H2SITE Secures €3.4 Million for Maritime Power Project
H2SITE has recently secured EUR 3.4 million (approximately NOK 39.1 million) in funding from Enova for its ambitious HydraNord Power project. This initiative aims to develop and validate a commercial-scale system that converts ammonia into power directly on maritime vessels.
Enova, a key player in Norway’s efforts for a sustainable climate and energy future, manages the Climate and Energy Fund on behalf of the Norwegian government. This support marks a significant step for H2SITE as it moves closer to commercializing its onboard ammonia cracking technology. The goal is to transition from successful small-scale demonstrations to practical solutions for the global shipping industry.
The HydraNord Power project, led by H2SITE, will transform ammonia into high-purity hydrogen onboard ships. The system is designed to produce up to one tonne of hydrogen each day, supplying maritime fuel cells with 700 kW of net electrical power.
This project is a major advancement for H2SITE, building on previous smaller-scale ammonia-to-hydrogen initiatives, some of which are already operational. HydraNord Power’s output is tailored to meet commercial power needs onboard vessels, marking a shift from pilot projects to scalable commercial solutions.
H2SITE’s innovative membrane reactor combines ammonia cracking and hydrogen separation into a single efficient process, ensuring the production of fuel-cell-grade hydrogen while safeguarding fuel cells from ammonia contamination. Its compact design is ideal for both new and existing vessels, and it can accommodate fuel-cell-only as well as hybrid power systems. The modular approach allows multiple units to be deployed together to meet higher power demands, creating a flexible solution for future larger installations.
Andrés Galnares, CEO of H2SITE, expressed enthusiasm about the project: “HydraNord Power elevates ammonia-to-power technology from successful small deployments to a commercially viable scale. This system addresses real onboard power needs and can be replicated across various vessels. With Enova’s backing, we can demonstrate this technology in real-world conditions and tap into significant market opportunities in maritime sectors where direct electrification isn’t feasible.”
The HydraNord Power project involves collaboration among H2SITE, Equinor, Höegh Autoliners, Breeze Ship Design, Sustainable Energy Catapult Centre, Alltec, and Maritime CleanTech. Together, these partners will ensure that the development of the system meets the actual requirements of maritime operations, rather than simply being a technology demonstration.
The complete HydraNord Power system will be tested at Energy House in Stord, Norway, simulating actual maritime conditions. Development and integration of the system will occur throughout 2027, with plans for commissioning in early 2028.
The project initially targets auxiliary and hybrid power applications in deep-sea shipping, offshore operations, and other energy-heavy maritime activities. Its standardized modular design allows the use of the same core technology across various vessel types and power requirements, making it easier for wider adoption in the maritime fleet.
