MAIRE announces that NEXTCHEM and Siemens Energy signed a Memorandum of Understanding to cooperate on the development and commercialization of a breakthrough methanol high temperature fuel cell, based on a newly designed modularized solution.

With an initial focus on the high-end yachting segment, the target market for the cooperation is the maritime industry and beyond.

NEXTCHEM will focus on the design and supply of the innovative and highly efficient methanol fuel cell module, while Siemens Energy will leverage its expertise in onboard system integration, complete electrification and energy management with the aim of delivering a complete solution to shipyards and Owners.

The fuel cell will reform low-carbon methanol back into hydrogen for onboard power generation, allowing net-zero operations of the vessel both at anchor and during propulsion. This solution will allow displacing significant amounts of fossil marine diesel fuel, and to avoid the emissions of highly regulated nitrous and sulphur oxides.

The first "Industrial scale” installation of this innovative system is already under definition and will be installed on a flagship net-zero yacht currently under construction.

Fabio Fritelli, Managing Director of NEXTCHEM, commented: “With this highly efficient and modularized fuel cell solution NEXTCHEM will cover the entire value chain of low-carbon methanol, with a unique proposition capable to deliver best-in-class production technologies, while also unlocking additional methanol uses, thus, accelerating demand growth and the establishment of a broader low-carbon methanol economy”.

Giuseppe Sachero, Vice President, Oil & Gas and Chemical Solutions, Siemens Energy, added: "This development highlights the unique value of key players in the energy transition value chain. By working together, we capitalize on each other’s expertise and references in adjacent industries. Fuel cells are an integral part of the clean fuels technologies ecosystem, from electrolysis to electricity generation and storage, and are applicable in multiple industrial applications."