Hydrogen-powered AGVs change the game. These vehicles can run almost all day and need a quick, minute-long, refuel every 12 hours. Refueling takes only three to five minutes. This means your operations stay active, and your factory can work at full speed without long interruptions.

With battery-powered AGVs, performance drops as the battery runs low. Hydrogen fuel cells, on the other hand, keep delivering steady power until the fuel is finished. This reliable performance makes the workflow smoother and ensures consistent output on the factory floor. Embrace hydrogen-powered AGVs for uninterrupted productivity.

Using hydrogen-powered AGVs also makes good business sense. For example, a facility with 15 battery AGVs (each valued at $300,000) may only need 12 hydrogen-powered ones. This switch could save up to $900,000 in upfront costs, along with lower maintenance expenses and longer operational life.

Ready to take your manufacturing process to the next level? Join us at ProMat 2025 to learn more about how you can optimize your operations.

For further details or to speak directly with our experts, visit our website and contact the Plug sales team today.

The post The Future of Manufacturing: Embracing Hydrogen Powered AGVs for Uninterrupted Productivity first appeared on Plug Power.

The post The Future of Manufacturing: Embracing Hydrogen Powered AGVs for Uninterrupted Productivity appeared first on Plug Power.

From Air Liquide to Plug: A Unique Journey

Before joining Plug, Andrew worked with industry partners at Air Liquide. He spent countless hours in the halls of Congress advocating hydrogen policies alongside familiar faces from Plug. Impressed by the dedication and mission of the Plug team, he made the transition and joined the company two and a half years ago in October 2022.

Making a Legislative Impact

Andrew helped draft key legislation for the U.S. Strategic Helium Reserve. The Reserve has been critical for airships, medical imaging, semiconductor manufacturing, and aerospace. Through a year-long advocacy campaign, new laws were passed to stabilize global markets. He proudly displays a framed copy of the legislation in his office.

Thriving in a Challenging Field

Working in public policy comes with its share of challenges. Andrew understands that regulatory rules naturally create hurdles and that navigating these gray areas requires creativity and attention to detail. He has learned that sometimes the best way forward is to change direction, even if it means taking a step back. This flexible approach has been key in overcoming obstacles and finding effective solutions.

Fueling a Clean Energy Future

Andrew is excited about the potential of hydrogen and fuel cells to transform the U.S. energy landscape. He looks forward to playing a direct role in diversifying, developing and maturing the energy sector. For him, working at Plug is more than a job; it is a commitment to building a better world for future generations.

Finding a Way in Life and Work

Andrew lives by the simple mantra to find a way. Whether he goes around obstacles, through them, over them, or under them, he never gives up. This philosophy guides his work and personal life. It serves as a constant reminder to persevere.

A Glimpse into Andrew’s Personal Life

Outside of work, Andrew has an interesting personal story. He grew up as a beach kid who loved surfing in the Gulf of Mexico and later married into a mountain and skiing family. Although his wife has officially converted him to skiing, he jokes that he is still the worst skier among his family.

These days, much of his free time revolves around his children’s activities. He volunteers on the pit crew for his kids’ high school marching band and spends his time driving his children to soccer games and practices.

The post H2@Work Employee Spotlight: Andrew Temple first appeared on Plug Power.

The post H2@Work Employee Spotlight: Andrew Temple appeared first on Plug Power.

Plug stands out as a leader in the hydrogen economy, working tirelessly to enhance the technology and infrastructure behind hydrogen production. With a focus on clean energy solutions, Plug’s advanced systems ensure efficient production, storage, and transport of hydrogen. In this blog, we will explore the main components of a hydrogen production plant like Plug’s first ever green hydrogen production plant in Camden County, GA USA and highlight how Plug is paving the way in this field.

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process that turns water into hydrogen and see how Plug contributes at every stage.

Hydrogen Production Workflow Overview

Producing hydrogen on an industrial scale involves several crucial steps, each ensuring high-quality hydrogen that can be used for storage, transportation, or power generation. Below is a detailed breakdown of each stage, reflecting the process depicted in the Typical Hydrogen Production BFD diagram.

1. Water Treatment and Purification

• Why It’s Important: Water must be highly purified before it is fed into electrolyzers to ensure the electrolysis process runs efficiently. Even minor impurities can hinder the efficiency and longevity of the electrolyzer stacks.
• The Process: Raw water is treated to remove total dissolved solids (TDS), organic compounds, and hardness. The goal is to reach the purity and resistivity levels that are required by electrolyzer stacks.
• Plug’s Role: Plug uses advanced Multi pass Reverse Osmosis (RO) technology to maintain water purity, ensuring minimal waste while conserving water resources during treatment.

2. Electrolysis Process

• How It Works: Electrolyzers split purified water into hydrogen and oxygen using electrical energy. This is a zero-emission process, making it a cornerstone of green hydrogen production.
• Technology at Play: Plug deploys proton exchange membrane-based electrolyzers that offer high efficiency and scalability. The electrolyzer systems are designed to integrate with renewable energy sources like solar or wind to further enhance sustainability.
• Plug’s Innovation: Plug’s electrolyzers operate using 5-10 MW arrays to scale to the size plant needed, reducing energy losses, and optimizing hydrogen output to meet growing market demand.

3. Liquefaction Systems

• Why It’s Important: Hydrogen must be cooled and liquefied to make it easier to store and transport. The liquefaction process condenses gaseous hydrogen into liquid form by lowering the temperature to -253°C.
• How It Works: Liquefaction technology includes a pre-cooling section which happens inside a perlite cold box and by utilizing either liquid or cryogenic gaseous nitrogen refrigerant and a liquefaction section which happens inside a vacuum cold box by utilizing hydrogen or helium refrigerant.
• Efficiency Focus: Plug’s cooling systems ensure minimal energy waste during liquefaction, improving the overall efficiency of hydrogen production plants.

4. Storage and Transportation

• Storage Options: Once liquefied, hydrogen is stored in spherical tanks or bullet-shaped containers designed for safety and long-term storage. Plug ensures these storage systems meet the highest safety standards.
• Transport: Hydrogen is loaded into specialized cryogenic trucks and distributed to industries and fueling stations. These distribution networks are critical for expanding the hydrogen economy.
• Plug’s Expertise: Plug offers tailored storage and transportation solutions, ensuring hydrogen is safely delivered to meet global demand.

5. Supporting Systems and Safety Protocols

• Utilities: In addition to the core production process, hydrogen plants rely on systems like nitrogen and instrument air to maintain safe operations.
• Safety Systems: Hydrogen plants must manage fire risks effectively. Plug’s plants are equipped with vent stacks, drainage systems, and real-time gas analyzers to prevent emergencies.
• Continuous Monitoring: Advanced control systems monitor gas composition and ensure operational safety, with a focus on minimizing risks at every stage.

Project Lifecycle: Plug’s Approach to Hydrogen Projects

The success of any hydrogen production plant depends on a well-structured project lifecycle. From planning and design to execution and startup, Plug follows a comprehensive project management strategy to ensure each plant is delivered efficiently on time, and within budget. This approach involves multiple phases, each contributing to the seamless delivery of hydrogen projects.

1. Prospecting and Qualification

• What Happens in This Phase: This phase focuses on evaluating the feasibility of new sites for hydrogen production. Key factors include environmental regulations, infrastructure needs, and land availability.
• Plug’s Approach: The company identifies regulatory requirements early, engages environmental consultants, and analyzes site-specific risks.
• Deliverables: Land lease agreements, initial funding requests, and a high-level business case are developed during this phase to guide decision-making.

2. Define and Design (FEED/FEL)

• What It Entails: The Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) phase defines the scope and technical requirements for the project. Long-lead equipment orders and design documents are finalized during this phase.
• How Plug Manages Design: Plug creates a detailed risk plan, files environmental permits, and establishes contracting strategies, ensuring smooth progress through the design phase.
• Milestones: Final scope of work is established, risk assessments are completed, and the construction management plan is put in place.

3. Procurement and Construction

• Activities in This Phase: Construction includes site preparation, civil and electrical work, and mechanical installations. Key materials and equipment are procured from vendors, ensuring that timelines are met.
• EPC Strategy: Plug follows an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) strategy to minimize risks and streamline project delivery. This means they take full responsibility for the plant’s design, procurement, and construction.
• How Plug Ensures Quality: Vendors and contractors are evaluated based on their safety standards, workload capacity, experience, and financial stability. Inspections and audits are conducted throughout the process to maintain quality control.

4. Commissioning and Startup

• Commissioning Process: During this phase, all plant systems are tested and verified to ensure proper functioning. Plug conducts detailed system checks, including fire and gas safety tests, before going live.
• Startup Planning: Plug develops a detailed startup plan that outlines key tasks, responsibilities, and contingency measures for handling unforeseen challenges during the startup phase.
• Final Checks: A Pre-Startup Safety Review (PSSR) ensures that all systems are safe and compliant before full-scale operations begin. This is followed by a post-startup review to gather lessons for future projects.

5. Risk Management and Continuous Improvement

• How Plug Manages Risks: Risk assessment is continuous throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring that potential issues are addressed proactively.
• Continuous Learning: Plug documents lessons learned from each project to improve future designs and processes. Their risk management strategy involves regular audits and feedback loops, ensuring projects are delivered smoothly.

6. Supporting Systems and Utilities in Hydrogen Production 

Hydrogen production plants rely not only on core components like electrolyzers and compressors but also on essential utilities and safety systems. These supporting elements ensure that the plant operates smoothly, efficiently, and safely. 

Nitrogen Systems

• Nitrogen is used as a pre-cooling stage in liquefaction. In addition, nitrogen is used to maintain inert environments, minimizing the risks of fire and contamination in sensitive areas. 
• Plug incorporates advanced nitrogen systems to ensure operational safety and reduce hazards. 

Instrument Air Systems

• Instrument air is vital for controlling valves and instruments used throughout the plant. 
• Plug integrates high-quality air systems to ensure smooth and precise operations across the plant’s infrastructure. 

Fire Safety Systems and Emergency Management

• Fire protection is essential when working with hydrogen, which is highly flammable. 
• Plug ensures fire safety with specialized vent stacks, drainage systems, and fire water supplies. Advanced gas detection systems monitor for potential leaks and other hazards. 

Waste Management Systems

• Efficient handling of waste products like excess hydrogen or water ensures the plant meets environmental standards. 
• Plug adopts sustainable waste management practices to minimize the environmental impact. 

Cooling Systems

• Various cooling technologies such as cooling towers, air coolers, and adiabatic coolers maintain optimal operating temperatures based on location and environmental conditions. 
• Plug’s cooling solutions ensure energy-efficient operations, reducing the overall carbon footprint of the plant. 

Analyzer and Monitoring Systems

• Real-time monitoring systems analyze gas composition and ensure compliance with quality and safety standards. 
• Plug’s monitoring technology provides continuous feedback to keep operations running smoothly and safely. 

Conclusion

Hydrogen production is at the heart of the clean energy revolution, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. A hydrogen production plant is a complex system that requires precise planning, advanced technologies, and seamless coordination. Plug has positioned itself as a leader in this space, driving innovation and efficiency at every stage.

From water treatment to electrolyzer and liquefaction technologies, Plug’s solutions are designed to meet the growing demand for hydrogen with sustainability in mind. The company’s structured project lifecycle ensures that each plant operates with the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and environmental compliance.

Through continuous improvement, risk management, and a focus on innovation, Plug is not just producing hydrogen but paving the way for a greener future. With a commitment to scaling clean energy solutions, Plug is helping industries and communities transition toward sustainable energy sources.

As hydrogen becomes more critical in the global energy landscape, Plug’s contributions are setting the benchmark for excellence. Our efforts show that the future of energy is not just about production, it’s about doing it right.

References:

1. https://www.plugpower.com/water-electrolysis-powering-the-world-with-green-hydrogen/
2. https://www.plugpower.com/hydrogen-electrolyzers-101-why-they-matter-for-sustainable-energy/
3. https://www.plugpower.com/hydrogen-electrolyzers-five-frequently-asked-questions/
4. https://www.plugpower.com/blog/green-hydrogen-101-unlocking-the-potential/

The post Inside Plug’s Hydrogen Production Process: Key Components and Project Lifecycle first appeared on Plug Power.

The post Inside Plug’s Hydrogen Production Process: Key Components and Project Lifecycle appeared first on Plug Power.

A New Adventure at Plug

Marissa’s career path took a turn when she decided to leave the construction and real estate development world. “I was looking for an environment that would excite and challenge me, and that is when I stumbled upon Plug,” she says. The hydrogen field was completely new to her, but she was drawn to the company’s innovative spirit.

Nearly Three Years and Counting

Marissa has been with Plug since January 2022. She finds pride in working for a company that aims to make a lasting impact on the planet. “What drew me to Plug is you can really see the long-term impacts the company can have and its trajectory,” she says.

A Memorable Early Career Twist

Soon after graduating college, Marissa joined her first company that experienced a major building fire within her first six weeks. “Growing up as a firefighter’s daughter, it was the first time my personal and professional life crossed paths as my dad’s department helped extinguish the fire,” she recalls. Faced with leading a large insurance claim process, she realized she could handle far more than she imagined. “This really taught me there is not much I cannot handle,” she says.

Staying Flexible Amid Challenges

In her role, Marissa sometimes needs to pivot quickly. This can be difficult for someone who describes herself as very Type-A, but she reminds herself to look at the bigger picture. “I try to focus on the end-goal and use that as motivation,” she explains. This approach helps her avoid tunnel vision and stay on track, even when plans change at the last minute.

