Through its European subsidiary, Ballard Power Systems is providing technology to a project which will see Valencia’s port in Spain become the first in Europe to incorporate hydrogen energy in its operations.

The H2Ports project aims to facilitate a rapid transition at European ports from fossil fuels to low-carbon, zero emission alternatives based on hydrogen and fuel cells.

Ballard Power Systems Europe A/S today said it had joined the project and will provide the company’s next generation fuel cell module – the FCmove®-HD, which is planned for commercial launch in mid-2019 – to power the reach stacker.

H2Ports project kicks off in Valencia

The project involves three pilot initiatives to bridge the gap between prototypes and pre-commercial products:

1. A fuel cell-powered reach stacker for loading, unloading and transporting containers

2. A fuel cell-powered terminal tractor for roll on/roll off shipping operations

3. A mobile hydrogen refuelling station to support this equipment

H2Ports will also carry out feasibility studies on the development of a sustainable hydrogen chain, coordinating all stakeholders including customers, hydrogen producers and suppliers.

base-practicos

Source: Port of Valencia

Jesper Themsen, President and CEO of Ballard Power Systems Europe, said the project represents one more important step towards broad-based adoption of zero emission fuel cell technology in the marine sector.

“Ballard is pleased to participate in this project, which expands our marine-based activities beyond the announcements we made last year, specifically a Memorandum of Understanding with ABB for the development of megawatt scale systems for ships as well as our membership in a consortium that will design and build HySeas III, the world’s first sea-going hydrogen-powered car and passenger ferry,” he said.

Ballard and ABB sign MOU

There is a significant worldwide focus on emissions reduction in the marine industry, including ships and ports.

Momentum was reflected in the United Nations International Maritime Organisation (IMO) announcement last year of a strategy to reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs) from ships – including a 50% reduction in GHGs by 2050, compared to 2008 levels, and complete elimination of GHG’s as soon as possible in this century.

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