Fuel cell and hydrogen technology company Advent Technologies has signed a joint development agreement (JDA) with energy technology company Siemens Energy.
Ion-Pair membrane electrode assembly
The JDA outlines the collaboration between Advent and Siemens Energy, combining Advent’s HT-PEM fuel cell 50kW modules using its Ion-Pair membrane electrode assembly (MEA) technology with Siemens Energy’s electrification and automation solutions for hybrid and electric vessels.
Advent Technologies’ HT-PEM fuel cells using the Ion Pair MEA technology offer high-temperature operation between 80°C and 240°C. This advancement extends their lifespan by at least threefold and doubles the power density compared to earlier Advent systems. Additionally, Advent’s HT-PEM fuel cell technology enables the use of liquid green fuels like e-methanol, enhancing efficiency by using both heat and electricity, resulting in high resilience. These fuel cells can function with impure hydrogen, impure air intake and in extreme ambient temperature and humidity conditions, making them an ideal choice for widespread adoption in the maritime industry.
As the world advances towards extensive green hydrogen production, the partners have asserted that e-methanol has emerged as a leading choice for marine fuel in the maritime industry, promising a potential 100% reduction in CO2 emissions. Methanol and its derivatives function as versatile energy carriers and storage solutions, efficiently releasing hydrogen catalytically through fuel reformers. With its efficient storage capabilities, ease of handling and use of existing infrastructure for transportation, methanol stands as a secure and economically viable alternative to fossil fuels.
HT-PEM fuel cell module prototype
The goal is to develop an integrated 500kW High-Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane (HT-PEM) fuel cell solution for maritime applications and then evaluate to scale down/up the system to fit with market requirements, from motor yachts and giga-yachts to ferries and container/commercial ships.
The initial prototype testing for the HT-PEM fuel cell module is expected to take place at Siemens Energy’s testing facility in Erlangen, Germany, in 2025, with the testing of the first fuel cell module scheduled for completion in 2026. Advent is currently engaging with customers in the maritime industry and anticipates signing commercial term sheets in the near term to pursue upcoming requests for proposals (RFPs).
The clean energy solution resulting from this multi-year collaboration is expected to initially address the power needs of large yachts. Plans are underway to then broaden its application to include ferries and commercial/container vessels.
Collaboration history
This agreement builds upon the existing collaboration between Advent and Siemens Energy, which began in February 2022 with the Sanlorenzo Life Ocean pilot project. In this project, the companies co-developed a marine HT-PEM fuel cell solution to provide clean power for hotel functions aboard a 50m Sanlorenzo superyacht. Additionally, in March 2024, Advent and Siemens Energy deepened their collaboration by joining as consortium partners in the RiverCell 3 research and development project, which is partially funded by the German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport as part of the National Innovation Programme Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology.
Dr Vasilis Gregoriou, chairman and CEO of Advent, commented, “The Advent team is thrilled to witness Siemens Energy’s recognition of the immense potential of HT-PEM fuel cell technology in maritime applications. After two years of intensive collaboration, we stand prepared for the next stage, with the goal of positioning HT-PEM fuel cell technology as a pivotal element in global decarbonization initiatives, working toward achieving net-zero emissions in the maritime sector by 2050. We look forward to maintaining our collaborative momentum, combining our extensive fuel cell expertise with Siemens Energy’s unparalleled experience in electrification and automation solutions, to collectively pave the way for a more sustainable future in maritime operations worldwide.”
In related news, naval architecture and marine engineering firm Glosten and Siemens Energy recently selected Ballard Power Systems and Chart Industries as primary equipment vendors for their design of what is slated to be the first hydrogen-hybrid research vessel in the world. Click here to read the full story.
