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Hydrogen newsletter 4 – 11 March

Statements of companies and regulators with links of primary sources about real projects 

MITSUI Performs World-First Hydrogen TestAdapted ME-GI gas engine runs on hydrogen up to 100% load

MAN Energy Solutions’ licensee, MITSUI E&S Co. Ltd., has announced that it has successfully tested a 50-bore MAN B&W two-stroke engine up to 100% load at its Tamano facility while running on hydrogen, a world-first for the maritime industry, the MAN Energy Solutions announced.

In collaboration with MAN Energy Solutions, MITSUI converted one of the four cylinders of an MAN B&W ME-GI (-Gas Injection) engine to hydrogen operation. The hydrogen was supplied from a hydrogen gas-supply system that MITSUI  developed in 2023.

Stable operation was achieved at various loads and operating conditions, including successful hydrogen combustion up to 100% load. MITSUI also confirmed greenhouse-gas emission reductions of up to 95%, with the remaining fraction originating from the pilot-fuel employed during testing.

In its own press release, MITSUI stated: “This is the world’s first successful hydrogen combustion test on a large, marine two-stroke engine. In achieving operation along with providing the hydrogen gas-supply system, we are now one step closer to developing a zero-emission ship that uses hydrogen as fuel.”

Press release https://shorturl.at/ijnHY

Cell Impact has received an order worth SEK 18M  in the field of electrolysis

Cell Impact has signed an agreement concerning flow plates, tools, and fixtures to a value of just over SEK 18 million. The contract marks a significant step for Cell Impact into the electrolyzer market.

The agreement, spanning 30 months, introduces a new market segment for Cell Impact as well as a new, European customer. The customer boasts a promising unique technology for manufacturing PEM electrolyzers. The project is set to begin in March 2024, with deliveries initially expected to continue until mid-2026.

“One of the advantages of this customer’s technical solution is that it allows us to supply flow plates from our existing production lines based on the Cell Impact FormingTM forming technology, without modifying our machines, says Daniel Vallin, Interim CEO of Cell Impact who concludes:

“At Cell Impact, we have been focusing on enhancing the electrolyzer offering. During 2023, we have communicated product sample deliveries and about ongoing customer projects in interim reports. This agreement confirms that our technology and products are attractive also for electrolyzers—a crucial component in the production of green hydrogen.”

Press release https://shorturl.at/irDM1

FDE to move forward on the development of two H2 projects in Norway 

FDE , a carbon negative energy producer, announced that following the announcement made on January 16th 2024, it has completed the acquisition of a controlling stake in Greenstat ASA, a leading green energy operator based in Norway, with a strong focus on hydrogen and solar activities, to further strengthen the Group’s position as a leading European low-carbon energy production solutions provider.

A driving force in low carbon hydrogen in Norway

Greenstat is the co-owner of one of the first producing green hydrogen plants in Norway at the Stord Hydrogen Pilot site that has been operating for over a year now.

The company has also committed to Enova, the Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment entity focused on promoting a shift towards more environmental-friendly energy and climate technology, to move forward on the development of two H2 projects.

The first project, Hydrogen Hub Agder, is 100% owned by Greenstat and involves the construction of a 20 MW H2 facility dedicated to supplying green H2 to the maritime industry with production expected to start early 2026. ENOVA will support the project costs through a project grant of up to NOK 148,000,000, which represents more than 40% of the total planned investment.

The second project, Glomfjord, is 33% owned by Greenstat and 67% by Neptun Tromsø and relates to the construction of a 20 MW H2 production site of green ammonia dedicated to large fertiliser producer operating in the vicinity, with production expected to start during 2027. Similarly, more than 40% of the planned project costs, for up to NOK 150,000,000, will be financed by a grant from ENOVA.

Describe more in press release https://shorturl.at/bquHK

Sungrow Hydrogen Launches the 300Nm³/h PEM Water Electrolyzer

During the Smart Energy Week 2024 H₂ & FC EXPO hosted in Tokyo Big Sight International Exhibition Center on 28th Feb, Sungrow Hydrogen has received extensive attention and praise with the world debut of its 300Nm³/h PEM water electrolyzer and the grand release of the flexible hydrogen production solution.

The newly released 300Nm³/h PEM water electrolyzer from Sungrow Hydrogen not only breaks through the record of hourly hydrogen yield per PEM stack in the Chinese domestic market but also catches up with the international advanced level in a number of key indicators.