Excited About Hydrogen

Marissa is proud to be part of a company that is moving the world toward a cleaner future. “I take a lot of pride in being part of a company that will eventually have such a positive effect on the planet and lessen our dependency on fossil fuels,” she says. She believes the potential for hydrogen and fuel cells is enormous.

Keep Going, Keep Growing

For Marissa, mistakes and unexpected hurdles are opportunities to learn and grow. She holds onto the idea of “Keep Going, Keep Growing.” On her birthday each year, she looks back at her accomplishments and feels grateful for how far she has come. This past year, she purchased her first home. “While it did not come without hardships, I can now look back and appreciate what it took to get here,” she says.

A Home to Cherish

Marissa and her boyfriend recently bought her grandmother’s house, a beloved childhood place for her. They have been renovating everything from the carpets to the kitchen. “It has been exciting to breathe new life into a well-loved home and make it our own,” she says.

Marissa’s journey reflects how persistence, a willingness to adapt, and a focus on the bigger picture can propel a person’s career and personal life forward. She embodies the spirit of Plug by always finding ways to learn, grow, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

The post GreenH2@Work Employee Spotlight: Marissa Eagan first appeared on Plug Power.

The post GreenH2@Work Employee Spotlight: Marissa Eagan appeared first on Plug Power.

To address this issue, telecom providers use backup power systems. While batteries and diesel generators have been common solutions, hydrogen fuel cells have been a backup power solution for over 20 years and continue to become a more promising option. Fuel cells offer a reliable, environmentally friendly, and efficient way to keep telecom operations running during power failures.

This blog will explore how hydrogen fuel cells are becoming a viable solution for backup power in telecom. We will look at their advantages over traditional systems, how they are being used in the real world, and the future of hydrogen fuel cells in the telecom industry. As the world moves towards greener energy solutions, hydrogen fuel cells could play a key role in providing reliable and sustainable backup power for telecom services.

Understanding Fuel Cells

A. What are Fuel Cells?

A fuel cell is a device that generates electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. Unlike traditional power sources, such as batteries or generators, fuel cells do not rely on combustion. Instead, they produce electricity efficiently by using an electrochemical process. This process takes place continuously as long as fuel, typically hydrogen, is supplied to the cell. Fuel cells are known for being highly reliable, efficient, and environmentally friendly, making them an ideal solution for applications like backup power.

B. How Fuel Cells Work

Fuel cells operate on an electrochemical process that generates electricity. Here is a simplified breakdown of how this process works:

1. Electrochemical Process: In a fuel cell, hydrogen gas is supplied to the anode (the negative side), where it is split into protons (hydrogen ions) and electrons. The electrons travel through an external circuit, creating an electric current that can be used to power devices or equipment.
2. Key Components:
   • Anode: The anode is where hydrogen gas enters the fuel cell. It is the negative side of the cell. The hydrogen molecules are split into protons and electrons.
   • Cathode: The cathode is the positive side of the fuel cell. It is where oxygen from the air enters. The protons travel through the electrolyte to the cathode, while the electrons flow through the external circuit.
   • Electrolyte: The electrolyte is the medium that allows the protons to pass from the anode to the cathode. It prevents the electrons from traveling directly from the anode to the cathode. The electrolyte plays a key role in ensuring that the electrochemical reaction takes place efficiently.

This process produces electricity, water, and heat as by-products. The water is a clean, non-polluting emission, which makes fuel cells environmentally friendly.

C. Types of Fuel Cells

Fuel cells come in different types, each designed for specific applications based on factors such as efficiency, size, and fuel source. Here are some common types of fuel cells:

1. Alkaline Fuel Cells (AFC): These use a solution of potassium hydroxide as electrolyte. While they are highly efficient, their use is often limited to specialized applications due to sensitivity to CO2.
2. Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cells (PAFC): These use phosphoric acid as electrolyte. They are commonly used for stationary power generation and are known for their reliability.
3. Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs): PEMFCs are the most widely used type of fuel cells, especially in telecom applications. They use a solid polymer membrane as the electrolyte and operate at relatively low temperatures. This makes them quick to start and ideal for portable and backup power solutions. PEMFCs are highly efficient and can be scaled for different power needs. Their ability to work efficiently with hydrogen makes them a key technology for clean energy applications, including telecom backup power.
4. Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC): These fuel cells use a ceramic electrolyte and operate at much higher temperatures. They are mainly used in stationary applications and are known for their high efficiency but are not as widely used in telecom due to their size and temperature requirements.

Among these, Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) are the focus for telecom backup power, as they offer a balance of efficiency, reliability, and environmental benefits, especially in mobile and stationary telecom infrastructure.

The Need for Backup Power in Telecom

A. Importance of Continuous Service in Telecom

Telecom networks are critical to modern society, supporting everything from personal communication to business transactions, and even emergency services. These networks handle massive amounts of data and communication every day, making uninterrupted service essential. Any disruption in telecom services can lead to significant financial losses, damage to customer trust, and operational downtime.

For telecom providers, ensuring that their systems remain online and functioning, even during power outages or other disruptions, is a high priority. That’s where backup power systems play a crucial role in maintaining service continuity.

B. Common Causes of Power Outages

Telecom networks are vulnerable to power disruptions for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common causes of power outages include:

1. Natural Disasters: Events such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods can damage power infrastructure, leading to widespread power loss. Telecom towers and equipment are often affected by these events, making reliable backup solutions critical in disaster-prone areas.
2. Grid Failures: The electrical grid is a complex system, and failures due to equipment malfunction, overloading, or accidents can lead to widespread outages. Telecom providers often rely on the same grid for power, making them susceptible to interruptions.
3. Equipment Malfunctions: Even without external disruptions, telecom equipment can fail due to aging components, power surges, or other technical issues. In such cases, backup power systems are necessary to maintain service until repairs are made.
4. Energy Shortages: In some regions, power shortages or load shedding may occur, requiring backup systems to keep telecom services running smoothly. In some cases, grid power is even shut off during severe weather for public safety reasons.

C. Current Backup Solutions

To ensure continuous operation during power failures, telecom providers primarily rely on traditional backup solutions such as batteries and generators. While these systems have been in use for years, they each have limitations that make them less ideal in the long term.

Batteries are a commonly used solution for short term telecom backup power at small sites, but they come with some notable limitations:

• Limited Runtime and Lifespan: Batteries can only provide backup power for a limited amount of time, depending on the load and the size of the battery. Over time, their capacity decreases, meaning they need to be replaced or recharged frequently. Additionally, adding battery capacity due to additional telecom equipment or runtime needed at an expanding site can mean doubling the number of batteries and their footprint at the location, which increases capital expense and may increase site lease rates.
• Environmental Concerns with Disposal: Batteries, especially lead-acid ones, pose environmental risks due to the toxic materials they contain. Improper disposal can lead to soil and water contamination, contributing to environmental pollution.

Generators, typically powered by diesel or natural gas, are another traditional backup solution. While they can provide longer-duration backup power, they have several downsides:

• Noise Pollution and Fuel Dependency: Diesel generators are noisy, which can be a significant drawback in urban or densely populated areas. They also rely on diesel fuel, which can create supply challenges during emergencies.
• Maintenance Requirements: Generators require regular maintenance to ensure they remain functional. This can be time-consuming and costly, particularly if they are used infrequently.

Role of Fuel Cells: Hydrogen fuel cells have supported telecom backup power since the early 2000s, offering reliability, eco-friendliness, and scalability. They ensure uninterrupted power, produce zero harmful emissions, operate quietly, and deliver high efficiency compared to traditional systems like batteries and generators. Additionally, fuel cells are flexible and scalable, catering to diverse telecom infrastructures while promoting sustainability.

Let’s dive deeper into the advantages of fuel cells and how they benefit the telecom sector.

Advantages of Hydrogen Fuel Cells for Telecom Backup

Hydrogen fuel cells offer several key advantages that make them an ideal choice for backup power in telecom. These benefits go beyond just providing electricity during power outages, they also contribute to the overall efficiency and sustainability of telecom operations.

A. Reliability and Performance

One of the main reasons hydrogen fuel cells are gaining popularity in telecom applications is their reliability. Unlike traditional backup solutions like batteries and generators, fuel cells provide a consistent and uninterrupted power supply with a longer productive lifespan than batteries. Batteries lose capacity as they age, and generators can face mechanical issues or rely on widely used fuels like diesel, which may experience shortages during emergencies.

Hydrogen fuel cells, on the other hand, are less likely to encounter such supply challenges due to hydrogen’s relatively niche usage. They can operate for extended periods without requiring recharging or frequent refueling (depending on the amount of stored fuel on-site), making them a dependable choice for telecom systems that must remain operational around the clock.

B. Environmental Benefits

• Zero Emissions During Operation: Unlike diesel generators, which emit carbon dioxide and other pollutants, hydrogen fuel cells produce no air pollutants during operation. This makes them an attractive solution for industries that are looking to reduce their environmental impact.
• Reduced Carbon Footprint: As more companies and industries adopt hydrogen fuel cells, their overall carbon footprint can be greatly reduced. Fuel cells contribute to the global effort to combat climate change by lowering the emission of greenhouse gases from the energy sector. In telecom, this is particularly relevant, as telecom providers look for ways to make their operations more sustainable and align with global environmental goals.

C. Long Operational Life and Low Maintenance

Hydrogen fuel cells have a long operational life and require relatively low maintenance compared to traditional backup power systems.

• Long Operational Life: Fuel cells are designed to operate efficiently for many years without significant degradation. While batteries need frequent replacements, and generators require regular servicing and maintenance, fuel cells have a longer lifespan, reducing the total cost of ownership over time. This makes them a more cost-effective solution for telecom companies in many cases, especially in the long run.
• Low Maintenance: Fuel cells are less prone to mechanical failures and do not require as much routine maintenance as diesel generators. Unlike generators, which need regular servicing, oil changes, and fuel checks, fuel cells have fewer moving parts and operate with minimal intervention. This makes them an ideal choice for remote telecom sites where access to maintenance personnel may be limited.

D. Scalability and Flexibility for Telecom Infrastructure

Another significant advantage of hydrogen fuel cells is their scalability and flexibility, making them suitable for various telecom infrastructure needs.

• Scalability: Fuel cells can be easily scaled to meet the power demands of different telecom operations. Whether it’s a small base station or a large data center, fuel cells can be sized appropriately to provide the necessary backup power. This scalability ensures that fuel cells can be used in a wide range of telecom applications, from small cell sites to large network hubs.
• Flexibility: Fuel cells are adaptable and can be integrated into existing telecom infrastructure without requiring major changes. They connect to the DC bus alongside a smaller battery string and can be used as the primary backup solution or complement existing systems like batteries and generators. Fuel cells can also be paired with renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind, to create a hybrid power solution that is both reliable and sustainable.

Fuel cells are a versatile and long-term solution for telecom companies looking to ensure reliable and environmentally friendly backup power. Their scalability allows for customization, while their low maintenance and long life contribute to operational efficiency and reduced costs.

Case Studies and Real-World Applications

A. Examples of Telecom Companies Using Hydrogen Fuel Cells

Hydrogen fuel cells have been increasingly adopted by telecom companies seeking reliable and environmentally friendly backup power solutions. A notable example is Southern Linc, a wireless communications provider and subsidiary of Southern Company. Since 2015, Southern Linc has partnered with Plug to deploy hydrogen fuel cells across its network. They installed approximately 500 Plug fuel cell systems, providing backup power to their LTE sites. This initiative has significantly enhanced the reliability and sustainability of their operations.

Another example is Telstra, Australia’s largest telecommunications company. In 2024, Telstra partnered with Energys Australia to pilot the use of 10 kW renewable hydrogen generators at remote telecom towers. These generators provide backup power during outages, ensuring continuous service in areas vulnerable to extreme weather events. The pilot project, funded through the AUD 6.6 million Renewable Hydrogen Commercialisation Pathways Fund, aims to assess the feasibility and benefits of integrating hydrogen fuel cells into Telstra’s network infrastructure.

These metrics demonstrate that hydrogen fuel cells not only improve the reliability and efficiency of telecom networks but also contribute to cost savings and environmental sustainability.

B. Performance Metrics and Outcomes

Hydrogen fuel cells have shown promising results in real-world telecom applications:

• Efficiency: Fuel cells offer higher energy efficiency compared to traditional generators, minimizing energy losses.
• Cost-Effectiveness: A Southern Linc case study indicated expected annual savings of 64% in backup power operational expenses by using fuel cells.
• Environmental Impact: Both Southern Linc and Telstra benefit from reduced emissions. Southern Linc’s network alone cuts down on 100 tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually.

Challenges and Solutions

A. Hydrogen Production and Supply Chain

Challenge: While hydrogen is generally accessible and less likely to face shortages during emergencies, delivering it to remote or hard-to-reach telecom sites, such as mountaintops or rural areas, can pose logistical and cost challenges. This issue is not due to a lack of hydrogen, but rather the complexities of transportation and storage infrastructure in such locations.

Solution: A promising solution lies in investing in renewable hydrogen production methods, such as electrolysis powered by solar or wind energy. By producing hydrogen locally near telecom sites, especially in remote areas, the transportation challenge can be minimized. Local production reduces reliance on distant supply chains and makes the fuel more cost-effective for telecom providers operating in challenging environments. Additionally, for remote areas where hydrogen is the best option, provisioning enough hydrogen at the site to provide power through times of more difficult access, like mountain winters, offers a solution.

B. Initial Investment Costs

Challenge: The higher upfront costs of hydrogen fuel cell systems compared to traditional backup solutions like batteries and generators can be a barrier for telecom companies.

