HELENUS: Testing and demonstration of maritime solid-oxide fuel cells
The HELENUS project demonstrates the operational capability, scalability and fuel flexibility of highly efficient solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) in various applications on large ships, thereby representing a significant step towards decarbonisation and emissions reduction in the shipping sector.
As part of the HELENUS project, a highly efficient, low-emission SOFC system for marine applications is being developed for a large MSC World Europa-class ocean-going cruise ship and demonstrated on MODULARIS, the DLR’s seagoing technology platform. This 200 kW SOFC solution, at TRL 7, will serve as a blueprint for scaling the system up to 20 MW in future shipbuilding projects. In combined heat and power (CHP) mode, the SOFC will simultaneously generate electricity and heat, thereby enabling efficiency gains of up to 23 per cent in a scaled-up system. HELENUS will also demonstrate the fuel flexibility of SOFCs using alternative renewable fuels across various maritime operating cycles. Through collaboration between key players from all sectors of the maritime value chain, HELENUS will pave the way for climate-friendly shipping.
As part of the HELENUS project, a highly efficient, low-emission SOFC system for marine applications is being developed for use on a large ocean-going cruise ship and demonstrated on MODULARIS, the DLR’s seagoing technology platform. This 200 kW SOFC solution, at TRL 7, will serve as a blueprint for scaling the system up to 20 MW in future ship designs.
HELENUS
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HELENUS
As part of the HELENUS project, a highly efficient, low-emission SOFC system for marine applications is being developed for use on a large ocean-going cruise ship and demonstrated on MODULARIS, the DLR’s seagoing technology platform. This 200 kW SOFC solution, at TRL 7, will serve as a blueprint for scaling the system up to 20 MW in future ship designs.
The maritime industry is responsible for 90 % of global trade and 2.5 % of global greenhouse gas emissions, as well as 13 % of the EU's transport emissions. To address this, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) aims for a 50% reduction in GHG emissions by 2050 from 2008 levels. The European Commission's Fit for 55 initiative sets even higher goals, targeting a 55% reduction by 2030 and 90% by 2050 from 1990 levels. Achieving these targets requires adopting advanced energy technologies, renewable fuels, and energy-saving measures like onboard electrification.
The HELENUS consortium includes a wide range of stakeholders, from technology developers to field implementers, to drive innovation and commercialization. This project will pave the way to a decarbonized maritime future, enhancing innovation and significantly boosting the EU maritime industry's competitiveness.
Full integration of SOFC in the machine area onboard cruise ship
Commercialisation of SOFC products with a capacity of several megawatts for use at sea, including new-build vessels
Expansion of the use of SOFC technology in other forms of water transport, including inland waterway and deep-sea shipping
Facilitating and accelerating the maritime sector’s transition to renewable and carbon-neutral fuels
Developing a sound technological basis for classification societies to draw up and assess class rules for the integration of SOFC systems on large vessels
Establishing a sound technological basis for policy-makers, regulatory authorities and classification societies to enact appropriate regulations to promote the adoption of clean energy systems
Safeguarding the competitiveness of the European maritime industry by promoting the development and adoption of clean propulsion technologies
Creating a demand for new skilled jobs for the operation of SOFC systems on ships and in ports