The operation pressure has reached up to 3.5MPa with the adaptation of Sungrow Hydrogen’s patented sailing structure, the original creation of the integrated structure and multi-functional flow channel design make the rated DC power consumption less than 4.15kwh/Nm³ H₂, the wide regulation range from 5% to 110%, and load regulation rate 10%/s shows significant advantages in scenarios that require higher dynamic performance adjustment.

Press release https://shorturl.at/cAI34

IMC UNVEILS DESIGN OF ITS 50 NIKOLA HYDROGEN FUEL CELL ELECTRIC TRUCKS

Nikola Corporation proudly marked a significant milestone as IMC, the largest marine drayage company in the U.S., unveiled the inaugural livery that will adorn its fleet of 50 Nikola hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks. This milestone follows a strategic deal that has been in progress since early 2023 and was formally commemorated during the grand opening of IMC’s state-of-the-art sustainable Compton facility.

“Nikola is proud to be at the forefront of sustainable transportation alongside IMC,” said Nikola President and CEO Steve Girsky. “Their vision to transition their fleet to zero-emissions is a testament to their leadership in the drayage sector and sets a high standard for the industry. We’re honored to be aligned with them as we all work to decarbonize the industry.”

In a forward-thinking move, IMC initiated the purchase of 50 Nikola hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks through Tom’s Truck Centers, a valued member of the Nikola sales and service dealer network. This strategic deal has already brought IMC the initial batch of 10 trucks in Q423, with an additional 10 scheduled for this month. The remaining 30 are expected to be delivered by the end of 2024, solidifying IMC’s commitment to a more sustainable future.

“Our order for 50 Nikola hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks signifies our commitment to innovation and sustainability in drayage operations,” said IMC CEO Joel Henry. “We’re confident that these technology-advanced trucks will not only meet but exceed our expectations for enhanced efficiency and operational excellence.”

Press release https://shorturl.at/htEJ1

3M and HD Hyundai will conduct a joint research project to develop large liquid hydrogen storage tanks

3M and HD Hyundai Korea Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (KSOE) have signed a joint research project agreement to develop large liquid hydrogen storage tanks using Glass Bubbles from 3M – a high-strength, low-density hollow glass microsphere. The collaborative research will focus on developing a high-performance vacuum insulation system for liquified hydrogen storage and transportation.

“We are honored to conduct joint research with 3M on insulation materials for hydrogen storage tanks,” said Kim Sung-jun, CEO of HD Korea Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering.

“Through this agreement, we hope to successfully build a technology collaboration system that can lead the world in the field of liquified hydrogen storage and transportation,” said Dr. Kwang pil Jang, President of the Future Technology Research Institute. “We are very excited to collaborate with 3M, which currently produces one of the highest performing insulation products in the world. HD KSOE will surely lead the future hydrogen society through synergy with 3M based on the global top technology we have accumulated so far.”

Press release https://shorturl.at/aeUYZ

A stationary fuel cell system from Bosch went into operation at German hospital 

A stationary fuel cell system from Bosch went into operation at Hermann Josef Hospital (HJK) in Erkelenz, North Rhine-Westphalia. Oda Keppler, Head of the Sustainability Department of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, put the decentralised fuel cell system from Robert Bosch GmbH into operation during a ceremony held on 6 of March, the Helmholtz Hydrogen Cluster reported. The ten fuel cell units are the first stage in the Multi-SOFC Erkelenz demonstration project. The project is being coordinated by the Helmholtz Hydrogen Cluster (HC-H2), the core of which is the Institutefor Sustainable Hydrogen Economy at the Jülich Research Centre.

In the coming year, the SOFC system will be combined with LOHC technology from Hydrogenious LOHC Technologies GmbH. The project partners will then supply the HJK with a combination of hydrogen technologies shown for the first time. The hospital in Erkelenz is predestined for this because it has a constantly high energy requirement.

This is the first time an SOFC has been used to supply energy to a hospital in Germany. From 2025, it is to be operated with up to 40% hydrogen, which Hydrogenious LOHC GmbH intends to supply in the form of LOHC.

The project is receiving funding totaling 23.6 million euros from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. The responsible minister, Bettina Stark-Watzinger, explained that the project demonstrates the “enormous potential of novel hydrogen technologies”: “In future, the project can serve as a model worldwide when it comes to supplying large consumers and reducing CO2 emissions.”

