NEXTCHEM, Siemens Energy to develop methanol fuel cell solutions for maritime industry

NEXTCHEM, a technology business unit of Italy’s MAIRE, has joined forces with German publicly traded energy corporation Siemens Energy for the development and commercialization of modularized high-temperature methanol fuel cell solutions for the maritime industry.

NEXTCHEM and Siemens Energy signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to cooperate on the development of high-temperature methanol fuel cells, targeting the maritime industry and beyond, with an initial focus on the yachting segment.

Under the MoU, NEXTCHEM will focus on the design and supply of the methanol fuel cell module, while Siemens Energy will be tasked with providing onboard system integration and energy management system.

As explained, the fuel cell will reform low-carbon methanol back into hydrogen for onboard power generation, allowing net-zero operations of the vessel both at anchor and during propulsion. NEXTCHEM said this solution will allow the displacement of “significant amounts” of fossil marine diesel fuel and help avoid the emissions of highly regulated nitrogen and sulfur oxides.

The partners stated that the first industrial-scale installation of the system is already under definition and will be fitted on