Testing underway for 100 kW, direct ammonia SOFC
By on August 30, 2024
From 6 to 100 kW
Click to learn more. A 100 kW direct ammonia-to-electricity solid oxide fuel cell developed by Alma has undergone successful initial tests. Source: Alma Clean Power.
Norwegian company Alma Clean Power is developing a commercial solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology that directly converts ammonia to electricity without prior cracking to hydrogen. A year after successfully testing a 6 kW version of its SOFC system, Alma Clean Power has announced the successful initial testing of a scaled up, 100 kW version.
To demonstrate the SOFC technology, Alma is collaborating with Wartsila, Equinor, Yara and Eidesvik as part of the Clean Ammonia Power Project, supported by Innovation Norway, Sustainable and Siva. The system was developed in partnership with PSW and Aker Solutions, with Fraunhofer IKTS supplying the cells and stacks.
According to Alma, the 100 kW iteration “includes all auxiliary systems necessary for maritime applications, such as safety systems and advanced control.” The tests are taking place with the system integrated to a “simulated maritime environment,” Following validation, it will be usable as a module to develop higher capacity systems for maritime applications.
This milestone marks a significant step forward in our commitment to developing clean, sustainable energy solutions for the maritime industry. Our team has worked tirelessly to bring this innovative system to life, and we are proud to be at the forefront of ammonia-based energy solutions.I would like to thank our dedicated team of engineers and scientists, whose hard work and innovative mindset have made this achievement possible. We look forward to continuing our work in this exciting field and contributing to a more sustainable future.
Bernt Skeie, CEO at Alma Clean Power, in his organisation’s official press release, 7 August 2024
A 2 MW version of Alma Clean Power’s SOFC system was to be deployed as the main propulsion technology aboard Viking Energy as part of the ShipFC project. Supply chain and development challenges have meant the project partners have now pivoted to installing a Wärtsilä four-stroke engine (the Wärtsilä 25) on the platform supply vessel, which will run on ammonia fuel by 2026. Despite the difficulties, the partners are confident the work so far has laid a “solid foundation for other ammonia-powered initiatives”, and that Alma’s SOFC technology will still play a role onboard the vessel.