Press release https://shorturl.at/aGIV4

B.C. Government and Industry Partners Working To Develop Hydrogen as a Low-Carbon Energy Option for Families and Businesses

Enbridge Inc. and FortisBC Energy Inc. announced funding, with contributions from the British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, for their own respective studies to produce an integrated summary that will examine how hydrogen, a low-carbon energy source, can be safely and reliably delivered using the province’s existing gas pipeline infrastructure.

This hydrogen blending study will look at the percentage of hydrogen that can be safely transported through gas pipeline infrastructure, such as Enbridge’s Westcoast natural gas transmission system, as well as FortisBC’s gas transmission and distribution systems, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help develop a low-carbon energy economy. If upon completion it is determined that hydrogen can be safely transported in this infrastructure, the study will be used to inform the development of codes and standards to regulate its transportation and help to inform the development of a commercial hydrogen market in the province.

Enbridge’s Westcoast system operates more than 2,900 kilometres (km) of pipeline from the northeast of the province to the U.S.-Canada border and east to the B.C.-Alberta border. This pipeline system supplies natural gas to FortisBC’s approximately 51,000 km gas transmission and distribution system. The gas transported on these systems is ultimately used to heat homes, hospitals, businesses and schools.

Press release https://shorturl.at/beDT2

Bloom Energy Signs Agreements with Shell to Investigate Opportunities for Hydrogen Energy Projects

Bloom ’ s engagement with Shell will help the advancement of decarbonization opportunities for emergent SOEC technology, the company announced.

Bloom Energy Inc. is teaming up with Shell Plc. to study decarbonization solutions, utilizing Bloom’s proprietary hydrogen electrolyzer technology.

Bloom and Shell will collaborate with the goal of developing replicable, large-scale, solid oxide electrolyzer (SOEC) systems that would produce hydrogen for potential use at Shell assets.

“This technology could represent a potentially transformative moment for opportunities to decarbonize several hard to abate industry sectors,” said KR Sridhar, founder, chairman, and CEO of Bloom Energy. “As the world leader in solid oxide electrolyzer technology, we are poised to provide customers around the world with our proprietary, American-made energy technology to both reduce carbon footprint and sustain economic growth.”

Bloom’s SOEC technology can produce clean hydrogen at scale to augment or replace existing fossil fuel-powered “grey” hydrogen supplies produced at refineries by high carbon dioxide-emitting steam-methane reformation. Clean or “green” hydrogen is produced from water electrolysis, using renewable energy, essentially eliminating greenhouse gas emissions.

Press release https://shorturl.at/wxyUX

Holland Shipyards Group completed fierst trials of second hydrogen-powered vessel

“Another milestone in our journey towards hydrogen-powered shipping; we successfully completed the first trials for Future Proof Shipping’s ‘H2 Barge 2’, the Holland Shipyards Group announced. “The coming days will be dedicated to fine-tuning. Soon you will be able to encounter this second zero emission ship on the waterways. This step forward was made possible by the collaboration with partners who are just as determined as we are to set new standards for the maritime industry, including Orca Marine Design. Their expertise in engineering was crucial in realizing this project. We appreciate the collective effort that has gone into this project and are optimistic about the role of hydrogen in shaping a greener future for shipping”. 

Press release https://shorturl.at/MWY16

PowerCell will deliver its 5 kW VS5 fuel cell systems to power a ‘Meals on Wheels’ van fleet in Wales 

After successful trials and the approval of the Product design, PowerCell Group enter the next phase of the serial supply order of the new VS5-M project together with ColGar Energy Ltd, the company announced.

On June 27, 2023, PowerCell announced a five-year framework agreement for serial deliveries of fuel cell systems with the British company ColGar Energy, a subsidiary of the leading Vantastec Group. The agreement was conditional on the customer approving the product design, which has now happened.

The order signed by Vantastec Group includes deliveries in 2024 and 2025. PowerCell will deliver its VS5 fuel cell system, which is adapted for mobility. Each system has a capacity of 5 kW and will be used to generate auxiliary power for a ‘Meals on Wheels’ van fleet in Wales.

Press release https://shorturl.at/lrEF7

Ballard announces 15 MW order of fuel cell systems 

Ballard Power Systems announced an order for 15 megawatts (MW) of fuel cell systems from a UK-based company specializing in renewable off-grid power generation. Ballard expects to deliver 150 x FCmove®-HD+ 100 kW systems beginning in late 2024 and continuing through 2025.

