- Email: [email protected]
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Germany initiative has celebrity support
NEWS a joint venture between Air Liquide and H2 Logic [FCB, July 2014, p8]. The electrolysis equipment will be built and delivered in 2016, with HyBalance operations expected to start by the end of 2017. The €15 million (US$17 million) project will receive €8 million ($9 million) in funding from the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen 2 Joint Undertaking, and €2.6 million ($3 million) from the Danish ForskEL programme, administered by Energinet.dk. HyBalance project: www.fch.europa.eu/project/hybalance Hydrogen Valley: www.hydrogenvalley.dk/GB.aspx Air Liquide, Advanced Business: www.airliquideadvancedbusiness.com Copenhagen Hydrogen Network: http://tinyurl.com/copenhagen-h2 Hydrogenics Corporation: www.hydrogenics.com Neas Energy A/S: www.neasenergy.com Ludwig-Bölkow-Systemtechnik GmbH: www.lbst.de/index_e.html Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking: www.fch.europa.eu ForskEL programme: www.forskel.dk
German electrolysis project aims to make P2G cost-effective
A
German consortium is researching cost-effective methods of producing hydrogen through technology transfer from the automotive industry. In the context of the ‘ecoPtG’ project, the researchers are developing a 100 kW alkaline water electrolyser. They aim to demonstrate that CO2-neutral hydrogen can be produced in a cost-effective manner, and can facilitate energy storage through Power-to-Gas (P2G). The Zentrum für Sonnenenergie- und Wasserstoff-Forschung Baden-Württemberg (ZSW, Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research) in Stuttgart, Reiner-LemoineInstitut (RLI) in Berlin, and Wasserelektrolyse Hydrotechnik GmbH (HT) in Karlsruhe are working on the ecoPtG project in conjunction with engineering partner IAV GmbH in Berlin. Hydrogen produced by Power-to-Gas (P2G) methods plays a key role in resolving the challenge of storing ‘excess’ electrical energy generated from fluctuating sources such as solar and wind. Until now, high investment costs have been a barrier to market entry, especially for smaller electrolysers, so IAV, ZSW, RLI, and HT have set up the ecoPtG project to address this. Using a straightforward
March 2016
concept, simplified production processes and affordable materials such as plastics, they aim to develop a commercially viable 100 kW alkaline electrolyser. The project partners are mainly using automotive technology, focusing on power electronics, steering and sensor technology, and production process components for temperature control and media loops. In the automotive industry, many of these components are massproduced, so the ecoPtG project will investigate ways of transferring these technologies to hydrogen production. The German federal ministry of economics and technology (BMWi) is providing €4.75 million (US$5.3 million) in subsidies for the ecoPtG project. ZSW is involved in various German and European projects in fuel cells and hydrogen energy, including coordination of the Callux field trial of residential fuel cell systems in Germany [FCB, June 2012, p5].
Reiner-Lemoine-Institut: www.reiner-lemoine-institut.de/en
(US$1 million) from Innovate UK’s Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative [FCB, September 2014, p10]. By using standard processes developed for the solar industry and conventional materials such as steel, this project has been key to demonstrating that the Steel Cell can be mass-produced at an affordable price. The innovative print line has been created by combining ASM AE’s existing high-speed photovoltaic manufacturing processes and Eclipse printing solutions with Ceres’ own existing manufacturing capabilities. Ceres sees growing opportunities for its IT-SOFC technology across a range of massmarket power applications, and is working with leading power systems companies worldwide, including Honda [FCB, January 2016, p1], as it delivers against its strategy of establishing the Steel Cell as the platform of choice for future power generator products [FCB, February 2016, p8]. ASM Alternative Energy was created through the combination of DEK Solar with the solar technology portfolio from ASM Pacific Technology. Its technologies include solar and fuel cell metallisation/printing platforms, advanced stencils and screens, SolarBlades and SolarWIS wafer inspection systems.
