ABB and HDF plan serial production of high-power fuel cell units from 2030

Swedish-Swiss ABB and France-based HDF Energy have signed a joint-development agreement (JDA) to develop a high-power fuel cell unit that will enable megawatt-scale installations to power large seagoing ships.

The partners, who signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in 2020 envisaging the collaboration, said that the cell unit is anticipated to be installed on board several vessel types, even large seagoing vessels such as container feeder ships and liquefied hydrogen carriers.

Pilot installations are expected in 2028-2029, with serial production anticipated from 2030.

The collaboration combines ABB’s system integration expertise with HDF’s capabilities in designing and producing large fuel cell units, with HDF to provide the fuel cell technology and ABB power converters, power management, and electrical and control integration.

The two parties are collaborating on specifications, conceptual design, and commercial opportunities.

According to ABB, the high-power fuel