The current order of 15 MW of fuel cell systems follows prior cumulative orders for roughly 5 MW of fuel cell systems from this customer, illustrating substantial growth in Ballard’s supply relationship and the proven performance of Ballard’s fuel cell technology in stationary power applications. The purchase order is the first order under a new multi-year supply agreement. The agreement also provides the customer an option to purchase up to an additional 296 systems by March 2026, which, if fully exercised, would bring the total number of systems ordered to 446.

Press release https://shorturl.at/prOS2

GM Fuel Cell Pilot Program Extends Beyond Hydrogen Trucks to Create Blueprint for Low-Emissions Worksites

When it comes to electrification, GM is serious about introducing a range of zero tailpipe emissions vehicles and applications, the company stated. From lithium-ion batteries to hydrogen fuel cells, GM is dedicated to helping other companies integrate these solutions into their business operations — and that extends beyond just the fuel cells and batteries. 

GM’s latest fuel cell-related project is a hydrogen-based worksite ecosystem, centered around its fleet of medium duty fuel cell trucks. With funding awarded from the Department of Energy’s SuperTruck 3 program and the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office, GM is spearheading a pilot program that demonstrates real life applications of fuel cells for fleet and commercial customers.

Built on a similar frame to the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 5500 MD(on photo), these field evaluation fleet trucks will be powered by HYDROTEC fuel cell systems. The prototype trucks are expected to have a GM-estimated range greater than 300 miles1 and a 19,500-pound gross vehicle weight rating. The trucks operate in a native 800V architecture and can produce more than 300kW peak power. 

Press release https://shorturl.at/abhm9

Leipzig will put 16 hydrogen-powered waste collection vehicles on the line

A big step on the road to climate neutrality in Leipzig: a total of 16 hydrogen-powered waste collection vehicles will soon be travelling the streets of Leipzig, the local company Stadtreinigung Leipzig announced. That is around a third of all waste collection vehicles. “The new hydrogen vehicles cause significantly less noise and emissions than diesel-powered vehicles. The conversion of the city’s own operations to alternative drive systems is an important sign of Leipzig’s goal of climate neutrality,” emphasised Burkhard Jung, Lord Mayor of the City of Leipzig, at the presentation of the vehicles and the associated filling station.

With the size of our H2 fleet and the associated refuelling station, we are one of the pioneers among German waste management companies. As a result, we save 544 tonnes ofCO2 per year. The purchase of the vehicles is being funded by the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure with a total of around 11.73 million euros as part of the National Innovation Programme for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology (NIP). The funding guideline is coordinated by NOW GmbH and implemented by the Project Management Organisation Jülich (PtJ).

Press release https://shorturl.at/ksIQR

FCH2RAIL demonstrator train completed the testing campaign in the Madrid area

The demonstrator train has completed the testing campaign in the Madrid the FCH2RAIL announced. During the tests, the train simulated various commercial services from Madrid to Talavera, Monfragüe and Caceres. 

Additionally, a maximum autonomy test was carried out in which the demonstrator train reached Merida, capital of Extremadura, and covered a distance of 804km without consuming the total amount of H2 stored.  

With the end of this campaign, four Spanish provinces have witnessed the testing of the demonstrator train: Madrid, Toledo, Caceres and Badajoz.

Press release https://shorturl.at/jsBPT

Hynion to build two refueling stations for hydrogen-powered heavy trucks in Sweden 

The transport group MaserFrakt has invested in two hydrogen trucks of the brand Holthausen Clean Technology. The first truck was delivered to Borlänge last week, from where it will operate. The trucks will have the possibility to be refueled at Hynion’s hydrogen refueling stations in Sandviken, Västerås and

Jönköping, in addition to the hydrogen refueling station that is operated under their own management in Borlänge, the company stated.

MaserFrakt aims for only fossil-free transport in 2030 and is the first company in Sweden with hydrogen-powered heavy trucks in its vehicle fleet. The trucks they have ordered from Holthausen Clean Technology have fuel cells with a capacity of 120-240 kW, electric motors of 250-450 kW and tanks that hold 50-100

kg of hydrogen, giving a range of up to approximately 680 km.

Press release https://shorturl.at/oEKSW

SoCalGas RD&D tests a microturbine running on 100% hydrogen for the first time

Microturbines offer a compact solution for dispatchable power in microgrids and renewable energy systems. To tackle elevated NOx emissions typically associated with high hydrogen blending (>30%) in microturbines, UCI Advanced Power and Energy Program team studied the impact of hydrogen injection and mixing.

