PowerCell Secures First Commercial Order for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Systems to Power Hitachi Energy's Off-Grid HyFlex™ Platform
Key Insights
PowerCell Group has received its inaugural commercial order to supply hydrogen fuel cell systems for Hitachi Energy's innovative HyFlex™ platform.
The HyFlex™ system is designed to replace traditional diesel generators, offering clean, quiet, and scalable electricity for off-grid applications using hydrogen fuel.
This order includes two Power-Generation System 225 units, crucial components for the integrated HyFlex™ hydrogen generator, following successful field trials.
The collaboration between PowerCell and Hitachi Energy, initiated in 2021, marks a significant step towards commercial deployment in the burgeoning power-generation market.
In a pivotal advancement for the clean energy sector, PowerCell Group has secured its inaugural commercial order to supply hydrogen fuel cell systems for Hitachi Energy’s innovative HyFlex™ platform. This landmark agreement signifies a crucial step towards replacing conventional diesel generators with emission-free, off-grid power solutions, targeting remote locations and applications lacking direct grid access. The HyFlex™ system is engineered to deliver clean, quiet, and scalable electricity, utilizing hydrogen as its primary fuel source.
The order encompasses the delivery of two Power-Generation System 225 units, which will serve as the foundational energy modules for the HyFlex™ system. This integrated, plug-and-play hydrogen generator is the culmination of a strategic collaboration initiated between PowerCell and Hitachi Energy in 2021, aimed at developing robust and commercially viable hydrogen-powered solutions for distributed generation. Following extensive and successful demonstration and application field trials, Hitachi Energy is now poised to commence commercial deliveries of the HyFlex™ product, with PowerCell’s fuel cell systems at its core.
Richard Berkling, CEO of PowerCell Group, underscored the significance of this milestone, stating, “We are delighted to sign this initial commercial order with Hitachi Energy. This signifies that the very promising power-generation market is beginning to progress with OEM demand.” Berkling further emphasized Hitachi Energy’s pivotal role, noting, “Hitachi Energy is not just any OEM; its outstanding tradition of grid infrastructure and proven capacity to generate value in the accelerating energy transition makes it the ideal OEM customer for successful technical integration and deployment in the market.”
This commercial deployment addresses a critical need for sustainable power generation in areas underserved by traditional grid infrastructure, where reliance on diesel generators contributes significantly to carbon emissions and noise pollution. The HyFlex™ system offers a compelling alternative, leveraging hydrogen fuel cells to provide reliable, environmentally sound power, thereby reducing operational costs associated with fuel logistics and maintenance in remote settings. The transition from pilot projects to commercial orders validates the technical maturity and market readiness of hydrogen fuel cell technology for large-scale, distributed power applications. This development is expected to catalyze further investment and adoption of hydrogen-based solutions across various industries seeking to decarbonize their energy consumption.