Solution: While the initial investment may be more significant, the long-term savings are considerable. Hydrogen fuel cells have lower operational and maintenance costs, as they require less frequent servicing compared to generators. Additionally, government incentives for clean energy technologies can offset a significant amount of the initial expenses, making the switch to hydrogen more financially feasible for telecom companies. As the technology matures, costs are expected to decrease, further improving the business case for fuel cells in telecom.

C. Public Perception

Challenge: There are still misconceptions about hydrogen safety, which can create hesitation among telecom providers, regulators, and the public. Some may view hydrogen as dangerous due to its flammability.

Solution: The key to overcoming this challenge is increased education and outreach. By demonstrating the extensive safety protocols in place and the rigorous testing that hydrogen fuel cells undergo, telecom providers can build confidence in the technology. Additionally, sharing real-world examples, such as the successful adoption of hydrogen fuel cells by Southern Linc, Telstra, and many others, can help shift public perception and highlight the safety and reliability of this clean energy solution.

Future of Fuel Cells in Telecom

The integration of hydrogen fuel cells into telecommunications is poised for significant growth, driven by technological advancements and a global shift towards sustainable energy solutions.

A. Emerging Trends and Innovations in Fuel Cell Technology

Recent developments in fuel cell technology are enhancing their efficiency and applicability in telecom:

• Durable Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEAs): Innovations are focusing on creating MEAs that can withstand higher temperatures and chemical degradation, thereby further extending the lifespan and performance of fuel cells.
• Non-Platinum Catalysts: To address the high cost and scarcity of platinum used as a catalyst, research is underway to develop non-platinum catalysts and nano-engineering techniques that reduce platinum usage without compromising performance.
• Stack Integration: Advancements aim to improve the integration of fuel cell stacks, further enhancing overall system efficiency and reducing costs.

B. Potential for Integration with Renewable Energy Sources

Fuel cells are already being used in conjunction with renewable energy, but there is much room for expansion. Combining fuel cells with renewable energy sources offers a promising pathway for sustainable telecom operations:

• Hybrid Systems: Integrating fuel cells with solar or wind energy can create hybrid systems that provide continuous power, even when renewable sources are intermittent.
• Microgrids: Fuel cells can be a key component in microgrids, offering reliable backup power and reducing dependence on the main grid. Even now, Energy Vault is completing a backup power system in Calistoga, California for use with a neighborhood where power is likely to be shut off in times of increased wildfire danger. In this system, fuel cells will provide 8MW of power.  Additionally, Stone Edge Farms, also in California, has operated its own microgrid since 2012.
• Energy Storage: Hydrogen can store excess energy generated from renewable sources, then using it with the fuel cells to ensure a steady power supply during periods of power instability.

C. Predictions for Market Growth and Adoption in the Telecom Sector

The adoption of fuel cells in the telecom sector is expected to accelerate:

• Market Expansion: The global fuel cell market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.1% from 2024 to 2030, driven by increasing demand for unconventional energy sources and reduced environmental impact.
• Telecom Adoption: Telecom companies are increasingly investing in fuel cell technology to enhance network reliability and sustainability. For instance, Southern Linc has deployed approximately 500 Plug fuel cell systems to provide backup power to their LTE sites. Globally, more than 7,600 hydrogen fuel cells have been deployed in backup power scenarios.
• Government Support: Governments worldwide are offering incentives and funding to promote the adoption of clean energy technologies, including fuel cells, further accelerating their integration into the telecom sector.

In conclusion, the future of fuel cells in telecommunications is promising, with ongoing technological advancements, integration with renewable energy sources, and strong market growth paving the way for a more sustainable and reliable telecom infrastructure.

References

• Plug – Case Study: Southern Linc
• Ericsson – Southern Linc and Partners Ink Agreements
• pv-magazine – Remote Telecom Towers Powered by 10 kW Hydrogen Generators
• startus-insights – Fuel Cell Trends
• grandviewresearch – Fuel Cell Market Analysis
• energy.gov – Hydrogen Fuel Cell Performance in Telecom
• nrel.gov – Hydrogen Fuel Cell for Telecommunications Backup
• cleanegroup.org – Fuel Cells for Cell Phone Towers
• ieeexplore.ieee.org – Powering Change with Fuel Cells in the Telecommunication Industry
• energy.gov – Hydrogen Fuel Cell Performance in Telecom
• Plug – 5 Evolutions in Fuel Cells for Telecom
• Plug – Fuel Cell Applications 101: Where Are Fuel Cells Used Today?
• Plug – Hydrogen Fuel Cells in Data Centers: A Clean Energy Revolution
• Plug – Five Key Reasons to Replace Diesel with Hydrogen Fuel Cells
• Plug – Fuel Cell Technology for Backup and Supplemental Power Applications
• Plug – Plug at UTC Telecom & Technology
• Plug – How Evolutions in LTE Networks and Fuel Cell Power Have Changed the Site Paradigm for Utility Telecom
• Plug – Plug Presents Telecom Fuel Cells at ISE EXPO
• Plug – Plug’s ReliOn Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Solution Takes Highest Honor in CTIA’s E-Tech Awards Program
• Plug – Comparing Backup Power Options for Communications

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Journey to Plug

Phillip’s entry into Plug was unexpected but rewarding. After working in home delivery, he applied for several jobs and came across Plug. Initially skeptical, he researched the company after receiving a call. “Once I realized Plug was legitimate, I saw the great job opportunities, insurance benefits, and room for growth if I didn’t mind a bit of travel.”

Overcoming Challenges

In his first month, Phillip dealt with contaminated hydrogen from a vendor that shut down 36 trucks. He replaced 21 stacks in two months and received valuable guidance from experienced technicians. “They taught me how to avoid leaks and solve problems effectively. Together, we got the site back up and running.” Thankfully, this is a rare occurrence.

Excitement About Hydrogen

Phillip is enthusiastic about hydrogen’s potential. “It’s a clean, flexible, and high-energy power source with no emissions. There’s no limit to what we can achieve.”

Life Philosophy

Inspired by his father, Phillip believes in doing his best and never giving up. “Things won’t always go your way, but you need to find solutions and keep moving forward,” he shares.

Balancing Work with Fun

For Phillip, work is more than just completing tasks. He values teamwork and creating an enjoyable work environment. “We get the job done, but we also make sure to have fun and support each other. Some days, we even team up to play Call of Duty and have a good time.”

Phillip’s quick thinking, willingness to learn, and positive attitude make him a vital part of Plug’s team, driving success and innovation every day.

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Plug Doing Real Things

At the heart of our Symposium was a clear message: Plug isn’t just talking about the hydrogen future—we’re actively building it. Our extensive hydrogen production network, serving major corporations like Amazon, Walmart, and BMW, demonstrates our unparalleled capacity to meet the growing demand for clean energy solutions.

Our state-of-the-art facilities, including the world’s largest gigafactory for PEM electrolyzers in Rochester, NY, and strategic hydrogen plants in Georgia, Tennessee, and (soon) Louisiana, position us uniquely in the market. These aren’t just facilities—they’re the foundation of a robust hydrogen infrastructure that’s ready to support large-scale deployments and ensure customer satisfaction.

Appointment of a New President

Plug CEO, Andy Marsh, announced that Sanjay Shrestha, formerly the Company’s Chief Strategy Officer and General Manager, Energy Solutions, would assume the position of President while Andy Marsh will retain the position of CEO. In his new role as President, Sanjay will be responsible for the strategic execution of Plug’s business priorities to establish a clear path to profitability with major emphasis on delivering on the Company’s targets for 2025. His leadership will focus on driving growth and expanding value for both customers and shareholders as Plug continues its momentum leading the green hydrogen economy.

Navigating the Regulatory Landscape

A key theme of the symposium was the critical importance of regulatory alignment. We emphasized the need for a clear and usable credit system to drive momentum in hydrogen and renewable energy technologies. Our advocacy for extending the existing Section 48 credit reflects our commitment to creating a supportive ecosystem for innovation.

The bipartisan support for hydrogen technologies is encouraging. As an industry, we’re united in our goal of promoting clean energy solutions that can transform our economic and environmental landscape.

Market Dynamics and Customer Trust

The hydrogen market is experiencing significant shifts, and our symposium dove deep into these dynamics. We’ve seen positive market responses to price adjustments and a reaffirmation of the importance of reliable hydrogen solutions. Our strong customer relationships—evident in our work with industry giants like Amazon and Home Depot—underscore the critical role of trust and consistent value delivery.

Strategic Growth and Technological Innovation

Looking ahead, Plug is charting an ambitious course. Our strategic initiatives include

• Leveraging long-term wind power purchase agreements to establish cost-effective green hydrogen production plants in key U.S. locations
• Expanding our robust network of over 70,000 fuel cells and 305 hydrogen fueling stations
• Targeting positive gross margins by 2025 and enterprise profitability by 2028

Our 8-megawatt stationary system in California exemplifies our innovative, customer-centric approach—providing reliable power solutions that address real-world challenges.

Global Market Perspectives

We also explored the unique challenges and opportunities in different markets, with a particular focus on Europe. The European hydrogen landscape presents distinct characteristics in terms of availability, usage patterns, and regulatory environments. Our strategy involves developing tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of each market while maintaining our commitment to sustainability.

Technological Advancements and Collaborations

Innovation is at the core of our approach. We’re actively collaborating with universities and research institutions to drive technological breakthroughs. Our focus areas include

• Reducing material costs for electrolyzers
• Enhancing water purification techniques
• Optimizing catalyst performance
• Improving fuel cell reliability

These partnerships are crucial for advancing hydrogen technology and making clean energy more accessible and affordable.

Sustainability: More Than a Buzzword

Sustainability isn’t just a goal—it’s a fundamental business strategy. Our symposium highlighted how hydrogen solutions are becoming central to corporate sustainability efforts. By providing comprehensive hydrogen solutions—from production to transportation—we’re helping companies meet their environmental commitments while ensuring operational efficiency.

2025 and Beyond

As Plug looks toward 2025, the Company remains laser-focused on several key priorities to drive sustainable growth and profitability.

• Plug’s Energy Business: Targeting ~30% CAGR from 2025 to 2030, with revenue growth expected to be largely driven by its electrolyzer and cryogenic solutions.
• Plug’s Applications Business: Targeting ~30% CAGR from 2025 to 2030 by expanding middle market opportunities in Material Handling, reaccelerating growth with pedestal customers, and driving sales of the Company’s large-scale stationary product.
• Plug’s Technology Roadmap: Targeting product improvements in performance, efficiency, and cost by focusing on research, development and design that impacts the commercial strategy and economical viability of the products and supports customers’ use of the products.
• Plug’s Approach to Policy: Navigating the shifting domestic and global political landscape that is creating both challenges and opportunities for businesses in the clean energy sector and leveraging hydrogen’s unique position in the U.S. political environment with historically bipartisan support for its role in creating jobs, promoting manufacturing competitiveness, and contributing to energy and national security to drive policy changes that are beneficial to the hydrogen industry.

A Call to Action

The hydrogen market is set for significant growth. Companies that focus on customer relationships, adapt to market dynamics, and leverage advanced technologies will emerge as leaders in the clean energy sector.

At Plug, we’re not just anticipating this future—we’re actively creating it. Our commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and financial discipline sets us apart.

Watch the Full Symposium

Missed the live event? You can now watch the entire 4-hour Plug Symposium online. Dive deeper into our strategies, technological innovations, and vision for a hydrogen-powered future.

The hydrogen revolution is here, and Plug is leading the way.

The post Plug Symposium 2024: Charting the Course for a Hydrogen-Powered Future first appeared on Plug Power.

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Amina, who has worked at Plug for the last two years, focuses her efforts on current and next generation electrolyzer stacks. She works to improve the way our electrolyzer stacks produce hydrogen by looking at the component parts and their coatings and investigating novel methods for incremental improvement. “I studied chemistry in college, so this is a nice mash up of engineering and chemistry.”

Amina is from Florida and completed her bachelor’s degree in chemistry at Florida State University before moving to Boston to take a job at UMASS Lowell in their green energy & combustion research lab. One of the things she did there involved hands-on experimental work with hydrogen. From there, she found Plug in Concord, MA. “I wanted to make my way from academia to industry. Plug seemed like the perfect job for me, and it has been!”

At Plug, Amina started as an analytical chemist processing samples for all of our branches, but she wanted to work directly in electrolyzer R&D. When a position came open, she jumped at it. The electrolyzer team “is definitely still the startup vibe where everyone is doing crazy amounts of work and really helping each other out. The culture here encourages us to ask questions. We crack jokes a lot and it’s a really fun work culture,” she commented. “The idea of bringing green hydrogen into society as a bridge to get to that ideal planet we want – the importance of hydrogen is immense. That’s something I really didn’t know about until I started working at Plug. That hydrogen is the piece we need to get to the future we’re trying to build.”

Amina is guided by her understanding that any of us could be in someone else’s shoes at any point given the right circumstances. That knowledge removes the burden of having negative perceptions of others and inserts a good dose of compassion. “It gives me more patience and tolerance when I interact with others.” Being born in Miami and growing up with a Muslim father and a Christian mother and many friends who are Jewish has given Amina a great appreciation for the idea that diversity is good for resiliency – for people and ecosystems.

But back to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – it’s a huge portion of Amina’s life. She joined last June after stumbling upon a gym near home and now participates 7 days a week. “It’s a battle, but it’s empowering.” She competes every three months – the next one is in mid-November.

And Ollie, Amina’s dog, became a superstar on Tik Tok. The black lab mix went viral in 2020 when Amina made a trend video putting butter on Ollie’s head. She continues to make videos of Ollie doing other trends and gets thousands of views, but nothing compares to putting butter on his head.

