Provaris Energy Ltd (ASX:PV1, OTC:GBBLF) continues to enhance its compressed hydrogen supply chain strategy, with recent progress on efforts to meet the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive II (RED II) emissions standards for the bulk transportation of hydrogen.
The company’s proprietary H2Neo hydrogen carrier was used in a round-trip analysis between Norway and Germany and demonstrated compliance with RED II’s stringent emissions thresholds.
Renewable energy standards
RED II, implemented in 2018, mandates that by 2030, at least 32% of the European Union’s energy consumption must come from renewable sources.
For hydrogen, the emissions cap is set at 28.2 grams of CO2 equivalent per megajoule (g CO2e/MJ) of hydrogen, ensuring production and supply chains maintain low emissions.
In collaboration with Wärtsilä, a global leader in marine propulsion solutions, Provaris conducted an analysis focusing on fuel consumption and carbon emissions using various propulsion configurations.
Way below threshold
The findings revealed that Provaris’ H2Neo carrier emitted 7.6 g CO2e/MJ H2, significantly below the 28.2 g CO2e/MJ threshold for RED II compliance.
Key outcomes included the use of a hybrid electric propulsion system powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and marine gas oil (MGO).
Wärtsilä also explored future integration of a 3,000-kW hydrogen fuel cell into the system, which could reduce emissions by a further 20-30%, depending on the operational profile.
Provaris chief technical officer Per Roed said: “These positive results highlight our ongoing efforts to optimise our hydrogen supply chain to not only meet but exceed the stringent requirements set forth by the EU's RED II and RFNBO.
Efficient yet flexible
“The hybrid electric propulsion system developed with Wärtsilä provides a highly efficient solution today while ensuring a maximum level of flexibility to introduce alternative fuels and new technologies such as fuel cells in the future.
“We are dedicated to pioneering sustainable energy solutions and these advancements are a testament to the hard work and innovation of our team.”
Wärtsilä Marine vice president of Power Supply Stefan Nysjö added: “In just 25 years – the lifetime of a single vessel – shipping must eliminate its contribution to climate change.
“To aid in the industry’s energy transition, we, at Wärtsilä, remain dedicated to the testing and development of technologies and solutions aimed for low and zero carbon marine fuels.
“Increasingly electrified and hybridised propulsion systems will emerge to safeguard the necessary flexibility to introduce new decarbonisation technologies during the vessel’s lifetime.
“We are fully aligned with Provaris’ vision to accelerate the maritime industry towards net-zero emissions shipping, with these positive results underscoring our joint commitment to supporting the industry’s sustainable future.”