PowerCell joins EU project MiNaMi targeting ultra-long lifetime megawatt fuel cell systems for maritime applications

PowerCell Group has joined the MiNaMi project, a €7 million EU-funded initiative to develop Europe’s first megawatt-scale Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell system for maritime use, targeting operation towards 80,000 hours and more than one million nautical miles at 12.5 knots. PowerCell’s share of the project amounts to approximately €2.6 million until end of 2028.

Durability in fuel cell systems is influenced not only by stack technology but also by system integration, control strategies, operating profiles and maintenance concepts. Projects such as MiNaMi are therefore essential for advancing the technology frontier towards ultra-long lifetime operation in demanding maritime environments.

MiNaMi will develop a modular MW-class PEM fuel cell system and power electronics intended as building blocks for multi-megawatt installations exceeding 10 MW, enabling zero-emission solutions for large vessels and other high-power applications. The technology is designed to be transferable across sectors, including broader marine applications and aviation.

For PowerCell, the project builds on recent progress in industrialisation and product development within the fuel cell sector. Over the past few years, PowerCell has introduced a new generation of marine fuel cell systems with improved industrial stability, performance and durability, supported by strengthened production processes and operational experience. MiNaMi represents the next step in advancing these capabilities towards ultra-long lifetime operation at megawatt scale.

MiNaMi is coordinated by VTT and brings together industrial partners PowerCell Sweden AB, DFDS A/S, Vaisala Oyj, ABB Marine & Ports and Allengra Srl together with leading research organisations VTT, SINTEF, the Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH) and Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK). The consortium spans the full value chain from technology development to deployment in demanding maritime environments.

“Over the past few years we have launched a new generation of marine fuel cell systems with significantly improved industrial stability, performance and durability. MiNaMi represents the natural next step, extending these capabilities towards ultra-long lifetime at megawatt scale” says Andreas Bodén, CTO of PowerCell Group.

“Validating operation towards 80,000 hours is not only about endurance. It is about understanding system behaviour, optimisation strategies and lifecycle performance at a deeper level. The knowledge generated in this project will continuously strengthen both future platforms and our existing product portfolio while supporting the transition to zero-emission shipping.”

MiNaMi aims to support Europe in maintaining a leading global position in the development of MW-scale PEM fuel cell systems, particularly for maritime applications. The project is supported by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership and its members Hydrogen Europe and Hydrogen Europe Research under Grant Agreement No 101250260. Funded by the European Union.

For further information, please contact:
Andreas Bodén
CTO
Phone: + 46 73 910 37 07
Email: [email protected]

About PowerCell
PowerCell is a world leader in hydrogen electric solutions with unique fuel cell stacks and systems. With decades of experience, we use our expertise to accelerate the transition to an emission-free, more sustainable world. We target industries such as aviation, marine, off-road, on-road and stationary power generation. With our cutting-edge products we help our customers to reach net zero emissions already today.

We are headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden with sales globally. PowerCell is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm.

To read more about our products and services, visit powercellgroup.com.