100-kW direct ammonia fuel-cell system test a success

A year ago, Alma Clean Power announced the successful testing of the world’s first 6-kW direct ammonia fuel-cell system. Now, the company has announced a significant scaling of the system and necessary auxiliaries for maritime applications, such as safety systems and advanced control. 

“This milestone marks a significant step forward in our commitment to developing clean, sustainable energy solutions for the maritime industry,” Alma Clean Power chief executive Bernt Skeie said.

“Our team has worked tirelessly to bring this innovative system to life, and we are proud to be at the forefront of ammonia-based energy solutions.”

Alma’s solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system converts ammonia directly to electricity without upstream cracking.

The test is being conducted at the Energy House at Stord in Norway where the system is fully integrated in a simulated maritime environment. When the 100-kW module is validated, larger power systems can be developed and interconnected, using this module as a building block.

The testing is part of the project Clean Ammonia Power, with partners Wärtsilä, Equinor, Yara and Eidesvik. The project is supported by Innovation Norway, Sustainable Energy and Siva. The system is designed and produced by Alma Clean Power in co-operation with production partners PSW and Aker Solutions. Fraunhofer IKTS provided the cell and stacks to the project. 

A successful test will show Alma Clean Power to be a frontrunner in developing a solid oxide fuel-cell system. 

“I would like to thank our dedicated team of engineers and scientists, whose hard work and innovative mindset have made this achievement possible. We look forward to continuing our work in this exciting field and contributing to a more sustainable future”, said Mr Skeie.

In January 2023, Alma Clean Power secured an AiP for the design of a 1-MW fuel cell powered by ammonia. Last year, Chemical tanker owner Odfjell signed up to test one of Alma’s SOFCs on a chemical tanker. Odfjell plans to install an 80-kW solid oxide fuel-cell generator module aboard one of its tankers. The unit will run on natural gas, and it is a stepping stone towards bigger devices.

Other SOFC testing agreements include installing a 600-kW SOFC generating unit on a Hyundai-built LNG carrier, due to launch in 2025. South Korea’s Doosan Fuel Cell and HyAxiom will develop and supply fuel cells for the ship.