PowerCell to supply hydrogen fuel cell stacks to ZeroAvia

PowerCell has signed the world’s first contract ever covering the serial delivery of hydrogen fuel stacks to the aviation industry.

The agreement, potentially valued up to SEK 1.51 billion, is conditioned on ZeroAvia obtaining necessary certifications and comprises 5,000 hydrogen fuel cell stacks with deliveries planned to start in 2024. Approximately SEK 25 million of the order value is expected to impact revenues in 2022.

Both parties are confident that the technology will receive the necessary certification and accelerate the decarbonization of a critical industry with high emissions.

PowerCell will, upon completing aviation certifications, deliver a total of 0.5 GW fuel cells comprising of 300 kW superstack modules based on the industrialized 100 kW fuel cell stack. The fuel stacks will be used by ZeroAvia to manufacture a 600 kW, low-temperature, hydrogen-electric powertrain for the certified 19-seat, fuel cell-powered commercial aircraft.

As part of the agreement, PowerCell will establish a unit in the UK for final assembly and the adaptation of the stacks to ZeroAvia’s fuel cell system and application. The new unit will give PowerCell both proximity to the customer and the significant aviation market.

Richard Berkling, CEO of PowerCell, said, “We look forward to continue the close cooperation with clean aviation leader ZeroAvia, and the joint contribution to an aircraft fleet with zero emissions.”

Val Miftakhov, founder and CEO of ZeroAvia, said, “We are addressing a multi-billion dollar market for converting aircraft to zero-emission engines, and we need the surety of high quality LTPEM fuel cell stacks in our supply chain to meet that opportunity.”