For many years, Fraunhofer IMM has been developing compact reformer systems with increasing performance that enable hydrogen carriers such as ammonia and methanol to be used for hydrogen-based stationary and decentralized energy supply.

Fraunhofer IMM is contributing this experience to the GAMMA project. The aim here is to convert a bulk carrier so that it can be powered by climate-neutral fuels and green electricity. An innovative fuel system will be installed on the ship. Ammonia and green methanol will be taken on board and then converted into hydrogen using cracker and reformer technologies. The hydrogen will be purified and then converted into electricity in fuel cells, which will supply the ship with power and thus replace the fossil fuel-powered generators. The Fraunhofer IMM's technological approach reduces the size of the reactors by up to 90 percent, which is particularly advantageous for mobile and space-limited applications.

Fraunhofer IMM has now succeeded in converting over 700 kg/d of methanol into hydrogen in a compact methanol reformer. The plan is to expand this capacity even further.