Wasserelektrolyse Hydrotechnik GmbH: www.en.ht-hydrotechnik.de
Ceres Power, Horsham, West Sussex, UK. Tel: +44 1403 273463, www.cerespower.com
IAV GmbH: www.iav.com
ASM Alternative Energy: www.asm-ae.com
Contact: Dr Michael Specht, Renewable Fuels and Processes Department, Zentrum für Sonnenenergieund Wasserstoff-Forschung Baden-Württemberg, Stuttgart, Germany. Tel: +49 711 7870 252, Email: [email protected], Web: www.zsw-bw.de/en/topics/fuelshydrogen.html
Innovate UK: www.gov.uk/innovateuk
COMMERCIALISATION
Ceres Power scales up production capability in Innovate UK project
U
K-based Ceres Power has completed a manufacturing scaleup project that enables high-volume production capability, a key step towards mass market commercialisation of its unique intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cell (IT-SOFC) technology in response to growing market opportunities. The new high-speed print line at Ceres’ manufacturing facility in Horsham has reduced ceramic-on-steel print-cycle time from 30 s to just 3 s. This demonstrates that the company’s processes are consistent with low-cost, highvolume manufacturing, and emphasises the disruptive capability of its Steel Cell as a lowcost fuel cell technology. This project has been successfully delivered by Ceres in partnership with ASM Alternative Energy, a global provider of screen printing equipment, and part-funded by £0.7 million
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Germany initiative has celebrity support
T
he ‘Hydrogen Fuel Cell Germany’ initiative, launched at the end of January, is an alliance of 13 partners from the political, industrial, and scientific spheres. Together with celebrity ambassador Hannes Jaenicke – an actor, author, and environmental activist – the initiative campaigns for the economic success of the energy transition (Energiewende in German). The initiative kicked off with a meeting in the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) in Berlin, which signalled the start of a nationwide advertising campaign with Hannes Jaenicke, who is recognised in Germany for his long-standing commitment to the environment and climate protection. The main theme of the campaign has been prominently displayed at the BerlinTegel, Stuttgart, Munich, Düsseldorf, and Frankfurt airports, alongside extensive online media and social media exposure.
Fuel Cells Bulletin
9
NEWS The initiative has a particular emphasis on electromobility with fuel cells. The necessary, comprehensive hydrogen infrastructure is currently being established in Germany, which is planning for the construction of around 400 hydrogen refueling stations by 2023 [FCB, October 2013, p6 and November 2015, p6]. The 13 partners in the ‘Hydrogen Fuel Cell Germany’ initiative came together at the end of last year. The partners are Air Liquide, AREVA H2Gen, Audi, BMW, Daimler, Linde, OMV Deutschland, Shell Deutschland Oil, Toyota Motor Europe, the Clean Energy Partnership (CEP), the Deutscher Wasserstoff- und Brennstoffzellen-Verband (DWV, German Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association), the National Organisation Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology (NOW GmbH) as initiative coordinator, and the VDMA Arbeitsgemeinschaft Brennstoffzellen (German Engineering Federation, Working Group Fuel Cells). ‘Hydrogen fuel cell Germany’ initiative: www.energie-fuer-immer.com (in German) or http://tinyurl.com/h2fc-germany (in English) NOW GmbH: www.now-gmbh.de/en
PowerCell wins order for two S3 prototype stacks from key client
T
he Nordic fuel cell company PowerCell Sweden has received another order for its next-generation PowerCell S3 prototype stack, this time for two units for a strategically important global customer. The company reported its first S3 stack order last month, from a European company that will use it in an automotive application [FCB, February 2016, p10]. The PowerCell S3 PEM fuel cell stack is based on the platform developed by PowerCell and its partners in the Autostack Core project. The S3 prototypes are expected to be delivered during the second quarter of 2016. The PowerCell S3 stack platform complements the company’s first- and second-generation stack platforms: the S1 is rated at 1–5 kW output power, and the S2 at 6–25 kW [FCB, May 2015, p10]. The S3 stack covers a higher power range, from 20 kW up to 100 kW, but this platform is designed to only use pure hydrogen, and is intended for automotive applications. PowerCell Sweden has developed a modular system of PEM fuel cell platforms that can run on hydrogen reformed from biogas, natural gas, biodiesel, or standard diesel. The company has combined its fuel cell and reforming technology into the PowerPac generator, which runs on 10
