Zepp.solutions has been selected as the hydrogen fuel cell supplier for the Dutch Government-backed zero-emission river cruise vessel project.
Under the supply deal, Zepp.solutions will provide its X150 fuel cell modules to deliver power outputs exceeding 1MW in a retrofitted cruise vessel.
Largely funded by the Dutch Maritime Master Plan, NERA-H2 aims to introduce hydrogen as a clean energy source for the river cruise industry, helping to cut emissions in cities.
More than 420 vessels operate in urban areas across Europe, where the initiative could have a significant impact.
The Master Plan targets at least 40 zero-emission ships by 2030. Insights gained from NERA-H2 will be shared to enable further industry-wide adoption of hydrogen propulsion.
The NERA Company B.V. is leading the initiative. Research institutions such as MARIN and TNO are conducting technical validation and development of propulsion technology, while the Arnhem and Nijmegen University of Applied Sciences will focus on energy storage and digitalisation research.
Zepp.solutions’ fuel cells will be delivered from its factory currently under development in the Greater-Rijnmond region of the Netherlands.
The plant, expected to be ready next year, secured a €1.98m ($2.1m) grant in 2023 to ensure its development. The company has said the facility will eventually produce up to 1,000 systems annually.
Read more:zepp.solutions secures €2m EU JTF grant for new Dutch fuel cell factory
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