Provaris Energy, in collaboration with Norwegian technology company Prodtex, has reached a pivotal milestone in its ‘Prototype Tank’ program. Prodtex completed the design for a multi-layered carbon-steel prototype tank, a crucial component for Provaris’ H2Neo carrier.
The successful testing of this prototype tank, scheduled for the first quarter of 2024, is integral for obtaining class approval from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and Det Norske Veritas (DNV). The final class approval signifies the culmination of a four-year development program for a hydrogen carrier designed for maritime transportation.
Provaris Energy’s technical collaboration with Prodtex aims to address a market gap for safe and affordable static storage solutions. The prototype tank, initially designed for maritime applications, has evolved to offer static storage solutions with capacities ranging from 1 to 10 tons of gaseous hydrogen. While not targeting the mobility market, the carbon steel tanks find relevance in maritime, mobility, and industrial applications, presenting an alternative to existing solutions in the market.
Provaris is actively engaging with major European port operators, energy utilities, and potential hydrogen end-buyers. A non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed with an undisclosed European energy utility. This partnership aims to jointly evaluate Provaris’ complete hydrogen delivery chain, featuring the H2Leo storage system and H2Neo carriers, for delivering gaseous hydrogen to regional Europe. The collaboration aligns with the utility’s plans for hydrogen importation.
Martin Carolan, Managing Director and CEO of Provaris, emphasizes the company’s commitment to advancing the entire value chain for hydrogen in Europe. The ongoing dialogue with stakeholders, from hydrogen supply to import, contributes to increased awareness of compression technology. Provaris sees compression’s inclusion as a vital component in a portfolio of import alternatives, especially in response to German government policies promoting hydrogen to meet emission reduction targets.
Provaris remains on schedule for the final class approval milestone, with discussions revealing potential opportunities to extend its containment tank design for small-scale storage tanks. Provaris is responding to industry demand for low-capex alternatives suitable for onshore buffer storage and maritime applications. The proposal to manufacture these tanks in Norway aligns with the company’s commitment to fostering regional economic activity.
In summary, Provaris Energy’s journey from Australia to Norway and its strategic partnerships in Europe underscore its dedication to shaping the future of hydrogen with innovative storage and carrier solutions.
