Study highlights emissions reduction of e1 Marine’s methanol to hydrogen fuel cell tech
- Published
by Admin
Renewable energy technology pioneer e1 Marine on Thursday (7 September) announced results on its methanol to hydrogen generator technology in an independent study conducted by maritime research house Thetius.
The study revealed that the technology can significantly reduce EPA-regulated emissions by up to 99% when using grey methanol when compared with conventional diesel engines for inland waterway vessels.
The firm said the technology can also reduce GHG emissions by up to 85% when using green methanol as feedstock in the same application.
“e1 Marine’s methanol to hydrogen generator technology makes it possible to convert methanol to fuel-cell grade hydrogen onboard a vessel. This provides a power source for hydrogen fuel cells and electric batteries, which can be used for primary propulsion,” it said in a statement.
In the report, ‘Towards Zero’, Thetius’ analysis used 50,000 hours of operating data from eight inland diesel pushboats (workboats) in the USA to develop a cumulative load profile for comparison, which was underpinned by science developed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
The results of the modeling showed significant potential emissions (EPA and GHG) reduction versus conventional diesel engines for vessel operators who deploy methanol to hydrogen fuel cell power solutions. The conclusions indicated were:
- ‘Near Zero’ harmful emissions – achieving a 99% reduction of EPA-regulated emissions, including nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), hydrocarbons (HC), and carbon monoxide (CO) based on using readily available grey methanol.
- Meaningful improvement on GHG emissions – up to 27% fewer GHG emissions when operating on readily available grey methanol.
- Towards Zero GHG – an 85% GHG emissions reduction is possible when using 100% green methanol, which is starting to become available in marine quantities. Substantial GHG emissions can still be made by using a blend of grey and green methanol.
Note: A full copy of the Towards Zero report is available to access free of charge, here.
Photo credit: e1 Marine
Published: 11 September, 2023
