Sitronics Group tested a prototype of a hydrogen-powered electric vessel in the Neva River

Sitronics Group has successfully tested a vessel with an electrochemical generator (ECG) that generates energy from hydrogen. For this innovative project, the Center for Hydrogen Technologies of AFK Sistema developed a fuel cell generator. The installation is integrated into the catamaran's power system. The tests took place in the Neva river in the Leningrad region at the Emperium shipyard.

The Hydrogen Technology Center and Sitronics Group consider the experiment as successful. During the generator development, the technology of electrochemical conversion of fuel into electricity was used, which powers the battery. Before this, a series of ECG bench tests were carried out in laboratory conditions under the control of scientists from the Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAN). Afterwards, the installation was delivered for further modification to the Hydrogen Technology Center in Moscow, and then the ship was equipped with it at the Emperium shipyard. Development work within the framework of R&D to create a power generator using hydrogen fuel started in January 2023.

The appearance in Russia of a vessel powered by alternative energy could be an important step towards the ESG transformation of the Russian transport industry. The development of technologies using hydrogen corresponds to the government objectives of systematically reducing the burden on the environment and increasing low-carbon generation.

“Our catamaran became the first Russian prototype vessel powered by hydrogen. Today it is the most environmentally friendly and promising type of fuel. In addition, today it is the most energy efficient with high efficiency fuel cells. An important feature of the use of hydrogen for us, manufacturers of electric vessels, is that it can increase the cruising range. Therefore, we consider this direction to be promising for the construction of ships that need to travel significant distances. This may be relevant for cruise models and cargo ships,” said Sitronics Group President Nikolay Pozhidaev.

The technology can significantly increase the autonomy of an electric vessel: using hydrogen fuel, the cruising range of a small passenger electric vessel can last up to 20 hours without additional refueling.

“Based on international experience and economic calculations, hydrogen electric transport is already more promising than battery-powered transport. Our Hydrogen Technology Center development team designed a facility based on hydrogen fuel cells. In collaboration with Sitronics Group, we managed to create a unique prototype vessel for Russia. There are plans to introduce similar power plants in other areas, including public utilities, mining and electrical storage equipment,” said Yuri Dobrovolsky, General Director of the Center for Hydrogen Technologies of Sistema JSFC.