Containerized hydrogen fuel cell and battery solution gives shipping new options

Project partners Port of Gothenburg, Skanska, PowerCell Group, Hitachi Energy, Linde Gas, Volvo Group and Skagerak Energy have conducted a joint field test to demonstrate the latest innovation in hydrogen-electric power infrastructure: the containerised Hyflex solution.

The product is a flexible container solution that can be used in a wide range of applications for emission-free power production. Hyflex uses a 100kW hydrogen fuel cell from PowerCell in combination with batteries to generate power independently of the grid without emitting greenhouse gases when using green hydrogen. From March 4 to 17 in the Port of Gothenburg, the project partners demonstrated that the solution is ready to replace fossil fuel solutions today in real life operations.

The trial was focused on off grid power generation for construction sites and vehicles, but the technology also has potential port applications, specifically with marine shore power connections – cold ironing – in mind.

“The Hyflex has the potential to replace diesel generator sets across multiple platforms, as well as taking on new power generation applications. The current demonstrator has been developed with construction sites in mind, however we also recognise the need for marine and port electrification applications, such as sustainable ship-to-shore power,” said Richard Berkling, CEO of PowerCell Group.

From a marine perspective, the demonstrator project is well-timed with the European Union’s latest regulations. Under FuelEU Maritime, it will be obligatory for passenger and containerships to use shore power supplies for all electricity needs while moored in major EU ports as of 2030

PowerCell is also involved in a groundbreaking fuel cell ferry development. 

On Norway’s most extended and weather-exposed ferry connection between Lofoten and Bodø, Torghatten Nord will develop and operate hydrogen ferries from next year. The solution includes Marine System 200, providing the two ferries with 6 MW power each and 15 years of service by PowerCell.