From work to life, it’s easy to see that diversity plays a key role in Amina’s life. Growing up, her Puerto Rican grandmother would tell her “sin miedo,” which in English means “without fear”. Now working in the nascent hydrogen industry, this perspective is helping Amina make an impact on the Plug team and the market. 

Plug Symposium 2024 is November 13th. Witness the future. Touch innovation. Be part of the transformation. Register for the digital event today.

The post GreenH2@Work Employee Spotlight: Amina SubLaban first appeared on Plug Power.

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The full webinar is available on demand.

Diverse Career Opportunities

This industry offers a diverse array of career opportunities. Engineers and technicians, particularly those with backgrounds in chemical, electrical, and mechanical disciplines, are in high demand. However, the opportunities extend beyond technical roles. Corporate functions such as finance, legal, and human resources play critical roles in supporting business operations and driving growth. Production and operations folks make the products and get them ready for deployment. Project management positions are essential as the industry expands, while safety and compliance experts ensure adherence to regulations and uphold high safety standards. Additionally, as companies seek to broaden their market reach, roles in sales, marketing, and business development are increasingly vital.

Essential Hydrogen Skills

To succeed in the hydrogen sector, professionals must cultivate a blend of skills. Key competencies include problem-solving abilities, curiosity, and a strong desire for innovation. Individuals transitioning from traditional energy sectors or those with experience in aerospace or defense can leverage their existing knowledge while acquiring new skills specific to hydrogen. Innovation in the hydrogen industry extends beyond the technical realm. For instance, finance teams are developing new methods to raise capital and fund large-scale projects, while HR teams are implementing innovative strategies for talent acquisition and employee engagement. 

Other essential skills such as collaboration, effective communication, curiosity, and perseverance are equally important in this rapidly evolving field. Effective collaboration and communication across different functions help to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical teams, enabling the company to achieve its vision.

Workforce Training Programs

The industry is actively investing in workforce development through partnerships with universities that focus on innovation and preparing future professionals. Many organizations, including Plug, offer internship and co-op programs that provide invaluable hands-on experience for early career development. Mentorship initiatives also play a significant role by pairing new employees with seasoned leaders to foster personal and professional growth.

Networking and Mentorships

Joining professional organizations, attending conferences, and participating in career fairs provide valuable opportunities to connect with industry professionals. Forward-thinking companies pair incoming employees with more established leaders in order to foster growth personally and professionally through support, encouragement, and knowledge transfer.

Rewards of working in the Hydrogen Industry

This industry offers numerous rewards. Seeing the tangible results of one’s work in a burgeoning industry is incredibly satisfying. Whether it’s a green hydrogen production system coming online, a new fuel cell product being introduced at a customer site, or a fresh perspective on an IT helpdesk, this pioneering spirit fosters a sense of pride and accomplishment. Knowing that one’s work directly impacts the environment and the decarbonization goals of multiple countries is highly motivating. Despite the daily challenges – or perhaps because of them – the hydrogen industry offers exciting and rewarding career paths, driving professionals to persevere as we help the world transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

Interested in careers at Plug? Learn more.

Suggested Reading

U.S. Department of Energy Hydrogen Program

Global Hydrogen Review 2023

Fuel Cell Systems Explained

Plug Symposium 2024 is November 13th. Witness the future. Touch innovation. Be part of the transformation. Register for the digital event today.

The post Opportunities and Skills for Success in the Hydrogen Industry first appeared on Plug Power.

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Marsh’s recent trip to Northern Ireland showcased the importance of international collaboration in this energy transformation. He engaged with leaders and innovators who are pushing the boundaries of green technology, exploring solutions designed to accelerate decarbonization across industries. Northern Ireland, with its rapidly expanding green economy, provided the perfect environment for these discussions, offering insights into some of the most groundbreaking advancements in the field.

One key focus was on innovations in clean hydrogen production and energy storage. Companies are refining hydrogen generation techniques, making the process more efficient and scalable. This is critical for industries looking to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels. Additionally, advanced carbon capture technologies are being developed to minimize emissions, revolutionizing how businesses manage their environmental impact. These cutting-edge solutions are central to the global effort to meet net zero targets, and Marsh’s visit underscored the potential for international partnerships to bring these technologies to the forefront.

Energy optimization was another area of interest. With new software solutions capable of real-time energy management, companies can maximize the efficiency of renewable energy systems, ensuring that resources are used as effectively as possible. This aligns closely with Plug’s own initiatives, as the company continues to innovate around hydrogen technology to drive sustainability on a larger scale.

As chairman of the U.S. Net Zero Advisory Board for Northern Ireland, Marsh is uniquely positioned to influence policy and industry practices that will shape the future of clean energy. His work goes beyond Plug, helping to guide the transition to renewable energy sources on a global level. The collaboration between nations, industries, and innovators is critical in making these goals a reality.

This isn’t just about future possibilities—it’s about real, tangible progress. The technologies and partnerships explored during the trip demonstrate that the solutions for a net zero future are within reach. Under Marsh’s leadership, Plug is not only contributing to this global movement but is also positioned to lead it.

Together, through collaboration and innovation, Plug is helping drive the world closer to a sustainable, carbon-free future—one step at a time.

Plug Symposium 2024 is November 13th. Witness the future. Touch innovation. Be part of the transformation. Register for the digital today.

The post Driving Global Sustainability: Plug’s Role in a Net Zero Future first appeared on Plug Power.

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Ashley Chicorelli has been with Plug as a Total Rewards Specialist in the Human Resources department since August 2023. A big part of her job focuses on benefits administration and compensation for employees in the U.S. and abroad. She also manages leaves of absence in the U.S. “Earlier in my career, I got involved in recruiting and training and then got my foot into benefits administration. I love the multifaceted part of working in benefits – the human and the analytical pieces.”

Ashley began her career in finance before transitioning to Plug. The finance industry is very structured and conservative – people can grow and learn, but must stay within the box. She was looking for something where growth, forward thinking and progression were not only appreciated, but encouraged.

The hydrogen and fuel cell industry was completely new to Ashley. She didn’t really know about it when she started. “I love to learn new things and grow. I’m not afraid to ask questions. I’ll always want to know more. The whole process is exciting. Now when people ask me what Plug does, I kind of nerd out and give them a longer answer than they might want. It’s so cool!”

After a year working at Plug, Ashley has found that “no two days are ever the same. Just when you’re starting to get comfortable, things change and you have to think on your feet. You feel super accomplished and then things change again and you just have to keep rolling.”

Managing through the changes takes a healthy balance of caffeine and sarcasm. “Sometimes you just have to think fast and make quick decisions. Other times you have the time to make a plan and see it through to execution.” One thing that hasn’t changed, though, is the opportunity to grow and learn new things, something Ashley values highly.

When she isn’t working with Plug, Ashley spends time with her family. She has a 10 year old son starting to get involved in lots of things. She and her husband enjoy spending time with friends and family that have kids of similar ages. She also enjoys yoga, walking, and Zumba. For now, Ashely likes spending time outdoors in 3 seasons – but not winter. She’s working on that. Her son is encouraging her to learn snowboarding. We have no doubt she will succeed!

The post GreenH2@Work Employee Spotlight: Ashley Chicorelli first appeared on Plug Power.

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PEM fuel cells are used in a wide range of industries, from powering electric vehicles to supplying energy for industrial operations. They are known for their efficiency, reliability, and ability to reduce harmful emissions. As concerns about climate change and environmental sustainability grow, the focus on such technologies has never been more important.

In this blog, we will take a detailed look at how PEM fuel cells work, their applications, and the advantages they offer over other technologies. We will also discuss some challenges they face and what the future holds for these innovative energy solutions. Whether you are new to fuel cells or already familiar with them, this guide will provide valuable insights into why PEM fuel cells are becoming a popular choice in the energy landscape.

How PEM Fuel Cells Work

At the heart of PEM fuel cells is a simple yet powerful process that converts chemical energy into electrical energy. To understand how they work, let’s break down the basic components and steps involved.

PEM fuel cells consist of three main parts: the anode, the cathode, and the proton exchange membrane. The process begins when hydrogen gas is fed into the anode side of the fuel cell. Here, a catalyst (usually made of platinum) helps split the hydrogen molecules into protons (positively charged particles) and electrons (negatively charged particles).

The proton exchange membrane (PEM) is crucial because it allows only protons to pass through while blocking the electrons. This forces the electrons to travel through an external circuit, creating an electric current. This current can then be used to power devices, vehicles, or even homes.

Meanwhile, the protons travel through the membrane to the cathode side, where they combine with oxygen from the air and the electrons that traveled through the circuit. This reaction produces water and a small amount of heat as by-products. The entire process is clean and efficient, making PEM fuel cells an attractive option for reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability.

One of the key advantages of PEM fuel cells is their ability to start up quickly and operate at relatively low temperatures compared to other types of fuel cells, usually around 80 degrees Celsius. This makes them ideal for applications like electric vehicles, where quick startup and high efficiency are essential. Additionally, PEM fuel cells can be scaled up or down to suit different needs, from powering small electronics to large industrial equipment., usually around 80 degrees Celsius. This makes them ideal for applications like electric vehicles, where quick startup and high efficiency are essential. Additionally, PEM fuel cells can be scaled up or down to suit different needs, from powering small electronics to large industrial equipment.

In summary, PEM fuel cells work by splitting hydrogen into protons and electrons, generating an electric current and combining the protons with oxygen to produce water. It’s a clean, efficient, and scalable technology that holds great promise for the future of energy.

Applications of PEM Fuel Cells

PEM fuel cells have a wide range of applications due to their versatility, efficiency, and clean energy production. From transportation to stationary power generation, these fuel cells are being used in various industries to support the shift towards sustainable energy solutions. Let’s explore some of the most common and emerging applications of PEM fuel cells.

Transportation

One of the most promising uses for PEM fuel cells is in the transportation sector. These fuel cells are already being used to power hydrogen-fueled vehicles, such as cars, buses, trucks, and even trains. Vehicles powered by PEM fuel cells emit only water vapor, making them an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles.

Fleet vehicles, in particular, benefit from PEM fuel cells as they can return to the yard for refueling, a key advantage while the hydrogen fueling infrastructure is still being developed. Additionally, refueling hydrogen tanks takes only a few minutes, offering faster turnaround times compared to battery-electric vehicles.

PEM fuel cells are especially well-suited for heavy-duty vehicles like buses and trucks, which require long-range capabilities and quick refueling times. Several cities around the world are already incorporating hydrogen-powered buses into their public transportation fleets, reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Material Handling

PEM fuel cells are also making a significant impact in the material handling industry. Hydrogen-powered forklifts are becoming increasingly common in warehouses, factories, and distribution centers. In fact, in the U.S. approximately 30% of food is moved in warehouses using fuel cell –powered forklifts. Unlike traditional battery-powered forklifts, hydrogen fuel cell forklifts do not require lengthy recharging times. Coupled with 100% power throughout a shift, this allows businesses to keep their operations running smoothly with minimal downtime. Moreover, PEM fuel cells produce no harmful emissions, making them ideal for indoor environments where air quality is a concern.

Stationary Power

PEM fuel cells are also used for stationary power applications, including backup power systems for buildings, railway sensors, data centers, and telecommunication towers. These systems provide a reliable and clean source of energy, especially in situations where uninterrupted power is critical. Unlike diesel generators, which produce hazardous emissions, PEM fuel cells offer a cleaner alternative for backup power solutions.

Emerging Applications

In addition to these established uses, researchers are exploring new ways to utilize PEM fuel cells in residential and commercial settings, such as home heating systems and microgrids. As technology advances, we can expect PEM fuel cells to become even more integrated into our daily lives.

Advantages of PEM Fuel Cells

PEM fuel cells offer several advantages that make them a compelling choice for clean energy solutions across various sectors. Let’s explore some of the key benefits that set them apart from other energy technologies.

High Efficiency

One of the main advantages of PEM fuel cells is their high efficiency. Unlike traditional combustion-based engines, which convert only a fraction of the energy in fuel into usable power, PEM fuel cells can achieve efficiency levels of 40% to 60% when generating electricity. While other types of fuel cells are also commonly used in combined heat and power (CHP) systems, PEM fuel cells are still a highly efficient solution for electricity generation, making them an effective option for applications where heat recovery is not a priority.

Low Environmental Impact

PEM fuel cells produce electricity through a clean chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, with water being the only by-product. This means they produce no harmful emissions such as carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), or particulate matter, which are common pollutants from fossil fuel-based energy sources. By using PEM fuel cells, industries and consumers can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to cleaner air and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Quiet Operation

Another advantage of PEM fuel cells is their comparatively quiet operation. While the base technology has no moving parts and is inherently quiet, systems often include cooling fans that generate some noise. However, even with these components, PEM fuel cells are much quieter than conventional combustion engines. This makes them well-suited for applications in noise-sensitive areas like neighborhoods, national parks, and urban environments, where minimizing noise pollution is important.

Scalability and Flexibility

PEM fuel cells are highly scalable, meaning they can be designed for both small and large applications. Whether it’s powering a forklift in a warehouse or providing backup power for a data center, PEM fuel cells can be adjusted to meet different energy demands. This flexibility makes them a versatile solution for a variety of industries.

Challenges and Limitations of PEM Fuel Cells

While PEM fuel cells offer many advantages, there are a few challenges to address for broader adoption. However, ongoing advancements are actively working to overcome these obstacles.

