Recording of Thursday, May 08, 2025 | The smarter E Europe Exhibition Program 2025 | Exhibition Program | Language: English | Duration: 18:17 .

Vertiv Collaborates with Ballard to Introduce Zero-Emission Hydrogen Fuel Cell Solutions for Data Centers

Luka Majić, a product manager at Vertiv in Zagreb, Croatia, elaborates on the company's commitment to sustainable power solutions for data centers. Vertiv supports global data center infrastructure with an emphasis on transitioning from traditional diesel generators to cleaner energy alternatives due to regulatory pressures. They are investigating Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells as zero-emission backup options that align with tech giants' net-zero goals. These fuel cells promise reliable and scalable backup capabilities essential during outages and can be adapted for various facility sizes up to gigawatt scale. Collaborating with Ballard Power Systems, Vertiv has developed systems integrating PEM fuel cells and batteries for enhanced performance while maintaining compatibility globally through standard BESS inverters—boosting both efficiency and sustainability of AI-driven centers. The company is focusing on modular designs capable of delivering up to three megawatts per unit using BRLA batteries initially until full ramp-up by the fuel cells occurs. Prefabricated units ensure reliability without user intervention unless failures happen; tests have shown stable output even under varying loads—a common issue faced by diesel setups. Vertiv's focus remains on hydrogen generation rather than production or storage due to challenges like intermittent demand primarily met via grid electricity supplemented by hydrogen backups—the larger footprint compared against conventional systems poses logistical concerns despite higher costs but aims at proving viability through ongoing testing efforts amidst industry conservatism towards new technologies.

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Speaker

Luka Majić
Product Manager
Sustainable Power
Vertiv

Talk of session: GHF P2: Industrial/Product Live Pitches

Further Talks of this session:

Green Hydrogen Production - Concept of Cost-effective Manufacturing

Speaker

Dr. Eric Rüland
Managing Director
RCT GH GmbH

To Talk

PH2OeNIX: System Scenarios for Direct Off-grid Coupling of Photovoltaics and Water Electrolysers

Speaker

Philipp Mayer-Ullmannm
Research Engineer
Austrian Insitute of Technology GmbH

To Talk

Green Hydrogen Qota Systems - How to Set-up the Policy Framework

Speaker

Dr. Christian Friebe
Head of Public Affairs & Projects
Stoff 2

To Talk

Hydrogen Emergency Power Systems by DB Bahnbau Gruppe

Speaker

Arne Feiert
Head of Principles and Strategy
Technical Equipment
DB Bahnbau Gruppe GmbH

To Talk