EMEC Hydrogen selects Genevos to supply fuel cell power pack for ferry
OceansLab cleantech spin-off company Genevos is chosen as marine fuel cell supplier under the £2.2 million HIMET (Hydrogen in an Integrated Maritime Energy Transition) project to provide a zero emissions auxiliary power solution which will be trialled on board a RoRo ferry.
MV Shapinsay Ferry, Credit Orkney Ferries
Led by EMEC Hydrogen based in Orkney, HIMET is one of 55 projects selected for funding under the Department for Transport’s flagship Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition, delivered in partnership with Innovate UK. The project will explore solutions for decarbonising ferries as well as shore-side activities in ports.
To decarbonise ferries, various solutions will be designed and demonstrated during this 7-month project including hydrogen storage, the supply of on-board auxiliary power using a hydrogen fuel cell, and also the application of hydrogen in a conventional ferry propulsion engine.
Genevos was chosen by EMEC Hydrogen to supply one of their recently-launched Hydrogen Power Modules (HPMs), which will be installed for demonstration purposes on the deck of an Orkney Ferries RoRo ferry, the MV Shapinsay. The HPM was selected primarily due to its ‘plug and play’ marinised concept, integrating both fuel cell systems and power management.
Once project demonstration activities are complete, Genevos will support HIMET partners to facilitate uptake across the UK and further afield, demonstrating the maritime working practices of the future.
Phil Sharp, HPM inventor said:
“It is an exciting opportunity to be working with EMEC, one of the world’s renowned clean-energy R&D centres, to demonstrate the potential of hydrogen fuel cells as a zero emissions solution for ferries.
“Hydrogen has been identified as a vital clean fuel for decarbonising vessels and HIMET is a valuable project that is taking immediate action to help address net-zero solutions and accelerate this vital clean energy transition.”
James Walker, EMEC’s Hydrogen Development Manager said:
“We are pleased to be working with Genevos as it is important that we demonstrate green hydrogen innovations that are coming forward to provide solutions for hard to decarbonise sectors.”
“EMEC foresees significant opportunities in maritime innovation, with hydrogen and hydrogen derivative fuels expected to play a vital role in decarbonising the sector.
“Building on the knowledge and experience from various green hydrogen projects that have instigated the development of a hydrogen economy locally, the HIMET project will showcase emerging and innovative technologies which will help pave the way to decarbonising maritime activities.
“While the project will focus on addressing challenges in the Orkney context, we believe our findings will be applicable to all island and coastal environments where vessels provide vital lifeline services.”
Genevos offer HPMs from 15 kW to 45 kW that can be connected in parallel to provide zero emissions power applications up to 500 kW. The HPM follows stringent marine design and safety standards and can be used to eliminate or reduce vessel emissions through use in propulsion or auxiliary power generation.
Genevos Hydrogen Power Module