Fuel Cells Bulletin
diesel. It is collaborating in a Norwegian project to reduce diesel consumption for electricity generation during grocery vehicle loading and unloading [FCB, April 2015, p3], and is working with TeliaSonera to install and operate a PowerPac generator at a telecom base station in Sweden [FCB, November 2015, p1]. The company is also hosting a pilot study to store hydrogen produced using excess wind and solar power [FCB, January 2016, p8]. PowerCell Sweden AB, Gothenburg, Sweden. Tel: +46 31 720 3620, www.powercell.se
SA feasibility study to develop components for PEM fuel cell units
T
he South African Department of Trade and Industry is providing R15 million (US$0.94 million) towards a feasibility study to identify components that can be manufactured and assembled locally for fuel cell products. The Isondo Precious Metals feasibility study aims to accelerate mineral beneficiation and localisation of fuel cell manufacturing in South Africa. DTI minister Dr Rob Davies says that expanding fuel cell technology development means that there is stable demand for platinum in the fuel cell sector. ‘It is as a response to this demand that government and the platinum mining sector resolve to encourage an increase in the demand for platinum,’ he says. ‘We have an additional interest to make sure that those new uses generate and support industrial development in South Africa, so as to capture the manufacturing that takes place in this particular industry.’ Minister Davies adds that South Africa is focused on driving and manufacturing for two potential uses of fuel cell technology: ‘The first is the small power unit that could be used to power remote areas 20 km away from the existing grid connection, and the other use is powering underground equipment in the mining industry.’ The study is expected to be completed in early 2017. ‘What we want to do through this feasibility study is to understand better the building blocks of fuel cell units, and to look at the particular competencies and capabilities that can be developed in the country,’ says Davies. The DTI is working closely with Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) and Industrial Development Corporation to develop a fuel cell roadmap [see the HySA features in FCB in June, October and November 2013]. Isondo Precious Metals (IPM) has secured a licence from US-based Chemours Technology
– spun off from DuPont last summer – to manufacture, market, and globally sell platinumbased PEM fuel cell components. IPM plans to set up a fuel cell component plant by 2018. CEO Vinay Somera told Reuters that sourcing the platinum locally is a key advantage for IPM in cutting the cost of the technology, and that the SA government has promised tax incentives for manufacturing in special economic zones. IPM is also looking at fuel cell stacks for gas pipelines in Nigeria, and using micro-grid fuel cells for rural electrification across Africa. Isondo Precious Metals, Woodmead, Johannesburg, South Africa. Tel: +27 11 258 8566, www.isondopm.com SA Department of Trade and Industry: www.dti.gov.za
UK starts work on public-private roadmap for hydrogen, fuel cells
I
nnovate UK, the Department of Energy and Climate Change, Transport Scotland, Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association, UK Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association, and the Knowledge Transfer Network have launched a roadmapping exercise to drive sustainable economic growth in the UK hydrogen and fuel cell industry to 2025 and beyond. The global hydrogen and fuel cell industry is expected to move soon from a technology demonstration phase to an industry growth phase. This roadmapping exercise provides an opportunity for aligning UK activities over the next five years to maximise growth opportunities, and wider energy, climate, and societal benefits across a