectively on the development of marine solutions.”

ABB is already involved in collaborative development of the fuel cell technology for marine applications, including research, testing and a pilot installation implementation. As reported, a pilot project with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines led by ABB also uses a Ballard fuel cell.

A recent review of marine fuel cell projects prepared by DNV GL for the European Maritime Safety Agency lists the largest knownm fuel cell installation to date as the 625kW molten carbonate fuel cell tested by the US military under the Ship Service Fuel Cell project.