Advent Technologies launches proof of concept in Greece using biomethanol-powered fuel cells

In Greece, Advent Technologies Holdings launched a proof of concept project with Vantage Towers Greece to replace diesel generators with fuel cells. Vantage Towers Greece is the largest and only independent tower infrastructure company in Greece, operating more than 5,250 towers for Vodafone Greece and Wind Hellas. By replacing diesel generators with fuel cells at non-permanent sites that are not connected to the power grid, they can be supplied with electricity even more environmentally friendly.

Under the PoC, Vantage Towers Greece, a subsidiary of Vantage Towers Group, one of Europe’s leading tower companies, will explore the applicability of Advent’s Serene biomethanol-powered fuel cell systems as back-up and primary power sources for its telecom towers. This new collaboration is particularly aligned with the overall strategy of Vantage Towers, which aims to drive sustainable digitalization in Europe by reducing carbon emissions across their network by using clean energy solutions. Following the successful completion of the PoC project in Greece, Advent and Vantage Towers could consider wider deployments.

Liquid biomethanol as a carrier of hydrogen allows for easier transportation, logistics and storage compared with hydrogen gas, and enhances the safety of operations by simultaneously achieving more than 80% CO2 emissions reduction compared to diesel generators. Key advantages of using Advent’s methanol-powered fuel cells include:

·      Significantly less CO2 emissions and noise compared to conventional generator units

·      No NOx or SOx emissions

·      Small footprint

·      Long operating lifetime

·      Low service and maintenance fees