Ponant partners on integrated energy system

GTT, Bloom Energy and Ponant Explorations Group have announced a joint innovation project to develop an integrated energy system combining solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) powered by LNG, with marine carbon capture designed to cover the vessel’s energy needs related to onboard consumption. 

This breakthrough system is expected to equip Ponant’s future Swap2Zero cruise vessel by 2030, which will be propelled by a wind-assisted system and fuel cells.

As part of this project, GTT will design and develop a marine carbon capture system compatible with Bloom Energy’s SOFC technology. This integrated solution will supply auxiliary electricity for the vessel, covering the hotel load such as lighting, hot water and onboard services, while also capturing CO2 from the exhaust gases. This dual approach, combining emissions reduction and the reuse of low-temperature energy from the ship’s cryogenic installations, will further enhance the overall efficiency of the SOFC system through optimised thermal management.

Bloom Energy chief commercial officer Aman Joshi said, “We see solid oxide fuel cells as a cornerstone of the maritime industry’s low-carbon future. Powered by LNG, Bloom Energy’s high-efficiency solid oxide fuel cell system not only delivers best-in-class electrical conversion but also captures and repurposes waste heat for onboard heating and cooling loads.”

Ponant Explorations Group newbuilding and R&D director Mathieu Petiteau commented, “This partnership is a key milestone in developing innovative and efficient ways to capture CO2 and embodies our commitment to finding new solutions to decarbonise the maritime industry. It also marks another step forward for our Swap2Zero vessel project, cofunded by the European Union Innovation Fund and France 2030. It represents an important step towards delivering the next generation of low-emissions vessels.”