New hydrogen fuel cell technology developed by South Korea’s Agency for Defense Development (ADD) uses methanol reforming.

High-purity hydrogen could be used to improve submarine performance with this technology.

The hydrogen produced by the submarine fuel cell technology would be derived from methanol reforming on board the ship. Submarine fuel cells use high-purity H2 to extend their underwater endurance. This means that a vessel’s diving depth, endurance underwater, and overall efficiency can be increased by using a propulsion system that is air-independent.

To this day, metal hydride cylinders are the primary means by which hydrogen is delivered to submersibles. Cylinders containing H2 are produced elsewhere and then loaded into the sub. There is a significant increase in the amount of time needed to produce the hydrogen and refuel the cylinders because of the need for separate facilities.