• Cost of Materials: PEM fuel cells often rely on precious metals like platinum as catalysts, which can increase the cost. However, research is continuously improving catalyst efficiency, reducing the need for expensive materials.
• Durability: The proton exchange membrane in PEM fuel cells can degrade over time, especially under high stress. Innovations in membrane materials are already extending their lifespan and improving durability.
• Hydrogen Infrastructure: The availability of hydrogen fueling stations is currently limited. However, governments and industries are making significant investments in expanding hydrogen infrastructure, making it easier to adopt PEM fuel cells in the future.
• Hydrogen Production: Producing hydrogen, especially from renewable sources, can be energy intensive. Yet, newer methods, like using electrolysis powered by renewable energy, are making hydrogen production greener and more efficient.

Each of these challenges presents an opportunity for growth, and advancements are continually being made to address them.

Innovations and Future of PEM Fuel Cells

PEM fuel cells have come a long way in recent years, thanks to continuous innovations in technology and materials. As the world shifts towards cleaner energy, the future of PEM fuel cells looks brighter than ever. Let’s explore some of the key innovations and emerging trends shaping the future of PEM fuel cells.

1. Advancements in Catalyst Technology

One of the biggest hurdles in making PEM fuel cells more affordable is the cost of platinum-based catalysts. However, recent innovations have led to the development of alternative catalyst materials. Researchers are finding ways to reduce the amount of platinum required, or even replace it with more cost-effective metals. These breakthroughs are helping to lower production costs, making PEM fuel cells more accessible for widespread use.

2. Enhanced Durability

PEM fuel cells are being engineered to last longer, with improved membrane materials that resist degradation. New membranes are designed to withstand the high temperatures and stresses that occur during operation, helping to extend the lifespan of the fuel cell. This means that PEM fuel cells are becoming more reliable for long-term use, whether in vehicles or stationary power systems.

3. Hydrogen Production from Renewable Sources

The future of PEM fuel cells depends on the availability of clean hydrogen. Fortunately, innovations in hydrogen production are making it easier to produce hydrogen from renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. Electrolysis, the process of splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen, is becoming more efficient and cost-effective. This ensures that PEM fuel cells can operate sustainably, using hydrogen that is produced with minimal environmental impact.

4. Integration with Grid Systems

Another exciting trend is the integration of PEM fuel cells into grid systems for power generation and storage. As renewable energy sources like solar and wind become more prevalent, PEM fuel cells can play a role in storing excess energy and providing backup power during periods of high demand. This helps create a more resilient and reliable energy grid, reducing the need for fossil fuel-based power plants.

5. Growth in Transportation Applications

The transportation sector is poised to benefit greatly from advancements in PEM fuel cell technology. As hydrogen refueling infrastructure expands and vehicle manufacturers continue to develop hydrogen-powered cars, trucks, and buses, PEM fuel cells are expected to play a major role in the future of transportation. The quick refueling times and long-range capabilities of PEM fuel cells make them ideal for heavy-duty vehicles and long-distance travel.

Conclusion

PEM fuel cells are a promising technology that offers a clean, efficient, and scalable solution for the world’s growing energy needs. From transportation to stationary power and industrial applications, their versatility and environmental benefits make them a key player in the transition to a more sustainable future.

While there are challenges like cost and hydrogen infrastructure, ongoing innovations are addressing these issues, making PEM fuel cells more accessible and durable. Additionally, government incentives help to level the playing field against incumbent technologies. As advancements continue, we can expect PEM fuel cells to play a larger role in reducing carbon emissions and promoting energy independence.

The future of PEM fuel cells is bright, with the potential to revolutionize the way we generate and use energy. Whether it’s through powering electric vehicles, supporting renewable energy grids, or providing backup power, PEM fuel cells are set to become an integral part of the clean energy landscape.

References

1. Fuel Cells: What They Are and How They Work
   Plug Power
2. Fuel Cell Applications 101: Where Are Fuel Cells Used Today?
   Plug Power
3. Fuel Cell Efficiency 101: The Key Metrics
   Plug Power
4. Fuel Cells in Transportation: Driving the Future of Sustainable Mobility
   Plug Power
5. Fuel Cell Benefits: 5 Facts You Should Know
   Plug Power
6. Comparison of Fuel Cell Technologies Department of Energy
7. Polymer Electrolyte Membranes for High-Temperature Fuel Cells
   Tech Xplore
8. Fuel Cell Durability Research
   SciTechDaily
9. Next-Generation PEM Fuel Cells for Carbon Neutrality
   Cell.com                        

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Kiran’s diversity of work experience over his 30 year career made him well-suited for this role. Among many, these are a few of the roles he’s played. He has had experience repairing electric forklift trucks while working in a chemical factory. He then spent five years managing learning and development at an IT company. He took a break and got his MBA in finance and marketing. Then joined a company and worked in business development for a company doing electricity transmission. He worked for an electric utility in central engineering services, and his work there was related to regulatory activities and technical inspection of products. He spent time working in rooftop solar and then fuel cell technology – helping his companies enter the India market.

“There is a way,” he says, “that we can decarbonize through solar and wind technologies, but how do we store the electricity? I was exploring and reading and learned about using hydrogen to store electricity for later use. Hydrogen is a building block for any of the zero or low carbon e-fuels. Electrolysis and fuel cells can scale and solve bigger problems. This excites me. Not only can you decarbonize, but you can solve other pollution issues in densely populated areas, because fuel cells produce no particulate matter, no NOx, SOx or other pollutants.”

During his time working with fuel cells, Kiran noticed that hydrogen was becoming a growing solution and became very interested in being involved in driving the technology, which led him to work for Plug in early 2022. When Kiran is asked what he does for Plug, he tells them that he provides the “fill in the gap” function: he helps technical people understand the market; helps salespeople and customers understand the technology; and helps internal people understand the customer perspective.

“Plug is the most risk-taking company in the market. Plug was ready to get behind green hydrogen before anyone else. Plug has never hesitated from taking risks, even though sometimes it hurts. But Plug gets up again and is doing what it promised to do. If you know something is right, go for it. I think that’s what Plug does.”

Understandably, Kiran has had some interesting experiences in his life. Early in his career, Kiran was interviewing for a factory role repairing forklifts. One of the interview questions asked whether he could repair the electric forklifts they had. He had only seen a diesel forklift to that point and had no idea how to repair an electric forklift. After thinking for a moment, his answer was that if they would train him, he could do it. He got the job, got the training, and went on to repair many fork trucks. This is one of his life philosophies: one should look at challenges from a perspective of possibilities rather than limitations. This meshes wonderfully with Plug’s perspective on growing the green hydrogen ecosystem.

He puts it this way, “As an employee, you should not hesitate to talk about what ideas, what possibilities you see in the market. That will open up opportunities both internally and externally. You have to be putting the word out – not for self-promotion, but for finding a solution.”

When he’s not working, Kiran enjoys exploring diverse things with his young adult daughter. She is very different from him, and he enjoys seeing things from her perspective and sharing his own with her. This can be seen in the modern and more classic movies they watch together. He also enjoys traveling and exploring new cuisines. He has been practicing yoga and meditation as well as the yogic principles of ethics and morals and has been doing intermittent fasting for the last three months. He’s always learning and growing – and that makes Kiran a wonderful addition to the Plug team.

The post GreenH2@Work Employee Spotlight: Kiran Alla first appeared on Plug Power.

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As digital technologies evolve, data centers are experiencing unprecedented growth, primarily driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). This surge demands robust energy solutions and emphasizes the importance of rapid power deployment, or speed to power, to keep pace with technological advancements and escalating data demands.

Additionally, data centers face increasing regulatory pressures aimed at reducing emissions, significantly impacting their expansion and operational strategies. In this context, hydrogen fuel cells emerge as a pivotal solution, offering a clean, efficient, and fast-deployable energy source that aligns with stringent environmental regulations.

This blog explores the functionality, and benefits of hydrogen fuel cells, delves into their applications in data centers, and addresses the challenges and innovations shaping their integration into our digital infrastructure. By understanding the potential of hydrogen fuel cells, we can better assess their role in achieving greener and more efficient data center operations.

Understanding Hydrogen Fuel Cells

What Are Hydrogen Fuel Cells?

Hydrogen fuel cells are advanced energy systems that convert hydrogen gas into electricity through a chemical reaction with oxygen. This environmentally friendly process produces only water as a byproduct, making it an exceptionally sustainable choice for powering data centers. Unlike intermittent power sources, hydrogen fuel cells provide a reliable and efficient energy supply that is crucial for data centers, ensuring clean and continuous power when needed most.

Types of Hydrogen Fuel Cells Used in Data Centers

• Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC): PEMFCs are particularly well-suited for data centers because of their quick start-up times and high-power density. They can provide reliable backup power and are efficient in managing fluctuating energy demands.
• Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC): These cells are known for their high efficiency and long-term stability. They are ideal for large-scale data centers that require a consistent primary power supply and can integrate well with existing energy infrastructures.

History and Development

Hydrogen fuel cell technology has evolved significantly over the years. Initially conceptualized in the 19th century, it wasn’t until the mid-20th century that major developments accelerated their commercialization. Today, advancements in materials, engineering, and production techniques continue to enhance efficiency and reduce the costs of fuel cells.

The drive towards decarbonizing various industries, including information technology and data centers, has positioned hydrogen fuel cells as a key component in achieving sustainability goals.

Recent innovations have focused on increasing the lifespan and reducing the operational costs of these systems, which are critical for their economic viability in large-scale applications such as data centers (Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Association).

Pros of Hydrogen Fuel Cells for Data Centers

Environmental Benefits

• Reduction in Carbon Emissions: Both PEMFC and SOFC can operate electrochemically using hydrogen without burning fuel, producing only water and heat as byproducts. In cases where SOFC fuel cells are fueled by natural gas or biogas, their small amount of carbon emissions are much smaller than those of traditional combustion generators. PEM fuel cells’ clean energy production process results in zero carbon emissions during operation. Both options significantly reduce the total carbon footprint of data centers and align with global sustainability goals.
• Sustainability and Green Energy Credentials: Hydrogen fuel cells offer significant environmental benefits for data centers. Their operation produces only water as a byproduct, resulting in zero greenhouse gas emissions during use. This clean energy conversion aligns with global sustainability goals by significantly reducing the carbon footprint of data centers.

Efficiency and Reliability

• PEMFC: Known for their quick start-up times and responsiveness to load changes, PEMFCs are ideal for providing reliable backup power and efficiently managing fluctuating energy demands in data centers.
• SOFC: These cells are valued for their long-term stability and high efficiency, making them suitable for providing consistent primary power supply. They can also utilize a variety of fuels, enhancing their versatility in large-scale data center applications.

Energy Independence

• Diverse Production Methods: Hydrogen can be generated from various sources, including natural gas, biogas, and water electrolysis, with the latter offering the greatest sustainability when powered by renewable energy. This flexibility in production methods enhances energy security and reduces dependence on traditional power grids​ and fossil fuels (Data Center Dynamics).
• On-site Fuel Generation Potential: Some data centers could potentially implement on-site hydrogen production, especially if they have access to renewable energy sources. This capability can drastically cut down energy transport costs and losses, providing more control over energy usage and costs​.

Challenges of Hydrogen Fuel Cells for Data Centers

High Initial Costs

• Expensive Infrastructure and Setup Costs: Implementing hydrogen fuel cells involves significant upfront costs, from the cost of the fuel cells themselves to the infrastructure needed for hydrogen storage and delivery. While these costs can be initially high, they are expected to decline as technology matures and production scales up. Additionally, tax credits and incentives for hydrogen and fuel cell projects can help mitigate these initial expenses, making the transition more feasible for data centers.

Storage and Transportation Challenges

• Infrastructure Development: Storing and transporting hydrogen requires specific infrastructure, which is currently in development. As the sector grows, advancements in technology are expected to reduce these challenges, making hydrogen a more accessible option.

Safety Concerns

• Established Safety Protocols: Hydrogen, like all fuels, requires careful handling. Stringent safety standards and protocols are in place to ensure that hydrogen is stored and used safely, like other fuel sources used in data centers.

Limited Infrastructure

• Lack of Widespread Hydrogen Refueling Infrastructure: The current hydrogen refueling infrastructure is still developing, which can be challenging for data centers in less accessible regions. However, substantial investments are being made to enhance this infrastructure, promising a more widespread adoption and integration of hydrogen fuel cells in the data center industry soon.

Technological Barriers

• Ongoing Research and Innovation While significant advancements have been made, hydrogen fuel cell technology is still maturing. Research and development continue to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve the durability of fuel cells for widespread commercial use.

Case Studies and Real-World Applications

Examples of Data Centers Using Hydrogen Fuel Cells

• Microsoft’s Implementation: Microsoft has pioneered the use of hydrogen fuel cells in data centers by successfully running a pilot project that powered server racks for 48 consecutive hours using a hydrogen fuel cell system. Additionally, Microsoft and Plug collaborated on a 3MW fuel cell designed for data center use. These tests demonstrated not only the viability of hydrogen as a backup power source but also its potential as a power source for data centers aiming to achieve carbon neutrality​ (Plug Power).
• Google’s Exploration: Google is exploring the use of hydrogen fuel cells to reduce the environmental impact of its data centers. The company has been involved in various projects to integrate hydrogen power with its goal of achieving 24/7 carbon-free energy by 2030. These initiatives include both small-scale pilots and larger investments in green hydrogen technologies​.

