A 300kW fuel cell is being developed for a Spanish naval submarine.

The proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell power module, which includes a platinum catalyst, is being designed and developed by US firm UTC Power.

The fuel cell firm will supply the unit to Spanish shipbuilder Navantia, who will install it.

The 300 kW PEM fuel cell will be designed to operate on reformed ethanol and pure oxygen.

It will be installed on the navy's S-80 model 2,500-ton submarines as part of the air-independent propulsion system.

"This application represents a whole new market for our fuel cell technology," said UTC Power president Jan van Dokkum.

"We believe the cooperation between Navantia and UTC Power will lead to a technologically advanced, world-class oceangoing/littoral water submarine and reinforce the leading roles of Navantia and UTC Power in their respective fields."

UTC Power develops fuel cells for onsite power, transportation and space flight applications.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd