New Energies, new possibilities

The Slovenian start-up ReCatalyst and the German spin-off company ionysis GmbH are collaborating on the development of next-generation fuel cells as part of the ENABLER project, funded by the European Innovation Council (EIC). The companies have now made significant progress in their technical development.

On the one hand, ReCatalyst has developed a new generation of fuel cell catalyst materials based on mesoporous carbons, for which a production patent has also been filed. Using these novel materials, the ionysis team has successfully developed full-format fuel cells (a commercial cell platform with approximately 200 cm² active area), which, for the first time, have achieved the project performance target of >2 A/cm² at 0.65 V. This is a significant milestone in demonstrating the technological maturity of both ReCatalyst’s platinum alloy catalysts and ionysis’s hydrocarbon-based CCM technology.

“The collaboration with ionysis is exactly what makes the EIC Transition project very special – it enabled both start-ups to rapidly improve their technologies without compromising commercial goals,” said Dr. Matija Gatalo, CTO ReCatalyst.  “We have been able to reach this significant performance target exactly because of our synergies, since a great catalyst can only show its potential in a highly optimized CCM.”

Dr. Matthias Breitwieser, CTO of ionysis, commented: “The timing was perfect: ReCatalyst has made huge progress in catalyst development, while at the same time we have significantly optimized the ink formulation and our direct CCM coating process. This enabled us to integrate both developments into our next generation of hydrocarbon-based CCMs.”  

The next step for both companies is scaling. ReCatalyst is scaling up the synthesis of its new catalysts, while ionysis is currently installing the pilot plant for CCM production.

“The synergies between us, such as the maturity stage as well as technological complementarity, enable us to thrive,” said Tomaž Bizjak, CEO of ReCatalyst. “We understand each other’s needs and dynamics well and we know that only through such potent innovation we can tackle the challenge of exploiting our commercial potentials in the fast-developing global market with many established players.” 

Lisa Langer, CFO of ionysis, added: “EIC Transition offers a unique project setup where the commercialization of technological innovation is prepared from the very beginning. It is a huge benefit for ionysis to have a sparring partner in ReCatalyst and push forward the complementary innovations to move ahead faster in the quest of bringing the next generation of fuel cells to market.”

Source: Hydrogentechworld

Nuvera Fuel Cells Delivers First Hydrogen-Powered Mobile Generator for Customer Site Demonstration

BILLERICA, MA / ACCESSWIRE / September 19, 2024 / Nuvera Fuel Cells, LLC, an established leader in the development of high-performance, zero-emission fuel cell products, will demonstrate its first operational HydroCharge™ unit, a hydrogen-powered AC Genset and DC fast charger for on-site power and EV charging. The prototype unit, developed in collaboration with power management services provider Power Innovations International, will be demonstrated at the Fresno, California location of Papé Material Handling.

Nuvera’s hydrogen-powered genset and fast charger offers high-quality AC and DC power for a wide range of applications, including rapid EV charging and powering electric equipment. The genset provides clean, reliable, on-demand power to locations with limited or no grid access.

Suitable for warehouses, parking lots, malls, construction zones, mining sites, shipping ports, and airports, it can also address the need for backup power in data centers, telecom facilities, and car rental centers. Additionally, HydroCharge™ can support temporary power needs for rental fleets, concerts, festivals, sports events, movie sets and urban construction. For interim power solutions, it is ideal for customer assets or long-term rentals, offering a crucial alternative when grid availability is insufficient.

Kedar Murthy, Nuvera’s chief commercial officer, said :

Nuvera has created a zero-emission solution designed to meet the growing demand for clean, portable power suppliers,

“As grid limitations pose challenges to the clean energy transition and California Air Resources Board zero-emission generator mandates begin in 2028, the advantages of hydrogen fuel cell solutions are becoming increasingly clear. We look forward to demonstrating that our hydrogen-electric generator successfully matches the performance of internal combustion engine gensets and provides a transportable, off-grid power source with refueling time comparable to diesel and gas-powered machines.”

The prototype unit, which was unveiled at ACT Expo 2024 in Las Vegas, has undergone continuous validation testing at Nuvera’s factory. Development of the fully commercial version is currently underway.

Zero-emission Nuvera® Fuel Cell Engines for motive and stationary applications enable customers to meet demanding performance requirements and emission and noise reduction mandates. As demand for diesel alternatives to support clean energy projects grows, Nuvera is rapidly advancing toward a milestone solution for clean on-site power and grid-independent EV charging. For inquiries about the genset or interest in customer site demonstrations, get in touch with Nuvera’s sales team.