Challenges Faced

• Practical Challenges Encountered in Real-World Applications: Early adopters like Microsoft and Google have faced challenges related to the scalability and cost-effectiveness of hydrogen fuel cell technology. Issues such as integrating fuel cell technology with existing power infrastructure and ensuring a reliable hydrogen supply have been significant hurdles, as is expected with new technology​.
• Solutions and Adaptations Made: To overcome these challenges, companies have invested in R&D and formed partnerships with hydrogen technology providers. These collaborations aim to improve the efficiency and reliability of fuel cells, develop better hydrogen production and storage solutions, and create a more robust supply chain for green hydrogen.

Future Prospects and Developments

Emerging Technologies and Innovations

• Fuel Cell Efficiency Improvements: Ongoing research is focused on enhancing the efficiency of hydrogen fuel cells. Innovations include the development of better catalysts, more durable materials, and advanced designs that reduce costs and increase the operational lifespan of fuel cells. These advancements are crucial for making hydrogen fuel cells a more viable and competitive option for large-scale deployment in data centers.
• Hydrogen Production: There is significant effort being directed toward increasing the amount of hydrogen production, particularly through renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Innovations in electrolysis technology, which splits water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity, are making green hydrogen more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

Policy and Investment

• Government Support: Many governments around the world are introducing policies and financial incentives to promote the adoption of hydrogen technologies. These include subsidies, grants, and tax incentives that make investments in hydrogen infrastructure and technology more attractive to private companies.
• Private Investment: As the potential of hydrogen fuel cells becomes more widely recognized, private investment is increasing. This influx of capital is accelerating research and development, as well as the deployment of hydrogen fuel cell technologies across various sectors, including data centers.

Integration with Renewable Energy

• Hybrid Systems: Hydrogen fuel cells are increasingly integrated with renewable energy systems to form hybrid power solutions. Excess energy from solar and wind can be utilized to produce hydrogen, which is then stored and converted back to electricity as needed. This setup not only bolsters energy security but also provides a dispatchable, zero-emission power source that matches renewable production with data center energy demands.
• Energy Storage Solutions: Acting as a versatile energy storage medium, hydrogen addresses the intermittent of solar and wind energy. This capability supports data centers in maintaining continuous operation, reducing reliance on the grid and minimizing environmental impact.

Global Adoption

• Scaling Up: As technology matures and costs decrease, the adoption of hydrogen fuel cells in data centers is expected to grow significantly. Success stories from early adopters are encouraging more companies to consider hydrogen as a key component of their energy strategy.
• Standardization and Best Practices: Developing international standards and best practices for the use of hydrogen fuel cells in data centers will be key to ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable operations. These standards will also help to streamline the implementation process and reduce the overall costs associated with transitioning to hydrogen power.

Conclusion

As we delve into the realm of sustainable technologies, hydrogen fuel cells stand out as a transformative solution for powering data centers. These systems offer a compelling array of environmental benefits, operational efficiencies, and compatibility with renewable energy sources, making them a strategic asset in the push towards greener data infrastructures.

The journey of integrating hydrogen fuel cells into data centers is marked by notable advancements in technology and supportive policies from governments worldwide. Innovations in fuel cell efficiency, hydrogen production, and integration with renewable energy are making this technology more viable and cost-effective. The growing commitment from private sectors to invest in hydrogen infrastructure further accelerates its adoption, signaling a promising shift towards a more sustainable and reliable power source for data centers.

However, new product challenges such as high initial costs, complex logistics, and the need for specialized infrastructure must be navigated to fully leverage the potential of hydrogen fuel cells. As the industry continues to innovate and scale up, these hurdles are expected to diminish, paving the way for broader adoption.

Looking ahead, the potential for hydrogen fuel cells to revolutionize data center operations is immense. By fostering a clean, efficient, and resilient power infrastructure, hydrogen fuel cells not only align with global sustainability goals but also offer data centers the ability to reduce their environmental impact significantly while maintaining high standards of operational reliability.

In embracing hydrogen power, data centers can lead by example in the transition to a more sustainable future, ensuring that the backbone of our digital world advances in harmony with our environmental aspirations. As this technology continues to mature, it will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of energy in data centers and beyond.

References

1. Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Association – “Fuel Cells” – FCHEA on Fuel Cells
2. Data Center Dynamics – Hydrogen-powered data centers: Utopian dream or next big thing? – Data Center Dynamics Article
3. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) – Hydrogen and Fuel Cells – NREL Hydrogen and Fuel Cells
4. Hitachi Energy – Backup power for data centers of the future: the case for hydrogen fuel cells – Hitachi Energy Article
5. Datacenters.com – The Outlook of Hydrogen Powered Data Centers – Datacenters.com on Hydrogen Powered Data Centers
6. DCD (Data Center Dynamics) – Hydrogen-powered data centers: Utopian dream or next big thing? – DCD on Hydrogen in Data Centers
7. Energy.gov – Financial Incentives Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Projects- Energy.gov

The post Hydrogen Fuel Cells in Data Centers: A Clean Energy Revolution first appeared on Plug Power.

The post Hydrogen Fuel Cells in Data Centers: A Clean Energy Revolution appeared first on Plug Power.

Fuel cells generate electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, emitting only water vapor and heat as byproducts. This makes them an excellent choice for reducing the environmental impact of transportation. In modern transportation, fuel cells are being integrated into a wide range of electric vehicles, from commercial buses and trucks to passenger cars and even marine vessels.

In this blog, we’ll explore how fuel cells are revolutionizing transportation, examining their advantages, applications, challenges, and prospects. Whether it’s reducing emissions or enhancing performance, fuel cells are paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future on the road.

What Are Fuel Cells?

Fuel cells are devices that convert the chemical energy of hydrogen directly into electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction. Unlike traditional batteries, fuel cells continuously generate electricity if fuel and an oxidant are supplied.

The most common type of fuel cell used in transportation is the Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell. PEM fuel cells use hydrogen as the fuel and oxygen from the air as the oxidant and operate at a relatively low temperature. The basic operation involves hydrogen molecules entering the fuel cell at the anode, where they are split into protons and electrons. The protons pass through the membrane to the cathode, while the electrons flow through an external circuit, generating electricity. At the cathode, the protons, electrons, and oxygen combine to produce water and heat.

Fuel cells offer several advantages over conventional combustion engines, including higher efficiency and lower emissions. They are also more reliable and have fewer moving parts, which can reduce maintenance costs over time.

Advantages of Fuel Cells in Transportation

Fuel cells bring numerous benefits to the transportation sector, making them an attractive alternative to traditional internal combustion engines. Here are some key advantages:

Environmental Benefits

One of the most significant advantages of fuel cells is their potential to drastically reduce emissions. Because fuel cells generate electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, producing only water vapor and heat as byproducts, the process eliminates the harmful pollutants associated with burning fossil fuels, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter. By reducing these emissions, fuel cells contribute to cleaner air and help combat climate change.

Efficiency and Performance Improvements

Fuel cells are highly efficient at converting chemical energy into electrical energy. They can achieve efficiencies of up to 60%, significantly higher than the average internal combustion engine, which typically operates at around 20-30% efficiency. This increased efficiency translates into better fuel economy and longer driving ranges than most battery electric vehicles. Additionally, as an electric vehicle, fuel cells provide instant torque and smooth acceleration, enhancing the overall performance and driving experience.

Reduced Dependency on Fossil Fuels

Hydrogen, the primary fuel for most fuel cells, can be produced from a variety of sources. This flexibility reduces dependency on fossil fuels and enhances energy security. As renewable energy sources like wind and solar become more prevalent, hydrogen production can become increasingly sustainable, further supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Applications of Fuel Cells in Transportation

Fuel cells are being integrated into various types of vehicles, offering sustainable solutions across multiple transportation sectors. Here are some key applications:

Fuel Cells in Commercial Vehicles (Buses, Trucks, Vans)

Commercial vehicles, such as buses, trucks, and vans, are ideal candidates for fuel cell technology. These vehicles often operate on fixed routes and return to a central depot, making it easier to manage hydrogen refueling infrastructure. Fuel cells provide the necessary range and power to handle the demands of commercial transportation, while significantly reducing emissions. A notable example is Hyvia, a joint venture between Plug and Renault, which focuses on developing hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles, aiming to create a cleaner and more efficient fleet.

Fuel Cells in Public Transportation (Trains, Trams)

Public transportation systems are increasingly adopting fuel cells to power trains and trams. Hydrogen fuel cells offer a sustainable alternative to diesel engines, providing clean and quiet operation. This transition will improve the air quality in urban areas. A notable project is the deployment of the first hydrogen fuel cell-powered train in Germany, which has set a precedent for other countries to follow suit.

Fuel Cells in Passenger Vehicles (Cars, SUVs)

While fuel cells make the most sense in fleet vehicles that come back to a common facility to refuel, there are still significant advancements being made in passenger vehicles. Automakers like Toyota and Hyundai have introduced hydrogen fuel cell cars such as the Mirai and Nexo. These vehicles offer long driving ranges, quick refueling times, and zero emissions, presenting a viable alternative to battery electric vehicles in certain scenarios.

Emerging Applications (Drones, Marine Vessels)

Fuel cells are also being explored for use in emerging applications such as drones and marine vessels.  In the marine sector, projects like the sHYPs group, which Plug is involved with, are working to decarbonize shipping by developing hydrogen fuel cell solutions for boats and ships, promising significant environmental benefits for the maritime industry. Hydrogen-powered drones benefit from longer flight times and quicker refueling compared to battery-powered counterparts, making them ideal for commercial and industrial applications.

Case Studies

Fuel cells are making significant strides in various transportation sectors. Here are some success stories and notable projects driving fuel cell adoption:

Leading Companies and Projects Driving Fuel Cell Adoption

Several companies are at the forefront of fuel cell technology, playing crucial roles in advancing hydrogen as a mainstream energy source for transportation. Plug is a significant player, focusing on commercial applications. Their joint venture, Hyvia, is developing hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles, and they are involved in projects like sHYPs to decarbonize shipping. Additionally, in 2024, Plug Power introduced a Class 6 middle mile fuel cell electric truck.

Ballard Power Systems is a global leader in PEM fuel cell technology, with applications ranging from buses and trucks to trains and marine vessels. Their partnerships and projects worldwide are accelerating the adoption of hydrogen fuel cells in transportation.

Nikola Corporation is another notable company, dedicated to creating hydrogen-powered trucks and fueling infrastructure. Nikola has trucks in the field and recently announced more sales to Walmart Canada and other companies in California. Their innovative approach aims to revolutionize long-haul transportation with zero-emission solutions (Nikola).

Toyota has hydrogen-powered trucks operating at the Port of Long Beach, demonstrating their commitment to sustainable heavy-duty transportation. Hyzon Motors is focusing on hydrogen-powered garbage trucks, adding to the diversity of fuel cell vehicle applications (Hyzon).

Hyundai has also made significant advancements with their Xcient Fuel Cell heavy-duty trucks, which are now operational on German roads. These trucks highlight Hyundai’s commitment to expanding the use of hydrogen in heavy-duty applications across Europe (Hyundai).

In the public transportation sector, Alstom has introduced hydrogen fuel cell-powered trains in Germany, marking a significant milestone. These trains offer a sustainable and efficient alternative to diesel-powered trains, reducing emissions and operating costs (Alstom, Ballard).

Success Stories of Fuel Cell Integration

Toyota’s Mirai is one of the most well-known hydrogen fuel cell cars. Since its launch, the Mirai has demonstrated the viability of fuel cell technology in passenger vehicles, offering a driving range of over 300 miles and a refueling time of just a few minutes. It has helped raise awareness and acceptance of hydrogen as a clean energy source for transportation.

Hyundai’s Nexo is another leading fuel cell vehicle. With its impressive range and advanced features, the Nexo has been well-received in markets where hydrogen infrastructure is developing. Its success highlights the potential for fuel cell vehicles to complement battery electric vehicles in achieving zero-emission transportation.

China has been a leader in deploying fuel cell buses in urban areas. Cities like Beijing and Shanghai have integrated hundreds of hydrogen buses into their public transportation fleets. These buses not only reduce emissions, but also serve as a practical solution for managing air quality in densely populated regions (Buses and Trucks).

Challenges and Solutions

While fuel cells offer many benefits, there are still several challenges to their widespread adoption in the transportation sector. Here are some of the key obstacles and ongoing efforts to overcome them.

Current Challenges in Fuel Cell Adoption

One of the main challenges is the infrastructure required for hydrogen production, storage, and refueling. Unlike gasoline stations, hydrogen refueling stations are still relatively scarce, making it difficult for consumers to find convenient refueling options. This lack of infrastructure can hinder the adoption of fuel cell vehicles, particularly in regions where hydrogen stations are not readily available. This is why fleet vehicles make the most sense currently. Hydrogen fill stations can be placed where the vehicles come back in their off hours.

The cost of fuel cell technology is another significant hurdle. Although prices have been decreasing over the years, fuel cells and hydrogen production remain more expensive than traditional internal combustion engines and even some battery electric vehicles. Reducing these costs is crucial for making fuel cell vehicles more competitive in the market.

Public perception and awareness also pose challenges. Many people are still unfamiliar with hydrogen fuel cell technology and its benefits. Educating consumers and stakeholders about the advantages of fuel cells, such as their environmental impact and efficiency, is essential for driving adoption.

Ongoing Research and Development Efforts

To address these challenges, significant research and development efforts are underway – and have been for years. Companies and governments are investing in the development of more efficient and cost-effective fuel cell technologies. For instance, advancements in catalyst materials and membrane technology are helping to improve the performance and reduce the cost of fuel cells.

Expanding hydrogen infrastructure is another focus area. Collaborative efforts between governments, industry stakeholders, and research institutions are working to build more hydrogen refueling stations. Initiatives like the Hydrogen Mobility Europe project aim to establish a comprehensive hydrogen infrastructure across Europe, making it easier for consumers to refuel their vehicles.

