Blue World Technologies has announced the successful testing of what it believes to be the world’s first 200kW high-temperature PEM fuel cell module at the newly established test facilities at the Blue Aalborg Factory, where the fuel cells for the system are produced.
Results from initial testing exceeded performance expectations. With an electrical efficiency of up to 55% when reaching a commercial stage, the fuel cell system will typically provide a fuel saving of 20-30% which enables a cost-efficient use of green fuels. Additionally, the fuel cell system allows for up to 100% carbon capture for both utilisation in green fuel production and for storage.
Dennis Naldal Jensen, CTO Blue World Technologies said: “This is a major breakthrough within maritime decarbonisation and with the test of our 200kW system, we are proving that the HT PEM fuel cell technology has the potential of being one of the key technologies to decarbonise the hard-to-abate sectors. During the test period, we successfully validated our system setup with the methanol fuel processor, the series connection of the fuel cell stacks, as well as the balance of plant components surrounding the fuel cells.”
The first pilot system will be a 1 MW system for onboard power production, to be installed on one of A.P. Moller-Maersk’s large dual fuel-enabled methanol vessels with installation on board expected during 2026.
Anders Korsgaard, Co-founder and CEO Blue World Technologies said: “Having worked with fuel cell technology for more than 20 years, it is amazing for us to reach this stage of the technology development, where we with these large systems can provide a strong alternative to an industry that is heavily dependent on fossil-based technologies. Maersk is the global frontrunner when it comes to maritime decarbonisation, and we are very pleased with the collaboration on the first 1 MW pilot and we are very much looking forward to getting the system out sailing”.
The order for the pilot system was followed by a venture investment by Maersk Growth – the venture arm of A.P. Moller-Maersk – which at the end of 2023 participated in an €11m pre-C-round alongside the Export and Investment Fund of Denmark (EIFO), Cycle Group, and other shareholders. With the great potential of the HT PEM fuel cell technology, investors are following the development and test of the system closely:
Alex Smout, Investment Director Maersk Growth said: “As an investor in Blue World Technologies, we are pleased to follow the progress of the system development and we share the team’s excitement for the successful testing of the 200-kW fuel cell system. The maritime industry needs multiple new technologies and pathways to reach its net-zero targets, and high-temperature PEM fuel cell technology is very promising in finding a balance between the high electrical efficiency, size, and load adjustment. This is a great example of how we can support innovation through both investment and partnership.”
Blue World will initially supply systems for auxiliary power and expects that its maritime system will reach a commercial level in 2027. Eventually, the company will proceed to supply multi-megawatt propulsion systems for global shipping, which is where the fuel cell technology could provide a great impact on both the environment and climate.
Image: 200kW fuel cell system under test at Blue World’s fuel cell factory in Aalborg, Denmark (source: Blue World Technologies)
