In Denmark, start-up Blue World Technologies has presented plans for the world’s largest methanol fuel cell factory to be located at the Port of Aalborg ready for global exports. Methanol fuel cell components will be produced in high volume enabling electric vehicles to have a 1 000 km range with 3 minutes refuelling time.
Founded in 2018, Blue World Technologies is a start-up with ambitious goals from the start by targeting the most potential markets in the form of automotive and electric mobility. The challenge is daunting, but also the possibility to really make a difference in the world.
Volume production of methanol fuel cells
At a launch reception in Aalborg attended by Mayor Thomas Kastrup Larsen, Blue World Technologies presented plans to establish a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant for a unique fuel cell technology platform utilizing methanol as a fuel.
To be built in the Port of Aalborg, the plant will the largest of its kind and be highly specialized in the production of materials and components for the fuel cell and stack which can be compared to the engine block of a car.
The overall effort will require several hundreds of new employees for both development and operations. The factory will be built and have initial manufacturing activity during 2019.
Liquid electricity – methanol a superior electro fuel
Methanol is clean, cheap and simple to store and distribute – but more importantly, it can be made from electricity and clear air. This is key in a world where the production of renewable energy is increasing electricity from wind and solar power.
The real challenge is to match the energy consumption with the production of energy combined with a simple long-term storage solution.
Infrastructure is critical for all change, here methanol can be used today in existing bulk storage, trucks and stations around the world eliminating the need to invest heavily in this area.
The Blue World Technologies concept is to utilize a hybrid platform that takes the best from direct electric plug-in charging and supplement it with power from a methanol fuel cell when taking longer trips or charging is not feasible. This enables 1 000km range with 3 minutes refueling in light and competitive drivetrain platform.
Green-tech for the global markets
Blue World Technologies is focused on core technology which requires highly skilled manufacturing competencies alongside the engineering teams designing the products.
The local environment around Aalborg, Denmark, is essential to fulfilling the company goals; Aalborg University has been awarded the best engineering education in Europe, including specialized research activities within fuel cells and the Port of Aalborg is already leading the way in cleantech manufacturing and shipping.
The company says that its planned manufacturing plant can make a difference on many levels; to people employed in the future, to the environment by retiring the combustion engine and finally to the world by exporting clean energy technology to the world.