Source: Hydrogencentral

Siltrax, a Sydney-based fuel cell innovation company focused on transforming the hydrogen industry, has introduced its groundbreaking, patented silicon-based fuel cell technology, which leverages the unique characteristics of silicon to deliver enhanced performance, durability, and cost-efficiency.

At the core of Siltrax’s innovative fuel cell technology are silicon-based bipolar plates, which take advantage of the material’s lightweight and durable nature, mechanical and chemical stability, and ability to withstand high temperatures and corrosive environments. Silicon also allows for the creation of micro-scale flow channels on the plates’ surface. Combined, these attributes directly enhance the power density, durability, and performance of Siltrax’s fuel cells compared to its peers.

Another key advantage of Siltrax’s innovation is the ability to leverage existing photovoltaic (PV) supply chains for raw materials and production equipment. This strategic approach not only optimizes its manufacturing processes but also holds the potential to reduce the overall cost of fuel cell production, making this advanced technology more accessible for widespread adoption.

“We’re entering a new era of energy innovation where silicon-based fuel cells have the potential to transform the clean energy landscape,” said Dr. Zhengrong Shi, co-founder of Siltrax. “Silicon’s properties enable us to push the boundaries of fuel cell design, creating a low-cost, high-performance product. And, by leveraging resources from the solar industry, we can lower the barriers to mass manufacturing and make clean energy solutions more accessible to the global market.”

The innovative technology was developed by Dr. Shi, a renowned solar entrepreneur, and Dr. Jim Zhu, a semiconductor expert with extensive experience in silicon-based materials research. Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to developing Siltrax’s silicon-based fuel cell technology.

Siltrax’s initial focus is on the aerospace industry and stationary power applications.

With backing from Australia’s Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) and Virescent Ventures, Siltrax is expanding its research and development team in Australia to further advance fuel cell systems engineering and explore local commercialization opportunities. The company is focused on bringing this revolutionary technology to international markets, contributing to the global transition toward a cleaner energy future

ルノーは9月17日、ドイツで開幕した「IAAトランスポーテーション2024」において、新型燃料電池車『マスターH2-Tech』のプロトタイプを初公開した。

（写真：レスポンス）

新型ルノー『マスター』は、フランスのバティリー工場で製造される唯一のクラス車両であり、エンジン、ギアボックス、バッテリーもフランス製。さらに、サプライヤーの84％がフランスに拠点を置いている。内燃機関および電動バージョンは既に発売されているが、水素燃料電池車のH2-Techバージョンは2025年に市場投入される予定だ。

【ソウル聯合ニュース】韓国完成車最大手の現代自動車は12日、米ゼネラル・モーターズ（GM）と乗用車、商用車の共同開発と生産、水素を含めた再生可能エネルギーやサプライチェーン（供給網）分野での協力に関する覚書（MOU）を先ごろニューヨークで締結したと発表した。 　MOUの締結式には現代自動車グループの鄭義宣（チョン・ウィソン）会長とGMのメアリー・バーラ会長兼最高経営責任者（CEO）が出席した。 　今年上半期（1～6月）の世界販売台数が世界3位の現代が、海外の大手完成車メーカーと包括的協力を結ぶのは今回が初めて。GMの今年上半期の世界販売台数は6位だった。 　両社は協業を通じて今後、主要戦略分野で協力し、生産コストの削減、効率性の向上、多様な製品を迅速に提供するための方策などを模索していく。乗用車、商用車、内燃機関の開発と生産、再生可能エネルギーや電気、水素分野の共同技術開発のほか、電気自動車（EV）用バッテリーの材料、鉄鋼やその他の原材料の共同調達についても検討する。 　鄭氏は「今回のパートナーシップを通じて現代自動車とGMは世界の主な市場と車両セグメント別の競争力を強化するための機会を探索できるだろう」とし「両社が保有する専門性と革新的技術を基に効率性を向上させ、顧客価値を高める」と述べた。 　バーラ氏は「今回のパートナーシップは体系化された資本配分を通じて製品開発をより効率的にする潜在力を持っている」とし「相互補完的な強みと能力のある組織を土台に規模と創意性を発揮し競争力のある製品を顧客により効率的に早く提供する」と強調した。 　両社は今回のMOUをもとに本契約締結に向け多角的な検討を通じて協業内容を発展させていく計画だ。