France-based marine fuel cell developer Genevos has joined the €15m EU-funded HELENUS project to develop solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) systems for shipping.
The Horizon Europe-backed programme aims to advance high-efficiency, low-emission fuel cell technology for use on commercial ships and cruise vessels. Genevos will lead development of a modular 100 kW SOFC unit, the XPM-100, designed as a building block for multi-megawatt onboard power systems using fuels such as LNG or bio-methane.
The system is intended to improve efficiency and cut emissions compared with conventional combustion engines.
Under the HELENUS project, the technology will be demonstrated on a research vessel operated by the German Aerospace Centre (DLR), with the aim of reaching Technology Readiness Level 7 by the end of the programme.
The consortium includes DLR, Wärtsilä, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, Royal IHC, Bureau Veritas and MSC Cruises, among other partners focused on advancing fuel cell power for maritime applications.
