ABB and HDF Energy Develop a High-Power Fuel Cell Module for Maritime Transport
ABB and HDF Energy have signed an agreement to jointly develop a high-power fuel cell module for maritime applications. The goal is to create megawatt-scale hydrogen fuel cells suitable for installation on various types of vessels, including large ocean-going ships such as coastal container vessels and liquefied hydrogen carriers. The agreement builds on an earlier cooperation deal from 2020 and foresees pilot deployments in 2028–2029, followed by serial production starting in 2030. This is presented as an important step toward making fuel cells a commercially viable solution for reducing the carbon footprint of shipping.
The partnership combines ABB’s expertise in system integration with HDF Energy’s capabilities in designing and manufacturing large-scale fuel cell modules. HDF Energy will supply the fuel cell technology, while ABB will provide power converters, power management, and electrical and control integration. The two companies will also work together on requirements, conceptual design, and commercial opportunities. The module is expected to reduce emissions by enabling the development of large hydrogen-electric vessels and by allowing existing ships to replace auxiliary diesel generators with hydrogen-based modules. The impact will be particularly significant when the fuel cells operate on carbon-neutral fuels such as green hydrogen.
Two Companies, One Goal: Low-Emission Hydrogen Through Methane Pyrolysis
ExxonMobil and BASF are launching a strategic collaboration to advance methane pyrolysis technology as the next step toward efficient, cost-competitive low-emission hydrogen solutions for industrial use. The two companies have signed a joint development agreement that includes plans to build a demonstration facility to prepare the technology for commercial deployment. According to Mike Zamora, a leader at ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering Company, the partnership combines innovation and industrial expertise to accelerate the development of low-emission hydrogen, highlighting the particular potential of methane pyrolysis in locations where carbon capture and storage is not easily applicable.
(Feature Image: BASF – Methane pyrolysis pilot plant in Ludwigshafen, Germany)
BASF has been developing methane pyrolysis over the past several years through a project funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, Technology, and Space. Dr. Stefan Kothrade, Member of the Board of Executive Directors and Chief Technology Officer of BASF, notes that the new technology delivers competitive low-emission hydrogen and can further reduce the carbon footprint of the company’s product portfolio. He adds that BASF has been working on the technology for more than a decade and has developed an advanced reactor concept validated at its test facility in Ludwigshafen. Combining BASF’s process innovations with ExxonMobil’s experience in scaling up brings the solution closer to economically viable industrial application.
Methane pyrolysis uses electricity to convert natural gas or other gases, such as biomethane, into hydrogen and solid carbon. The technology produces no process-related carbon dioxide emissions, requires approximately five times less electricity than water electrolysis, and does not require water use. At the same time, it can leverage existing natural gas infrastructure and be deployed at various locations. The process yields two valuable products: low-emission hydrogen and high-purity solid carbon, which can be used in steel and aluminum production, construction, and advanced carbon products, including battery materials. The planned demonstration facility at ExxonMobil’s Baytown complex in Texas is expected to produce up to 2,000 metric tons of low-emission hydrogen and 6,000 metric tons of solid carbon annually, confirming the technology’s performance at scale and marking an important milestone toward scalable and versatile hydrogen solutions.
European Commission Softens Emissions Targets After 2035
The European Commission has presented a policy package for the automotive sector that softens the 2035 target by requiring a 90% reduction in tailpipe carbon emissions, with the remaining 10% to be offset through the use of low-carbon steel produced in the European Union, as well as synthetic and biofuels. This approach allows not only fully electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles to be sold after 2035, but also plug-in hybrids, range-extender vehicles, mild hybrids, and internal combustion engine vehicles. In this way, a clear signal in favor of zero-emission vehicles, including hydrogen technologies, is maintained, while manufacturers are given greater flexibility.
The package also includes a €1.8 billion “Battery Accelerator” initiative, of which €1.5 billion will be provided as interest-free loans for battery cell manufacturing in the EU. Additional flexibilities have been introduced to meet the 2030 targets, including the ability to transfer compliance results between years and a reduction of the emissions reduction target for light commercial vehicles from 50% to 40%. Simplifying the rules is expected to save manufacturers around €706 million per year by reducing administrative costs and creating a more predictable environment for investment in electric and hydrogen vehicles.
The Commission is also introducing mandatory national-level targets for the use of zero- and low-emission vehicles by large companies, while requiring that publicly funded vehicles be manufactured in the EU. This is intended to accelerate the uptake of clean technologies, including hydrogen, in both the primary and secondary markets. According to the Commission, this pragmatic approach combines innovation, clean mobility, and competitiveness, supporting European industry and guiding it toward climate neutrality by 2050.
Source: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_3051
