Swedish fuel cell manufacturer PowerCell is contributing to the EU-funded H2MAC project, a four-year initiative aimed at developing scalable hydrogen-powered fuel cell systems for non-road mobile machinery (NRMM). The project seeks to advance sustainable hydrogen technology for high-demand off-road sectors such as construction and mining.
PowerCell will receive €793,000 to support its role in system and application integration, designed for rugged environments. Project milestones include the planned delivery of hydrogen fuel cell systems between Q4 2025 and Q1 2026, with the first operational trials set for autumn 2026.
“Participating in the H2MAC project highlights PowerCell’s commitment to hydrogen-electric solutions that tackle the challenges faced by high-impact industries,” said Richard Berkling, CEO of PowerCell Group. “By deploying our technology in tough, real-world conditions, we’re showcasing both the resilience of our fuel cells and their potential to reduce pollution and decarbonize sectors like construction and mining.”
The H2MAC project aims to drive hydrogen technology adoption in heavy industries, with a focus on sustainable applications for mobile machinery. PowerCell expects that insights from the project will propel further innovations to support a cleaner, more resilient heavy machinery sector.
As part of the H2MAC project, two hydrogen fuel cell-powered prototypes will be developed and tested: a 120 kW-powered excavator and a crusher outfitted with dual modules providing 240 kW of power. These machines will undergo 1,000 hours of operational testing in a quarry near Cádiz, Spain, in 2027, demonstrating the potential of modular, scalable hydrogen solutions in real-world conditions.
PowerCell joins the project alongside Mann + Hummel, a German filtration expert, and Spain’s ZB Group, a specialist in large machinery. The addition of PowerCell appears to follow a change in the project roster, replacing Canadian manufacturer Ballard, originally announced as a participant.
PowerCell has experience in supplying hydrogen fuel cells for demanding applications, including a prototype articulated dumper truck for Volvo CE, two hydrogen-powered ferries, and a hydrogen-fueled aircraft.
