Nel Hydrogen US, a subsidiary of the Norwegian company Nel, has procured a significant purchase order valued at approximately $6 million from Collins Aerospace. This order pertains to the provision of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzer stacks earmarked for use by the United States Navy. The stacks will specifically produce oxygen critical for life support on submarines, a segment that underscores the vital intersection between innovative energy solutions and military operations.
This order marks a continuation of Nel’s enduring collaboration with Collins Aerospace—a partnership underscored by an exclusive supply agreement providing essential equipment designed to sustain extended underwater operations. Todd Cartwright, the Chief Commercial Officer of Nel, remarked on the robustness of their manufacturing prowess and the high-quality standards that solidify Nel’s position as a reliable supplier within this technologically demanding sector. The endorsement from a key player such as Collins Aerospace is indicative of the operational reliability and technical sophistication inherent in Nel’s PEM electrolyzer technology.
Deliveries are structured over an extended timeline, with the initial batches slated for late 2025. This sequential delivery schedule not only speaks to the strategic planning and deployment logistics required for such complex projects but also reflects the recurring nature of Nel’s business engagements with Collins Aerospace, though specifics regarding the number of stacks remain confidential.
At the heart of this transaction is Nel’s Wallingford, Connecticut manufacturing facility—a hub for producing these advanced electrolyzer stacks. This facility plays a key role in bolstering Nel’s manufacturing capabilities, critical to meeting such substantial orders that directly align with national defense needs.
Furthermore, this agreement comes at a time of increasing scrutiny on defense contracts, where compliance with rigorous standards for quality and reliability is paramount. The application of PEM electrolyzer technology on submarines not only represents a strategic military capability but also showcases the versatility and adaptability of hydrogen technologies in confined and extreme environments.
While the order adds a notable chapter to the story of Nel Hydrogen’s growth in the defense sector, it simultaneously highlights broader trends in the industry—the increasing integration of advanced energy technologies and power systems in military applications. However, the challenges associated with scaling such technologies—particularly in meeting stringent procurement and operational guidelines—must not be underestimated.