Policies and Incentives Promoting Fuel Cell Technology

Government policies and incentives play a critical role in promoting the adoption of fuel cell technology. Many countries are implementing supportive policies, such as subsidies for hydrogen production, grants for infrastructure development, and tax incentives for purchasing fuel cell vehicles. These measures help reduce the financial burden on consumers and encourage investment in hydrogen technology.

It’s clear that addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach involving technological innovation, infrastructure development, and supportive policies. As these efforts continue, the path toward widespread adoption of fuel cell technology in transportation looks increasingly promising.

Future Prospects

The future of fuel cells in transportation looks promising, with ongoing advancements and increasing adoption paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable world. The following are some key aspects of what we can expect in the coming years.

Predictions for the Future of Fuel Cells in Transportation

As technology continues to improve, the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of fuel cells are expected to increase significantly. Innovations in materials and manufacturing processes will likely lead to more affordable fuel cell systems, making them accessible to a broader range of consumers and industries. Additionally, the expansion of hydrogen infrastructure, with more refueling stations and production facilities, will make it easier for people to adopt fuel cell vehicles.

Potential Impact on Global Transportation and Environmental Goals

Fuel cells can revolutionize global transportation by providing a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. As more countries commit to reducing their carbon emissions, the adoption of fuel cell technology will play a crucial role in achieving these environmental goals. By replacing traditional combustion engines with hydrogen fuel cells, we can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and decrease our dependence on oil.

In the commercial transportation sector, fuel cells can offer reliable and efficient power for trucks, buses, and trains, helping to decarbonize freight and public transportation systems. The maritime and aviation industries are also exploring hydrogen fuel cells to reduce their environmental impact, further broadening the scope of this technology’s application.

Vision for a Fuel Cell-Powered Transportation Ecosystem

The vision for a fuel cell-powered transportation ecosystem involves an integrated approach where hydrogen production, distribution, and consumption are seamlessly connected. This ecosystem would include green hydrogen production using renewable energy sources like wind and solar power, extensive hydrogen refueling infrastructure, and widespread use of fuel cell vehicles across various transportation modes.

Collaborative efforts between governments, private companies, and research institutions will be essential to realize this vision. Policies and incentives that support hydrogen infrastructure development and innovation will accelerate the transition to a hydrogen economy. Public awareness and education campaigns will also play a critical role in promoting the benefits of fuel cell technology and encouraging adoption.

The journey toward a fuel cell-powered transportation ecosystem is already underway, and with continued investment and innovation, the future holds immense potential for this transformative technology.

Conclusion

Fuel cells represent a groundbreaking advancement in the quest for sustainable transportation. By offering a clean and efficient alternative to traditional combustion engines, fuel cells have the potential to drastically reduce emissions and improve air quality, addressing some of the most pressing environmental challenges we face today.

We’ve explored how fuel cells work, and the various types used in transportation. The advantages of fuel cells, such as their environmental benefits, efficiency, and reduced dependency on fossil fuels, make them a promising solution for a wide range of vehicles, from commercial trucks and buses to passenger cars and marine vessels.

In examining the applications of fuel cells, we see their versatility in different transportation sectors, supported by real-world success stories and pioneering projects. Companies like Plug, Ballard Power Systems, Toyota, and Hyundai are leading the charge, demonstrating the viability and benefits of fuel cell technology.

Despite the challenges related to infrastructure, cost, and public awareness, ongoing research, development, and supportive policies are paving the way for broader adoption. The prospects for fuel cells in transportation are bright, with significant potential to impact global transportation systems and help achieve environmental goals.

As we move toward a hydrogen-powered transportation ecosystem, collaboration between governments, industries, and research institutions will be key. With continued innovation and investment, fuel cells can play a pivotal role in creating a cleaner, more sustainable future for transportation.

References

·  https://www.energy.gov/eere/fuelcells/fuel-cells

·  https://www.energy.gov/eere/fuelcells/types-fuel-cells

·  https://www.energy.gov/eere/fuelcells/benefits-hydrogen-and-fuel-cell-technologies

·  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360319918325276

·  https://www.iea.org/reports/the-future-of-hydrogen

·  https://www.daimler.com/innovation/case/fuel-cells.html

·  https://www.railwaygazette.com/technology/first-hydrogen-fuel-cell-powered-train-enters-passenger-service/56847.article

·  https://www.toyota.com/mirai/

·  https://www.hyundai.com/worldwide/en/eco/nexo/highlights

·  https://www.marineinsight.com/technology/fuel-cells-for-marine-vessels/

·  https://www.plugpower.com/shyps-project-working-to-decarbonize-shipping/

·  https://www.greencarcongress.com/2020/11/20201127-yutong.html

·  https://www.plugpower.com/

·  https://www.ballard.com/

·  https://nikolamotor.com/

·  https://www.alstom.com/solutions/rolling-stock/coradia-ilint-worlds-1st-hydrogen-powered-train

·  https://www.energy.gov/eere/fuelcells/hydrogen-and-fuel-cell-technologies-office

·  https://www.hydrogen.energy.gov/

·  https://www.iea.org/reports/hydrogen

·  https://www.energy.gov/eere/fuelcells/fuel-cell-technologies-office-multi-year-research-development-and-demonstration-plan

·  https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg3/

·  https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/automotive-and-assembly/our-insights/the-future-of-hydrogen

The post Fuel Cells in Transportation: Driving the Future of Sustainable Mobility first appeared on Plug Power.

The post Fuel Cells in Transportation: Driving the Future of Sustainable Mobility appeared first on Plug Power.

Starting at the end, my story has a happy ending in part because I didn’t just expect someone to hire me because I’m a veteran. I did a lot of planning, put in a lot of work, and my family made sacrifices to position me for a smooth transition from active military service to a job in the private sector. I used a lot of the available programs and benefits that the government has set up to help services members find success on the other side of transition. That said, I hoped that I could connect with people who would understand the long list of tangibles and intangibles that come with hiring a veteran. Where I am is not where 18-year-old (or even 25-year-old) me thought I would be, but I’m so glad for my journey and where I currently am.

In the summer of 1998, a young version of me ventured into an Armed Forces Recruiting Center, not knowing that I was at the onset of a journey that would span over two and a half decades. My original plan was to do one contract in the U.S. Army Reserves, then pursue an occupation as an educator. I was on-track toward that objective and in the early stages of graduate school when the Iraq war kicked off, changing my plans. I quickly discovered that I was well-adapted to the fast-paced, dynamic environment of the military, and I also found opportunities to teach daily. I started the process to change to active service. It wasn’t long after my second deployment that I was presented with an opportunity to teach basic leadership at a Non-commissioned Officer Academy, where I could combine the best of both worlds. It was during that assignment that I decided to become a careerist.

My 26 years in the U.S. Army challenged me with a variety of duty assignments and a myriad of problems to solve. I learned to develop and lead teams, be a good follower and team member, manage risk and make difficult decisions, develop and implement training plans, continually improve processes, document thoroughly, and collaborate across functions and organizations. I learned that caring for the people in your organization is critical if you want to be successful. I had a lot of practice in anticipating the requests and requirements from higher in the organization, and I became adept at streamlining organization of our knowledge bases to help inform decisions. The military is full of opportunities for people who are looking for difficult challenges to tackle and who are willing to take on additional responsibilities. I certainly took advantage of the many training and practical application opportunities presented to me. Although I started out in maintenance, fleet management, and logistics, later in my career, I realized that I was functionally a Program and Project Manager.

I used a combination of Tuition Assistance and my G.I. Bill to complete an MBA (Operations and Supply Chain Management), all while moving cross-country twice, enduring a pandemic, and working through a child’s cancer diagnosis and treatment. The military (and life in general) give you a lot of challenges to overcome that help you become resilient and flexible. Oddly enough, I am a certified “Master Resilience Trainer” through the Army’s UPenn developed course. I also utilized the Army’s Credentialing Assistance program and the Onward to Opportunity program from the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University. Both helped provide training resources that have been helpful in learning the fundamentals of both traditional and Agile project management, things that I had just had to figure out through trial and error over my years in the military. Project management as a discipline is targeted more specifically at engineers in the Army, even though most military personnel will have lots of experience doing project and program management as they move up in the organization.

As I prepared for transition to a civilian occupation, I started to look for companies that could provide a similar fast-paced, dynamic environment in which I could thrive. I also looked for companies whose mission and vision aligned with my own. The Department of Defense (DoD) has the SkillBridge program, in which partner companies open positions designed for service members in transition to learn skills, network, and hopefully impress an organization enough that there is a good chance of a job offer. At the very least, the service member will start to learn the language and how to function in the civilian work environment; a quite different world than they are used to.  The U.S. Army has a companion program called the Career Skills Program (CSP), which can be more custom-tailored to either pursue credentials, train in new systems or technology, or develop an “internship” with a company outside of any normal SkillBridge positions.

Through LinkedIn, I connected with Lauren Piche, a Lead Recruiter with Plug. I cannot give her enough credit for her role in this process, between making time to get to know me, discussing CSP and SkillBridge options at Plug, and connecting me with others in the company. My hope was that I might “intern” in some capacity in either Project/Program Management or in Logistics/Operations/Supply Chain, both areas in which I had significant experience during my military time. I use quotes around “intern” because although that is the term used for the program from the military side of things, those of us using the programs are not quite what most companies think of when they use the term. This language issue could stifle some opportunities, but Lauren was able to see past the term and see the person. She asked if it was ok to take a resume around to some leaders within the company and see what we could do for CSP. From there, I had a meeting with Jen Senich, Senior Director of Technical Program Management. It was a great meeting, and I’m glad that I listened to the advice from the military’s Transition Assistance Program trainers and Michael Quinn (CSM, Retired and LinkedIn famous) who reminded us that every conversation could be an interview. I heard back in a few days that Jen was interested in bringing me in through CSP, and then we worked through the process and paperwork on both the Plug and military side.

Patience was required. Once you agree to something, it’s natural to want to jump right in, but there were administrative hurdles on the miliary side, as well as on the company side. I also had a limit on when I could start, because you are not available through one of these programs until 180 days before your separation date. Commanders also don’t have to approve your request, so I had begun seeding the idea more than a year out. Time went slowly and quickly at the same time, all while I was chugging away at my military job. On my very last regular day, I was the last one to leave the office around 6 pm on a Friday. On Monday morning, I started at Plug, working as a “geographical bachelor” in NY while my family was a few hours away in MA. This involved staying with family, then staying in a nearly empty house after we closed on a property, with trips back and forth every weekend. A few months later, after the school year ended and as I was closer to receiving my DD-214 from the Army, we relocated the family to the Albany, NY area. Whether or not things panned out at Plug in the long term, we knew that the area was a good place to set down roots (finally!) and that my wife and I would both have a lot of opportunities to grow professionally.

The first few weeks at Plug were a whirlwind: meeting people; learning about products, projects, and programs; completing requisite training; and gaining access to and learning new systems. Fortunately, the military had passively prepared me for this through the Permanent Change of Station process, where you were moving to a new location and organization every few years. The military also has a massive number of systems, and since you might use different ones at different jobs, you’re constantly having to learn and adapt. Since starting at Plug, I have been able to put my organizational skills to use. My abilities to navigate teams, streamline processes, and dive head-first into learning new systems have been very helpful. While a flexible working environment is great (my team is often working from different physical locations), some of my favorite times have been huddled around a white board with others, brainstorming and developing concepts that we could then turn into reality.

During CSP, I joined the Military Employee Resource Group here at Plug, which has been a great resource to network within the company and discuss the transition process with other veterans in the organization.

I’m very happy that as my CSP window was coming to an end, I was presented with a job offer from Plug to continue working as a Program Manager, reporting to Jen and working with the same team. After a very brief discussion with my wife, I accepted. Then it was time to be patient again as I had to go back to finish out-processing from the military. This five-week period included my final medical evaluations, a child’s birthday celebration with friends we were about the leave, relocating to NY from MA and all that comes with moving a family of five, supporting my wife through her own job interviews and acceptance of a new role for her, and saying farewell to my colleagues from the past two and a half years. Then, after another period of that ironic slow/fast time, I was sitting in uniform for the last time at West Point, NY.  It was a Thursday morning. By noon, I was headed north to Albany with my DD-214 and certificate of retirement in a folder and an American flag on the seat next to me. The following Monday, I reported back to Plug for work as a full-time employee.

I am excited about the people and the work at Plug, and I look forward to helping recruit more veterans to the company!

The post GreenH2@Work Employee Spotlight: Joshua Bopp first appeared on Plug Power.

The post GreenH2@Work Employee Spotlight: Joshua Bopp appeared first on Plug Power.

Green hydrogen is produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity generated from renewable sources like wind or solar power. This process, called electrolysis, results in hydrogen that is free from carbon emissions, hence the name “green hydrogen.”

The concept of hydrogen as an energy source isn’t new. In fact, it has been around for decades. However, the increasing focus on climate change and the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions have put green hydrogen back in the spotlight. Countries and companies worldwide are now investing heavily in green hydrogen technologies and infrastructure, recognizing its potential to revolutionize the energy landscape.

The importance of green hydrogen cannot be overstated. Unlike traditional fossil fuels, green hydrogen combusts cleanly, reducing NOx by >90% over fossil fuel combustion, and producing primarily water vapor as a byproduct. This makes it an ideal candidate for replacing fossil fuels in various applications, from transportation to industrial processes. Unlike with fossil fuels, there is no CO or CO2 emitted when green hydrogen is combusted.  It can also be used as fuel for a fuel cell product, where it combines electrochemically with oxygen from the air to provide emission-free electricity that can be used in vehicles, generators, and other products.

