Genevos has launched the development of a next-generation Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) solution for commercial shipping and cruise sectors through its new role in the 15m€ EU-funded HELENUS (High Efficiency Low Emission Nautical Solid Oxide Fuel Cell) consortium.
As a newly appointed partner in the Horizon Europe–backed project, Genevos will lead the development of a highly scalable, modular SOFC power unit engineered specifically for energy intensive ocean-going maritime applications and capable of processing multiple fuel types. Their 100 kW module, the XPM-100, will form the core building block capable of supplying significant power to multi-MW applications.
Designed for high efficiency, durability and fuel flexibility, the XPM-100 targets principally next-generation vessels using LNG or bio-methane with the potential to generate power at efficiencies vastly superior to that of combustion engines, dramatically reducing operating cost, but also eliminating harmful pollutants (NOx, SOx, PM) and halving greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Through the project HELENUS, Genevos will take the XPM-100 from advanced development into real-world maritime demonstration on board a research vessel operated by the German Aerospace Centre (DLR), targeting Technology Readiness Level 7 by project completion.
“We are honoured to be joining HELENUS, working alongside some of Europe's leading research and shipping partners to pioneer the development and demonstration of SOFC's - breaking new grounds inscalability, robustness and performance,” said Phil Sharp, Chief Technology Officer at Genevos.
HELENUS brings together shipbuilders, technology providers, classification societies, and end-users to develop and demonstrate SOFC systems for onboard power and propulsion. Cruise shipping is a key focus, with partners such as Chantiers de l’Atlantique and MSC Cruises supporting the pathway from demonstration to commercial use.
“We welcome Genevos to HELENUS and look forward to their technical contribution,” says Dr. Dheeraj Gosala, project coordinator at DLR. “Their deep marine fuel cell expertise strengthens the consortium’s capability to achieve the ambitious goals of HELENUS and drive zero-emission technologies forward.”
The HELENUS project is funded under EU Grant Agreement No. 101056784 and aims to pave the way for large-scale adoption of low and zero-emission power systems across the maritime industry.
Consortium Partners Include:
· German Aerospace Centre (DLR) – project coordinator and research lead;
· Wärtsilä – engine and power system integrator;
· Chantiers de l’Atlantique – cruise ship designer and builder;
· IHC MTI (Royal IHC) – naval engineering and vessel design specialist;
· Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore –classification and certification expert;
· MSC Cruises – end-user and early adopter partner;
· Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) –academic fuel cell research;
· BALance Technology Consulting – performance and system analysis;
· IFEU – environmental lifecycle analysis; and
· Genevos – marine fuel cell technology developer.
For more information visit: https://www.helenus.eu/