number of key sectors. Two of the leading consultants in the sector, E4tech (UK) Ltd and Element Energy, were awarded the contract to work on the project following a competitive tender. ‘This roadmapping project comes at a critical point, as hydrogen and fuel cell technologies are gaining wider acceptance in commercial applications,’ says Nigel Holmes, CEO of the Scottish Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association. ‘For Scotland there are significant opportunities for hydrogen, with a low-carbon footprint from renewable sources, to play a significant role in the decarbonisation of heat and transport, areas which are challenging to achieve otherwise… Scotland is well positioned to take a lead role in both research and deployment.’ In late 2014 the UK government announced funding to prepare for the national rollout of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles, to help establish an initial network of up to 15
March 2016
German electrolysis project aims to make P2G cost-effective
A
German consortium is researching cost-effective methods of producing hydrogen through technology transfer from the automotive industry. In the context of the ‘ecoPtG’ project, the researchers are developing a 100 kW alkaline water electrolyser. They aim to demonstrate that CO2-neutral hydrogen can be produced in a cost-effective manner, and can facilitate energy storage through Power-to-Gas (P2G). The Zentrum für Sonnenenergie- und Wasserstoff-Forschung Baden-Württemberg (ZSW, Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research) in Stuttgart, Reiner-LemoineInstitut (RLI) in Berlin, and Wasserelektrolyse Hydrotechnik GmbH (HT) in Karlsruhe are working on the ecoPtG project in conjunction with engineering partner IAV GmbH in Berlin. Hydrogen produced by Power-to-Gas (P2G) methods plays a key role in resolving the challenge of storing ‘excess’ electrical energy generated from fluctuating sources such as solar and wind. Until now, high investment costs have been a barrier to market entry, especially for smaller electrolysers, so IAV, ZSW, RLI, and HT have set up the ecoPtG project to address this. Using a straightforward
March 2016
concept, simplified production processes and affordable materials such as plastics, they aim to develop a commercially viable 100 kW alkaline electrolyser. The project partners are mainly using automotive technology, focusing on power electronics, steering and sensor technology, and production process components for temperature control and media loops. In the automotive industry, many of these components are massproduced, so the ecoPtG project will investigate ways of transferring these technologies to hydrogen production. The German federal ministry of economics and technology (BMWi) is providing €4.75 million (US$5.3 million) in subsidies for the ecoPtG project. ZSW is involved in various German and European projects in fuel cells and hydrogen energy, including coordination of the Callux field trial of residential fuel cell systems in Germany [FCB, June 2012, p5].
Reiner-Lemoine-Institut: www.reiner-lemoine-institut.de/en
(US$1 million) from Innovate UK’s Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative [FCB, September 2014, p10]. By using standard processes developed for the solar industry and conventional materials such as steel, this project has been key to demonstrating that the Steel Cell can be mass-produced at an affordable price. The innovative print line has been created by combining ASM AE’s existing high-speed photovoltaic manufacturing processes and Eclipse printing solutions with Ceres’ own existing manufacturing capabilities. Ceres sees growing opportunities for its IT-SOFC technology across a range of massmarket power applications, and is working with leading power systems companies worldwide, including Honda [FCB, January 2016, p1], as it delivers against its strategy of establishing the Steel Cell as the platform of choice for future power generator products [FCB, February 2016, p8]. ASM Alternative Energy was created through the combination of DEK Solar with the solar technology portfolio from ASM Pacific Technology. Its technologies include solar and fuel cell metallisation/printing platforms, advanced stencils and screens, SolarBlades and SolarWIS wafer inspection systems.
