The 200kW fuel cell system was tested at Blue World's test facility associated with the Aalborg fuel cell plant in Denmark
Startup Blue World Technologies reported that it has completed testing of its first 200kW high-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell module. The test was completed at the new test facility at the Blue Aalborg plant, where the system's fuel cells are manufactured. Initial testing has been completed and the results have been excellent, exceeding performance expectations.
Blue World 海事系统
Rendering of a 200kW fuel cell module
The system is a scalable configuration designed to replace traditional fossil fuel generator sets and provide a large multi-megawatt fuel cell propulsion system at a later date. The system is built using a modular approach, enabling the fuel cell powertrain to be containerized as an on-deck solution or integrated directly on board. The system is expected to enter the commercial power generation phase in 2027.
The system is based on high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell technology (HT PEM). When powered by renewable methanol, the system has net-zero operation. According to the company, fuel cell systems are also ready for carbon capture, ensuring that carbon dioxide can be recovered or stored. It enables up to 100% carbon capture for green fuel production and storage. In terms of NOx, SOx, or particulate matter emissions, fuel cell systems are designed without causing air pollution.
The company says fuel cell systems will be up to 55% efficient when they reach the commercial stage, often saving 20-30% of fuel, making the use of green fuels cost-effective.
Blue World will initially provide an auxiliary power system and expects its maritime system to reach commercial level by 2027. Eventually, the company will continue to provide multi-megawatt propulsion systems for global shipping, an area where fuel cell technology will have the greatest impact on the environment.
Dennis Naldal Jensen, CTO of Blue World Technologies, explained: "This milestone test is undoubtedly a major breakthrough in the field of maritime decarbonization. Our 200kW system is a testament to the potential of HT PEM fuel cell technology in hard-to-abate industries. We are demonstrating that HT PEM fuel cell technology has the potential to be one of the key technologies for decarbonizing hard-to-abate industries. During the tests, we successfully verified the balance of our methanol fuel processor, the tandem connection of the fuel cell stack, and the equipment components around the fuel cell. ”
1 megawatt system
Renderings of the Blue World 1 MW pilot system, including 5 x 200kW fuel cell modules
The first pilot system is a 1 MW system for shipborne power generation. The system will be installed on a large dual-fuel methanol vessel at AP Moller–Maersk and is expected to be installed in the first half of 2026.
Following the order for the pilot system, Maersk's venture capital arm AP Moller made a venture capital investment in it, and they participated in a €11 million ($11.8 million) Series C funding round at the end of 2023 with the Danish Export and Investment Fund (EIFO), Cycle Group and other new and existing shareholders. With the potential of HT PEM fuel cell technology, Maersk Growth, the investment arm of Maersk, is closely monitoring the development and testing of the system.
Alex Smout, Investment Director at Maersk Growth, said: "As an investor in Blue World Technologies, we are excited to follow the progress of the system development and we share the team's excitement about the successful testing of the 200kW fuel cell system. The maritime industry needs a variety of new technologies and pathways to achieve net zero goals, and high-temperature PEM fuel cell technology is very promising in finding a balance between high efficiency, size and load regulation. This is a great example of how we can support innovation through investment and collaboration. ”
Anders Korsgaard, Co-Founder and CEO of Blue World Technologies, said: "We have been working on fuel cell technology for over 20 years, and it's great to be able to reach this stage of technology development, with these large systems, we can provide a powerful alternative to industries that rely heavily on fossil technology. ”
"Maersk is a global leader in maritime decarbonisation, and we are very pleased with the collaboration on the first 1MW pilot project and we look forward to bringing the system to life."