Rolls-Royce Power Systems outlines deployment of fuel cell modules

Rolls-Royce mtu fuel cell element at the UN Climate Change Conference COP26 in Glasgow

Rolls-Royce Power Systems and Cellcentric, a joint-venture company set up by Daimler Truck and Volvo Group have revealed next steps in deployment of the Cellcentric hydrogen fuel cell modules.

Rolls-Royce will now develop complete mtu hydrogen fuel cell solutions based on Cellcentric’s modules.

The fuel cells will support CO2-free, climate-neutral generation of emergency power for data centres.

Both Rolls-Royce and Cellcentric say ‘they are convinced that the technology – and time – are right for successfully launching commercial fuel cell applications for the mass market’.

Each fuel cell module will deliver a net power output of about 150 kW. These can be connected together into scalable fuel cell powerplants with output ‘in the megawatt range’.

Following the commissioning of a fuel cell demonstrator in early 2021, Rolls-Royce is now planning to bring a further demonstrator plant online in 2022, based on modules providing approximately 100 kW each.

The first pilot plants are scheduled to be installed in 2023, with Rolls-Royce launching standard production fuel cell systems in 2025.

Operators of very large data centres that handle telecommunications and internet traffic are considered a key customer group.

“Electrical generators based on fuel cells represent the next leap forward in the energy transition, both for us and our customers,” said Andreas Schell, CEO of Rolls-Royce Power Systems. “That’s why we’re investing a three-digit million amount in R&D over the next few years and we hope that this strong commitment will encourage governments and politicians to promote and support this pioneering, extremely climate-friendly, technology.”