Tests on 100% hydrogen (a first for a C-65 engine) with modified hydrogen injectors and combustor liners demonstrated a retrofittable path forward to substantial reduction in NOx emissions. These results could pave the way for deploying field-retrofittable microturbines in pure hydrogen microgrids.

Press release https://shorturl.at/oqBNR

Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Symbio Sign MOU on Joint Development of Fuel Cell Systems

Kawasaki Heavy Industries (Kawasaki) and Symbio concluded a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the joint development of fuel cell systems for mobilities including construction machinery. 

Through this MOU, Kawasaki and Symbio aim to integrate and leverage Kawasaki’s network in construction machinery and its development & manufacturing experience for high-pressure hydrogen gas valves with Symbio’s expertise in fuel cell technology for automobiles. Both companies will explore the application of fuel cell systems to mobilities, including construction machinery solutions planned by potential customers. The extensive experience and technology of both leverage to further advance the development of more efficient low-carbon fuel cell systems.

Press release https://www.symbio.one/en/news-and-media/kawasaki-heavy-industries-and-symbio-sign-memorandum-understanding-joint-development

Cryomotive GmbH revealed a new type hydrogen storage vessel technology 

The Cryomotive GmbH announced that “a new generation of CcH2 CRYOGAS hydrogen storage vessel with mass-production ready towpreg winding scheme has seen the first light of the Bavarian sunrise”, the company reported. “The first two new CRYOGAS hydrogen storage vessels with towpreg winding look great and a new relaxed phase for Cryomotive’s hydrogen storage manufacturing team has started”.

The new Cryomotive CROYGAS hydrogen storage vessel can store around 40 kg of cold gaseous compressed hydrogen at up to 45 MPa (450 bars). Two of vessels( one is on photo) can bring a hydrogen truck a 1000 km range per fill. A refill of 80 kg of CRYOGAS can be performed in less than 15 minutes. With a cascade of larger CRYOGAS vessels we could store tons of green hydrogen onboard of ships, distribution trailers, shipping containers and aircrafts.

Press release https://shorturl.at/nAGRV

Fusion Fuel Receives €1 Million Grant for Alentejo Green Hydrogen Valley

Fusion Fuel announced  that it has received approval for a €1.015 million grant from the European Innovation Fund’s Horizon Europe Programme. The Company was included as a member of H2tALENT, a consortium of 29 partners from six countries across Europe and sponsored by the Universidade de Évora. H2tALENT was one of three consortia funded in the topic (HORIZON-JTI-CLEANH2-2023-1), which was created to develop small-scale hydrogen valleys that demonstrate the decarbonization potential of hydrogen and cover the entire value chain from research & development through to end-use.

Press release https://shorturl.at/O1235

Austal and Gotlansdbolaget to construct a high-speed catamaran with a hydrogen-powered turbine

Austal Limited announced that Austal and Gotlandsbolaget of Sweden have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop a construction contract for the ‘Gotland Horizon X’ catamaran concept.

‘Gotland Horizon X’ is a high-speed aluminium catamaran that will utilise gas turbines in a combined cycle to transport up to 1,450 passengers, cargo and vehicles between the Swedish mainland and the island of Gotland.

Under the terms of the MOU and proposed construction contract, the high-speed catamaran will be designed by Austal and constructed at the Austal Philippines shipyard.

Announcing the MOU, Austal Limited Chief Executive Officer Paddy Gregg said Austal is ready to deliver a catamaran that is not only the largest, longest, and most technologically advanced ferry design developed by the company, but also enabling Gotlandsbolaget to achieve their climate-neutral emissions targets.

Press release https://shorturl.at/ehPQ0

Statera Appointed Aker Solutions as Owner’s engineer For the First Phase of Kintore Hydrogen Project 

Statera Energy announced the appointment of Aker Solutions as owner’s engineer for the first 500MW phase of our Kintore Hydrogen project. 

Aker Solutions’ process industry expertise, particularly with green hydrogen, will supplement the Statera team during the front-end engineering design (FEED) phase. 

Bringing Aker Solutions’ skills and knowledge into the project team is an important step in developing the optimal scheme for our 3GW green hydrogen electrolyser project, Kintore Hydrogen.

Press release https://shorturl.at/abzDY

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