Clean, efficient & reliable
A fuel cell is a clean, efficient and reliable method of producing energy, making it a highly attractive option for commercial power production. Wärtsilä is committed to supplying its customers with efficient and environmentally sustainable power generation solutions. Developing the energy generation technologies of the future, such as fuel cells, is a key element in our strategy for sustainable development. We believe that fuel cell technology will be one of the most promising energy technologies of the future because of its substantial benefits in energy production, including its cleanness and high efficiency.
Solutions for industrial and marine applications
Wärtsilä have been developing fuel cell technology since 2000. R&D is focusing on the development of a SOFC (solid oxide fuel cell) system for both decentralized power generation and marine applications and, especially, on the design and manufacture of the system and its integration with other technologies. Our extensive know-how in combined heat and power generation, marine applications, and in-depth knowledge of customer needs provide a sound basis for fuel cell applications. SOFC units can be utilized in industrial and commercial applications to generate heat, electricity and cooling. In greenhouse applications, even CO2 of the clean exhaust gases can be used to stimulate plants growth. On the marine side, the SOFC units can be utilized as auxiliary power units and, in the future, as main engines driving electric propulsion system.
Fuel flexibility
Wärtsilä’s existing SOFC system is based on the use of natural gas, biogas or methanol. We are also examining the feasibility of using the technology with other liquid fuels, including low sulphur diesel oil. Natural gas is an ideal fuel widely available for power plant applications. Methanol can also be easily reformed and is better suited to marine applications because of its liquid form. Biogases formed during gasification and fermentation processes can also be utilized in SOFC units.
