Hydrogen+. EODev has developed a very innovative industrial solution to have emission-free energy at all times. Can you introduce it to us?
Jérémie Lagarrigue. If we want to decarbonize our societies, we have no choice but to find alternative solutions. Hydrogen is one. Our GEH2 electro-hydrogen group is equipped with a fuel cell which has no rotating element, therefore having a longer lifespan. Efficiency is also increased with 60% efficiency, compared to 30 to 35% for diesel engines. The generator transforms hydrogen stored nearby and oxygen in the air into electricity, heat and water. We are able to revalue them. In some cases, we use the water and heat produced to increase yields, beyond 85%. As a result, our solution is much more interesting than diesel solutions. If the nominal purchase value of our clean generators is higher than that of polluting machines, the comparison of the total costs of ownership and use allows us to be competitive with diesel, even without subsidies.
Today, there are tens of thousands of diesel generators in city centers (buildings, elevators, data centersetc.) which operate in back-upthat is to say in the event of a power outage. However, a European directive will ban them from 1is January 2024. Our generator therefore responds perfectly to this new regulatory framework.
In addition, our electro-hydrogen group, non-polluting and silent, is used for off-grid energy production, during sporting events, construction sites or filming for example.
Are your solutions suitable for port areas?
In Europe, ships that run on heavy fuel oil can no longer run their generators on shore. However, many docks are not electrified and ports have to buy or rent diesel generators to power boats at the dock, which in reality only shifts the problem. Our GEH2 hydrogen generators are an efficient alternative to these diesel generators or costly and time-consuming infrastructure works.
The port of Toulon has carried out a study which shows that the installation of hydrogen generators does not increase costs. The government, via ADEME, has put in place ecosystem financing solutions adapted to large consumers, of which the maritime sector is a part, especially with the port interface. Hydrogen is therefore essential as a very important factor in depolluting all port activity.
What are the latest developments from EODev? And his projects?
We are changing the scale of our industrial capacities thanks to a new building (more than 1,000 m2 available) which will allow us to increase our production potential up to 600 units per year (stationary land and on-board maritime generators).
We should also get certification type approval for our REXH2 maritime generator before this summer for most use cases and at the end of the year for the main propulsion of ships. Finally, we are in the process of developing our 2030 product plan detailing future solutions in the EODev range. These will make it possible to better meet the needs of a greater number of markets, and will have in common our constant desire to deliver sustainable, reliable and competitive solutions.
