Today, Hamburg’s First Mayor, Dr. Peter Tschentscher, officially opened Zeppelin Power Systems’ new fuel cell power generator at the company’s headquarters in Bahrenfeld. This generator runs on hydrogen, offering a cleaner and more climate-friendly way to produce electricity. The hydrogen used for the generator was supplied by MB Energy GmbH, previously known as Mabanaft Deutschland GmbH. The event was attended by the project team, Zeppelin Group management, and invited guests.
At first glance, the generator looks like a standard container. But inside, it holds advanced technology. The fuel cell power generator fits into a 20-foot container and includes a control cabinet, cooling system, lithium-ion battery, hydrogen tanks, and a PEM fuel cell. This hybrid system uses different technologies to support sustainable energy solutions.
Matthias Benz, CEO of the Zeppelin Group, said:
“With this fuel cell power unit, Zeppelin shows its expertise and commitment to sustainable solutions. We combine innovation with our responsibility as a foundation company. This is an important step toward a climate-friendly future.”
Driving Technological Change
The European Union aims to be climate-neutral by 2050. To reach this goal, new technologies must be tested and markets expanded. This is necessary to transform the energy supply to be more sustainable and flexible. Hydrogen applications, like the fuel cell power generator from Zeppelin Power Systems, are key to this change. They can be used in remote locations or decentralized grids, helping to improve the reliability and security of power supply.
Zeppelin Power Systems’ hybrid fuel cell and battery system is suitable for many industries. It can be used in stationary setups, ships, trains, and as an emergency power source.
From Prototype to Power Generator
The project, called the “PEM demonstrator” within the company, started about three years ago.
Keno Leites, Head of the Fuel Cell Competence Center at Zeppelin Power Systems, explained:
“We see ourselves as system integrators. We analyze drive and energy solutions for both ecology and cost-efficiency. This allows us to offer customers custom combinations of combustion engines, fuel cells, and energy storage. These can be used in ships, stationary power, rail, and specialty vehicles.”
The hybrid fuel cell and battery system was first shown last year at the Hydrogen Technology Expo in Hamburg. Since then, it has been developed into a full fuel cell power generator. The system delivers a nominal output of 50 kVA and stores about 30 kilograms of hydrogen in its cylinders.
The hydrogen for the test run at today’s opening was provided by MB Energy GmbH, still known as Mabanaft Deutschland GmbH.
Adrian Herberger, Head of Hydrogen & SAF at MB Energy, said:
“We are proud to support a more climate-friendly energy supply with our hydrogen today. Our partnership with Zeppelin Power Systems shows how new technologies and sustainable energy sources can work together to drive the energy transition.”
Official Opening with Hamburg’s First Mayor
Johannes Harding, Head of Strategy and Innovation at Zeppelin Power Systems, commented:
“After much effort in developing this fuel cell power unit, today marks a major milestone. It is a great honor to have First Mayor Dr. Peter Tschentscher here for the official opening. His presence and our collaboration with Mabanaft highlight the project’s importance for Hamburg’s growth as a hydrogen hub.”
Dr. Peter Tschentscher also praised the project:
“The new fuel cell unit from Zeppelin Power Systems offers many new uses. It helps replace fossil fuels with green hydrogen and reduces CO2 emissions. Zeppelin’s research and development supports the energy transition and strengthens Hamburg’s role as a center for hydrogen technology.”