Wasserelektrolyse Hydrotechnik GmbH: www.en.ht-hydrotechnik.de
Ceres Power, Horsham, West Sussex, UK. Tel: +44 1403 273463, www.cerespower.com
IAV GmbH: www.iav.com
ASM Alternative Energy: www.asm-ae.com
Contact: Dr Michael Specht, Renewable Fuels and Processes Department, Zentrum für Sonnenenergieund Wasserstoff-Forschung Baden-Württemberg, Stuttgart, Germany. Tel: +49 711 7870 252, Email: [email protected], Web: www.zsw-bw.de/en/topics/fuelshydrogen.html
Innovate UK: www.gov.uk/innovateuk
COMMERCIALISATION
Ceres Power scales up production capability in Innovate UK project
U
K-based Ceres Power has completed a manufacturing scaleup project that enables high-volume production capability, a key step towards mass market commercialisation of its unique intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cell (IT-SOFC) technology in response to growing market opportunities. The new high-speed print line at Ceres’ manufacturing facility in Horsham has reduced ceramic-on-steel print-cycle time from 30 s to just 3 s. This demonstrates that the company’s processes are consistent with low-cost, highvolume manufacturing, and emphasises the disruptive capability of its Steel Cell as a lowcost fuel cell technology. This project has been successfully delivered by Ceres in partnership with ASM Alternative Energy, a global provider of screen printing equipment, and part-funded by £0.7 million
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Germany initiative has celebrity support
T
he ‘Hydrogen Fuel Cell Germany’ initiative, launched at the end of January, is an alliance of 13 partners from the political, industrial, and scientific spheres. Together with celebrity ambassador Hannes Jaenicke – an actor, author, and environmental activist – the initiative campaigns for the economic success of the energy transition (Energiewende in German). The initiative kicked off with a meeting in the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) in Berlin, which signalled the start of a nationwide advertising campaign with Hannes Jaenicke, who is recognised in Germany for his long-standing commitment to the environment and climate protection. The main theme of the campaign has been prominently displayed at the BerlinTegel, Stuttgart, Munich, Düsseldorf, and Frankfurt airports, alongside extensive online media and social media exposure.
Fuel Cells Bulletin
9
NEWS The initiative has a particular emphasis on electromobility with fuel cells. The necessary, comprehensive hydrogen infrastructure is currently being established in Germany, which is planning for the construction of around 400 hydrogen refueling stations by 2023 [FCB, October 2013, p6 and November 2015, p6]. The 13 partners in the ‘Hydrogen Fuel Cell Germany’ initiative came together at the end of last year. The partners are Air Liquide, AREVA H2Gen, Audi, BMW, Daimler, Linde, OMV Deutschland, Shell Deutschland Oil, Toyota Motor Europe, the Clean Energy Partnership (CEP), the Deutscher Wasserstoff- und Brennstoffzellen-Verband (DWV, German Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association), the National Organisation Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology (NOW GmbH) as initiative coordinator, and the VDMA Arbeitsgemeinschaft Brennstoffzellen (German Engineering Federation, Working Group Fuel Cells). ‘Hydrogen fuel cell Germany’ initiative: www.energie-fuer-immer.com (in German) or http://tinyurl.com/h2fc-germany (in English) NOW GmbH: www.now-gmbh.de/en
PowerCell wins order for two S3 prototype stacks from key client
T
he Nordic fuel cell company PowerCell Sweden has received another order for its next-generation PowerCell S3 prototype stack, this time for two units for a strategically important global customer. The company reported its first S3 stack order last month, from a European company that will use it in an automotive application [FCB, February 2016, p10]. The PowerCell S3 PEM fuel cell stack is based on the platform developed by PowerCell and its partners in the Autostack Core project. The S3 prototypes are expected to be delivered during the second quarter of 2016. The PowerCell S3 stack platform complements the company’s first- and second-generation stack platforms: the S1 is rated at 1–5 kW output power, and the S2 at 6–25 kW [FCB, May 2015, p10]. The S3 stack covers a higher power range, from 20 kW up to 100 kW, but this platform is designed to only use pure hydrogen, and is intended for automotive applications. PowerCell Sweden has developed a modular system of PEM fuel cell platforms that can run on hydrogen reformed from biogas, natural gas, biodiesel, or standard diesel. The company has combined its fuel cell and reforming technology into the PowerPac generator, which runs on 10
Fuel Cells Bulletin
