Nearly 90% of the world’s fleet is made up of deep-sea shipping, which significantly contributes to global warming. Batteries don’t last long enough in a size that can go onboard a ship, thus there hasn’t been a true zero emission option for this section up until now. Hydrogen is the only fuel that PEM (Proton-exchange membrane) fuel cells can use to achieve zero emissions, however, this is difficult to come by near coasts.
Additionally, it is challenging to store hydrogen in the proportions required for protracted journeys. Deep-sea shipping’s decarbonization difficulties are being addressed by Bergen, Norway-based Alma Clean Power, which is introducing high-temperature Solid Oxide Fuel cells (SOFC). Bunkering won’t be a problem in most parts of the world because fuel cells can run on a range of fuels. Sensational efficiency levels may be attained in addition to zero emissions, which results in substantial fuel expense and CO2 tax savings for ship owners. Choosing the right fuel to reduce the risk of stranded assets and high OPEX is a major worry for many ship owners. Although multi-fuel choices are frequently desired, the majority of them presently require fossil fuels as pilot fuels, making zero emissions impractical. With little to no emissions, the Alma fuel cell can run on a range of fuels including LNG, ammonia, methanol, syngas, LOHC, and hydrogen.
As an alternative to the current electrical cabling to land in Norway, Alma has also suggested replacing ineffective offshore gas turbines with SOFCs. When carbon capture is taken into account, this has the potential to reduce emissions from the oil and gas industry by up to 90%. The availability of injection devices on several platforms makes the implementation of CO2 storage very simple. The cost savings associated with a rise in efficiency from 20 to 35 percent to over 60 percent are enormous, and the amount of decreased emissions and CO2 taxes are proportionate. Over 30 years of research and development went into the creation of the technology. For the installation of LNG and ammonia-operated fuel cells aboard commercial boats, the firm is engaged in several pilot projects with several partners, which are funded by EU Horizon 2020, Enova, and Innovation Norway. The commercial release of Alma’s fuel cells is scheduled for 2026.
