Advent Technologies announced its participation in a clean energy project in Denmark, which would use a low-carbon propulsion technology to power the ferry service between the Danish island of Læsø and Frederikshavn.
Energy Cluster Denmark is facilitating the initiative, which is sponsored by the EU Regional Development Fund “Innovation Collaboration in the Offshore Cluster.” The Ls Municipality, OSK-ShipTech, Emenergi, Nordhavn Power Solutions, and Hydrogen Valley are all project partners, as are the knowledge institutions DBI and AAU Energy.
The partners will collaborate to identify suitable alternative fuels to replace the ferry’s current diesel engine and to assess whether the Læsø ferry service can function effectively using purely green fuels on a regular basis. Among the proposals being considered is a mix of methanol-fueled engines and fuel cells. The objective will be to establish a one-size-fits-all solution for decarbonizing the majority of Denmark’s 53 ferry routes.
Morten Sørensen, Advent’s Senior Vice President, stated: “We are happy to be joining forces with trusted partners across several industries, having a shared goal to create a safe and sustainable solution for Denmark’s ferries, replacing their current propulsion systems which operate on traditional technologies and diesel fuels. As a project partner, Advent will play a key role in enabling significant reductions in emissions of climate-changing gases and air pollutants.”
At the moment, boats heading to the Danish island of Læsø utilize around 1,600 cubic meters of diesel fuel each year, equating to approximately 5,000 tons of CO2. Along with showing proof-of-concept for this novel low-carbon option, the project will strive to clarify the precise installation requirements for the new technology, as well as to establish a comprehensive process for refueling and methanol storage on passenger ferries.
Dr. Vasilis Gregoriou, Advent’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said: “Advent Technologies is proud to actively participate in the global efforts aimed at ensuring a clearer and viable pathway to carbon neutrality. Green methanol is an ideal hydrogen carrier fuel and when combined with our fuel cells can provide the required synergy of clean fuel and clean power for the maritime industry. Our HT-PEM technology is ideally suited for the on-board use of methanol as a fuel in this project and, potentially, across the transportation sector.”
