First heavy-duty fuel cell system launched

Teco 2030 has unveiled a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel-cell system that can be combined in stacks and modules for heavy-duty sectors including ship propulsion and auxiliary power requirements.

The company claims that the PEM system is the first of its kind for energy-intensive applications. It consists of individual fuel cells arranged in stacks which generate electricity from electrochemical reactions using fuels such as hydrogen.

Combining the stacks into modules can produce large-capacity power systems, the company said. It plans to assemble and test the first FCM400 prototype, generating 400kW, during the summer of 2023. 

Tore Enger, CEO of Teco 2030, declared: “Teco 2030 is targeting heavy-duty industries where the emissions of greenhouse gases are substantial and where batteries will have to be supplemented by fuel cells to provide a viable alternative to fossil fuels.

“We will gradually increase production during 2023 to supply fuel cell systems for a number of pilot projects, followed by automated volume production at our gigafactory in Narvik, Norway, from early 2024,” he added.

In addition to marine applications, the company is developing pilot projects in land-based industrial transport and construction.  The Norwegian-based listed company is part of the Teco Maritime Group which has serviced the shipping sector for nearly three decades. It has owned Davie Yards Inc of Canada since 2006.