diesel. It is collaborating in a Norwegian project to reduce diesel consumption for electricity generation during grocery vehicle loading and unloading [FCB, April 2015, p3], and is working with TeliaSonera to install and operate a PowerPac generator at a telecom base station in Sweden [FCB, November 2015, p1]. The company is also hosting a pilot study to store hydrogen produced using excess wind and solar power [FCB, January 2016, p8]. PowerCell Sweden AB, Gothenburg, Sweden. Tel: +46 31 720 3620, www.powercell.se
SA feasibility study to develop components for PEM fuel cell units
T
he South African Department of Trade and Industry is providing R15 million (US$0.94 million) towards a feasibility study to identify components that can be manufactured and assembled locally for fuel cell products. The Isondo Precious Metals feasibility study aims to accelerate mineral beneficiation and localisation of fuel cell manufacturing in South Africa. DTI minister Dr Rob Davies says that expanding fuel cell technology development means that there is stable demand for platinum in the fuel cell sector. ‘It is as a response to this demand that government and the platinum mining sector resolve to encourage an increase in the demand for platinum,’ he says. ‘We have an additional interest to make sure that those new uses generate and support industrial development in South Africa, so as to capture the manufacturing that takes place in this particular industry.’ Minister Davies adds that South Africa is focused on driving and manufacturing for two potential uses of fuel cell technology: ‘The first is the small power unit that could be used to power remote areas 20 km away from the existing grid connection, and the other use is powering underground equipment in the mining industry.’ The study is expected to be completed in early 2017. ‘What we want to do through this feasibility study is to understand better the building blocks of fuel cell units, and to look at the particular competencies and capabilities that can be developed in the country,’ says Davies. The DTI is working closely with Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) and Industrial Development Corporation to develop a fuel cell roadmap [see the HySA features in FCB in June, October and November 2013]. Isondo Precious Metals (IPM) has secured a licence from US-based Chemours Technology
– spun off from DuPont last summer – to manufacture, market, and globally sell platinumbased PEM fuel cell components. IPM plans to set up a fuel cell component plant by 2018. CEO Vinay Somera told Reuters that sourcing the platinum locally is a key advantage for IPM in cutting the cost of the technology, and that the SA government has promised tax incentives for manufacturing in special economic zones. IPM is also looking at fuel cell stacks for gas pipelines in Nigeria, and using micro-grid fuel cells for rural electrification across Africa. Isondo Precious Metals, Woodmead, Johannesburg, South Africa. Tel: +27 11 258 8566, www.isondopm.com SA Department of Trade and Industry: www.dti.gov.za
UK starts work on public-private roadmap for hydrogen, fuel cells
I
nnovate UK, the Department of Energy and Climate Change, Transport Scotland, Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association, UK Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association, and the Knowledge Transfer Network have launched a roadmapping exercise to drive sustainable economic growth in the UK hydrogen and fuel cell industry to 2025 and beyond. The global hydrogen and fuel cell industry is expected to move soon from a technology demonstration phase to an industry growth phase. This roadmapping exercise provides an opportunity for aligning UK activities over the next five years to maximise growth opportunities, and wider energy, climate, and societal benefits across a number of key sectors. Two of the leading consultants in the sector, E4tech (UK) Ltd and Element Energy, were awarded the contract to work on the project following a competitive tender. ‘This roadmapping project comes at a critical point, as hydrogen and fuel cell technologies are gaining wider acceptance in commercial applications,’ says Nigel Holmes, CEO of the Scottish Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association. ‘For Scotland there are significant opportunities for hydrogen, with a low-carbon footprint from renewable sources, to play a significant role in the decarbonisation of heat and transport, areas which are challenging to achieve otherwise… Scotland is well positioned to take a lead role in both research and deployment.’ In late 2014 the UK government announced funding to prepare for the national rollout of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles, to help establish an initial network of up to 15
March 2016