ABB Partners with Ballard Power Systems for Marine Fuel Cell Application

ABB and Ballard Power Systems have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on developing the next-generation fuel cell power system for sustainable marine e-mobility.

The fuel cell power system, to be jointly designed, developed and validated by ABB and Ballard Power Systems, is anticipated to play a significant part in accelerating the industry-wide adoption of sustainable solutions for marine e-mobility, and help ship-owners meet the increasing demands for clean operations.

ABB and Ballard Power Systems will leverage the existing kilowatt-scale fuel cell technologies and optimize them to create a pioneering megawatt-scale solution suitable for powering larger ships.  With an electrical generating capacity of 3MW (4000 HP), the new system will fit within a single module no bigger in size than a traditional marine engine running on fossil fuels.

Fuel cell systems can have various applications for vessels, such as providing power for a ship’s hotel operations during the time of docking, or for powering the propulsion when ships are at sea.  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) convert the chemical energy from hydrogen into electricity through an electrochemical reaction.  They involve no combustion, converting fuel directly to electricity, heat and clean water.  With the use of renewables to produce the hydrogen, the entire energy chain can be clean.

ABB is already actively involved in collaborative development of the fuel cell technology for marine applications, including research, testing and a pilot installation implementation.

Harry Forbes, ARC Advisory Group, commented, “Marine and offshore power applications present unique challenges.  Zero-emission fuel cell technology will represent a new addition to ABB’s extensive experience and marine solution portfolio.”