The Catalan energy technology provider Methanol Reformer has announced the delivery of the first autonomous power container in Europe based on e-methanol to the ferry operator Baleària. The system, named e-Nomad, is to be used on the electric ferry "Cap de Barbaria," which operates between Eivissa and Formentera. The aim of the project is to test hydrogen production from e-methanol directly on board under real conditions. The generated energy is intended to supplement the ferry's batteries and reduce the use of conventional generators.
The e-Nomad system is based on a modular, compact container design and combines the reforming of e-methanol for hydrogen production with a fuel cell for electricity generation. The central technical element is the hydrogen generator L18, which Methanol Reformer manufactures under license from the US company Element1. The maritime application is carried out in collaboration with E1 Marine.
Before delivery, the system underwent a technical inspection and a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) at Methanol Reformer's site in Barcelona. Commissioning on the ferry is to take place in the coming weeks. "This compact system allows us to have a small hydrogen laboratory under real conditions on a sensitive and symbolic route," says Javier Cervera, Corporate Director for Institutional Relations and Energy Transition at Baleària.
With the project, Baleària aims to evaluate the possibilities of using e-methanol as an energy carrier for hydrogen production on board.
Baleària operates connections between the mainland and the Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla. In 2024, the company transported 5.6 million passengers and 7.6 million lane meters of cargo.
Methanol Reformer develops modular systems for hydrogen and electricity production from renewable methanol. The solutions are aimed at industrial and transport sectors with the goal of advancing decarbonization, improving energy efficiency, and reducing environmental impact.
