HAV Hydrogen, a subsidiary of the HAV Group, has secured financial backing of 12.4 million Norwegian kroner (approximately 27.5 million Czech koruna) from Innovation Norway for the development, testing, and certification of a prototype complete containerized hydrogen power system for ships called the Zero Emission Pod.
The Zero Emission Pod represents a complete onboard module containing several fuel cells along with a full hydrogen distribution, control, and safety system including emergency shutdown, ventilation, cooling, and DC/DC power distribution system.
This system received Approval in Principle (AiP) from DNV last year, and the construction and testing of the full-scale prototype are a continuation of this work, as explained by HAV. The prototype construction is planned for 2024 utilizing a grant of $1.18 million. Testing and certification will take place at the new testing facility SINTEF in Trondheim, Norway, with the remaining financial resources needed for prototype construction, testing, and certification provided by the HAV Group.
Kristian Osnes, Executive Director of HAV Group's hydrogen-based energy systems division, emphasized: "Our system is designed based on risk-based methodology to meet IMO safety requirements for fuel cells, which is crucial for mass adoption in the maritime industry. Introducing a physical functional product will enable better understanding of its benefits and marketability."
Gunnar Larsen, CEO of HAV Group, added: "HAV Group aims to support the ecological transition at sea, and the creation of a safe and easily installable hydrogen energy system could be key for operators and ship owners looking to reduce emissions. We are excited to contribute to the development of the prototype and its commercial potential."