In this blog, we will explore the current state of the green hydrogen market, the technologies driving its growth, the regions leading its adoption, and the challenges and prospects of this promising energy solution.

Industry Applications

Green hydrogen is increasingly recognized for its versatility and potential to decarbonize various sectors. Here are eight key applications where green hydrogen is making a significant impact (Plug Power):

1. Transportation: Green hydrogen is used to power fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), including buses, trucks, trains, and even ships. These vehicles emit only water vapor, providing a clean alternative to fossil fuels. Cities in Europe and North America are adopting hydrogen-powered buses to reduce urban pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Plug  is at the forefront of deploying hydrogen-powered forklifts in warehouses, further showcasing its utility in the logistics sector.

2. Aviation: The aviation industry is exploring hydrogen as a key component for sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs). Hydrogen can be combined with captured CO2 to produce synthetic fuels, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of air travel. Companies like Airbus are developing hydrogen-powered aircraft, aiming to revolutionize the aviation sector by cutting down emissions.
3. Industrial Processes: Green hydrogen is crucial in decarbonizing industrial processes, particularly in steel manufacturing. The Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) process uses hydrogen as a reducing agent to convert iron ore into steel, significantly lowering carbon emissions compared to traditional methods. Hydrogen is also being used in chemical production, including green ammonia and methanol, which are essential for fertilizers and other industrial applications.
4. Energy Storage and Grid Balancing: Green hydrogen plays a vital role in energy storage, helping to balance the grid by storing excess renewable energy generated during periods of low demand and releasing it when demand is high. This capability is essential for integrating renewable energy sources like wind and solar into the energy grid, ensuring a stable and reliable power supply.
5. Power Generation: Hydrogen can be used directly in fuel cells to generate electricity, providing a clean and efficient power source. This application is particularly useful in remote or off-grid locations where traditional power infrastructure is lacking. Fuel cells powered by hydrogen are being used to provide electricity and heat for residential and commercial buildings, as well as backup power for critical facilities.
6. Heating: Green hydrogen can be used for heating applications in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Hydrogen-powered boilers and heaters offer a low-carbon alternative to natural gas, helping to reduce emissions from heating systems. This application is especially relevant in countries with cold climates where heating demand is high.
7. Synthetic Fuels Production: Hydrogen is a key ingredient in the production of synthetic fuels, which can be used in various applications, including transportation and industrial processes. By combining hydrogen with captured CO2, synthetic fuels can provide a carbon-neutral alternative to conventional fossil fuels, supporting the transition to a sustainable energy future.
8. Maritime Transport: Hydrogen is being utilized in small scale demonstrations to power ships, and it is hoped hydrogen will provide a sustainable alternative to the heavy fuel oils traditionally used in the maritime industry. E-fuels like e-methanol and e-ammonia, which are produced using green hydrogen, are gaining traction as cleaner fuels for shipping.

These applications highlight the transformative potential of green hydrogen across multiple sectors. By replacing traditional fuels with clean hydrogen, industries can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to global decarbonization efforts.

Technological Advancements

The green hydrogen industry is rapidly evolving, with several significant technological advancements that are making production more efficient and cost-effective. These innovations are essential for scaling up green hydrogen to meet global energy demands and reduce carbon emissions.

One of the latest breakthroughs comes from researchers at the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) who have developed scalable and efficient photoelectrode modules for green hydrogen production. These modules use sunlight to directly split water into hydrogen and oxygen, offering a promising approach to making green hydrogen production more competitive and accessible​ (ScienceDaily)​.

Another innovative technique has been introduced by researchers from the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology. They developed a novel electrolysis process called E-TAC (electrochemical and thermally activated chemical). Unlike traditional electrolysis, which requires membranes to separate hydrogen and oxygen, the E-TAC process produces these gases at different stages, thereby eliminating the need for membranes and reducing complexity and costs. This method significantly enhances the efficiency and scalability of hydrogen production​ (Tech Xplore)​.

In the commercial sector, companies like Plug are leading the way with substantial advancements. Plug has developed new products such as hydrogen storage tanks and a mobile liquid hydrogen refueler, which are crucial for enhancing the infrastructure needed for widespread hydrogen adoption. Additionally, the company is working on large-scale electrolyzer projects, aiming to boost green hydrogen production capacity significantly​ (Plug Power)​.

As we move through 2024, the global perspective on green hydrogen remains optimistic. According to Rystad Energy, this year is expected to see a surge in green hydrogen projects, especially in regions like Australia, the Middle East, and Africa. These regions are benefiting from maturing policies and early commercial-scale projects that are setting the stage for broader adoption and integration of green hydrogen technologies​ (Green Hydrogen News)​.

By improving efficiency, reducing costs, and expanding infrastructure, green hydrogen can play a crucial role in achieving global decarbonization goals and supporting a sustainable energy transition.

Current Green Hydrogen Market Overview

Green hydrogen is emerging as a vital solution for decarbonizing several major industries, including heavy-duty mobility, ammonia production, and steel manufacturing. By offering a clean, sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, green hydrogen is playing a crucial role in the global push towards reducing carbon emissions and achieving sustainability goals.

Decarbonizing Major Industries:

• Heavy-Duty Mobility: Green hydrogen is increasingly being used to power heavy-duty vehicles, such as buses, trucks, and trains. Hydrogen fuel cells provide a zero-emission alternative to diesel engines, which are significant contributors to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Cities in Europe and North America are adopting hydrogen fuel cell-powered public transportation to reduce urban pollution and improve air quality (World Economic Forum).
• Ammonia Production: The chemical industry, particularly ammonia production, is another major sector benefiting from green hydrogen. Traditional ammonia production processes are highly carbon-intensive, but using green hydrogen can significantly reduce emissions. Green ammonia is produced using hydrogen derived from renewable energy sources, which helps in reducing the overall carbon footprint of the chemical industry (McKinsey).
• Steel Manufacturing: In the steel industry, hydrogen is being utilized in the Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) process, which replaces carbon-intensive methods with hydrogen as the reducing agent. This shift can significantly cut carbon emissions associated with steel production, making it a cleaner alternative. Several leading steel manufacturers are investing in hydrogen-based DRI processes to meet their decarbonization targets (IEA).

Green Hydrogen Market Size and Growth:

The global green hydrogen market is experiencing substantial growth. As of 2024, the market size exceeded USD 6.49 billion, and it is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 31% from 2024 to 2032. By 2030, the global green hydrogen deployment is expected to reach 150 GW – approximately 63,750 tons per day. This growth is driven by stringent emission norms, increasing investments in renewable energy infrastructure, and the rising demand for clean energy alternatives (Global Market Insights, Expert Market Research).

Key Drivers:

• Technological Advancements: Advancements in electrolyzer technologies, such as Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) and Solid Oxide Electrolyzers, are enhancing efficiency and reducing the costs of hydrogen production. Innovations in catalysts, membrane materials, and system designs are also contributing to these improvements (Data Bridge Market Research).
• Government Support: Governments worldwide are introducing policies and incentives to support the development and adoption of green hydrogen. For instance, the U.S. government’s Inflation Reduction Act, which includes the Clean Hydrogen Production Tax Credit,  is expected to drive significant investments in the hydrogen economy. Similarly, the European Union has ambitious targets to produce 10 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen by 2030 (Markets and Markets).
• Public and Private Investments: Major companies, including Siemens Energy, Air Liquide, and Plug, are investing heavily in green hydrogen technologies and infrastructure. These investments are crucial for scaling up production and making green hydrogen more competitive with fossil fuels (Data Bridge Market Research).

By decarbonizing key industries and leveraging technological advancements, green hydrogen is poised to play a pivotal role in the transition to a sustainable energy future.

Growth Drivers

The rapid expansion of the green hydrogen market is propelled by several key drivers, including global decarbonization goals, technological advancements, and substantial investments from both public and private sectors. These factors are crucial in scaling up green hydrogen production and making it a cornerstone of the future energy landscape.

Global Decarbonization Goals: One of the primary drivers of the green hydrogen market is the global push towards decarbonization. Nations around the world are setting ambitious targets to reduce carbon emissions and transition to sustainable energy sources. Green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy, offers a viable solution to replace fossil fuels in various applications, thus significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions (Global Market Insights).

Technological Advancements: Advances in hydrogen production technologies are enhancing efficiency and reducing costs. Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM), Solid Oxide, and Alkaline Electrolyzers are making green hydrogen production more viable. Alkaline electrolyzers are noted for their durability and cost-effectiveness, making them a competitive option for large-scale hydrogen production which remains a widely used method due to its reliability and lower operational costs (Data Bridge Market Research).

Increased Investments: Both public and private sectors are investing heavily in the development of green hydrogen technologies and infrastructure. Governments are introducing incentives, funding programs, and regulatory frameworks to support green hydrogen projects. For instance, the U.S. government’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which included a Clean Hydrogen Production Tax Credit, is expected to drive significant investments in the hydrogen economy. These policies provide financial support and tax incentives for hydrogen production and infrastructure development (Markets and Markets).

Government and Corporate Initiatives: Specific initiatives by governments and corporations are boosting the green hydrogen sector. In Europe, substantial investments are being made to develop hydrogen infrastructure and production capabilities. The European Union aims to produce 10 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen by 2030, supported by policies and funding. Corporate partnerships, such as those between Air Liquide and automotive giants for hydrogen mobility solutions, are also playing a crucial role. These collaborations are focused on developing hydrogen-powered vehicles and the necessary refueling infrastructure (Global Market Insights). For more detailed information on global green hydrogen policy incentives, you can refer to “A Deep Dive into Global Green Hydrogen Policy Incentives”, published by Plug in 2023.

45V and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA): The 45V tax credit, part of the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, is a significant driver for green hydrogen projects. It provides tax credits for hydrogen production based on the carbon intensity of the hydrogen produced. This incentive is designed to make green hydrogen more competitive with traditional hydrogen production methods, thereby encouraging investment and scaling up production. The IRA also includes provisions for renewable energy generation, which further supports the green hydrogen market by ensuring a steady supply of renewable electricity for hydrogen production (Markets and Markets).

By leveraging technological advancements, increasing investments, and supporting initiatives, the green hydrogen market is set to expand rapidly, paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.

Regional Insights

The global green hydrogen market is experiencing varied growth patterns across different regions, driven by unique factors and regional policies.

Europe: Europe continues to lead the global green hydrogen market, driven by ambitious policy frameworks and substantial investments in hydrogen infrastructure. The European Union aims to produce 10 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen by 2030. Major investments and projects, such as the development of hydrogen hubs and large-scale electrolysis plants, are underway. European initiatives like the 2050 Low Carbon Strategy and the Green Pact for Europe emphasize hydrogen’s role in decarbonizing the energy sector, particularly in hard-to-abate industries such as steel and chemicals (Global Market Insights).

North America: In North America, the United States is seeing significant advancements thanks to supportive policies like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Clean Hydrogen Investment Tax Credit. These policies provide financial incentives for hydrogen production and infrastructure development, positioning the U.S. as a major player in the green hydrogen market. The region is expected to play a critical role as a hydrogen exporter (Hydrogen Council, Markets and Markets).

Asia-Pacific: The Asia-Pacific region is experiencing rapid growth in green hydrogen projects, particularly in countries like China, Japan, India, and Australia. China is investing heavily in hydrogen infrastructure, with plans to build extensive hydrogen pipelines and production facilities. Japan continues to support hydrogen through initiatives such as contracts for difference (CfD) to encourage the development of green hydrogen technologies. Australia is leveraging its abundant renewable resources to become a key player in the global hydrogen supply chain, with several large-scale projects underway. India is also emerging as a significant player, with government initiatives aimed at promoting hydrogen as a clean energy source. India’s National Hydrogen Mission aims to make the country a green hydrogen hub by investing in production technologies and infrastructure (McKinsey, Data Bridge Market Research, Markets and Markets).

Middle East and North Africa (MENA): The MENA region, particularly the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, is emerging as a significant player in green hydrogen production due to its vast renewable energy resources. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), with the lowest solar power costs globally, is well-positioned to develop large-scale green hydrogen projects. Saudi Arabia and Oman are also investing in hydrogen production facilities aimed at both domestic use and export markets (GlobeNewswire).

Challenges and Opportunities: Despite the promising growth, the green hydrogen market faces challenges such as high production costs, limited infrastructure for storage and distribution, and regulatory uncertainties. However, international collaborations and technological advancements are helping to overcome these barriers. Partnerships between countries are facilitating knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and joint research initiatives, which are essential for scaling up hydrogen production and reducing costs (Hydrogen Council, Data Bridge Market Research).

Challenges and Barriers

The growth of the green hydrogen market is promising, but several significant challenges need to be addressed to accelerate its expansion and make it more competitive with traditional energy sources.

High Initial Costs: One of the most substantial barriers to the widespread adoption of green hydrogen is the high initial costs associated with its production, conversion, storage, and transportation. The cost of producing green hydrogen using electrolyzers remains high due to the expensive materials and technology required. This rise is driven by higher capital expenditure (capex) for electrolyzer systems, increased costs for the balance of plant (BoP), and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) (McKinsey).

Scalability Issues: Scaling up green hydrogen production to meet global demand poses significant challenges. The current production capacity is insufficient to support large-scale industrial applications. Increasing the scale of production requires substantial investments in new infrastructure, including large electrolyzer plants and renewable energy sources. The deployment of green hydrogen technology needs to be accelerated to meet future demand, but this requires overcoming technical and financial hurdles (McKinsey).

Infrastructure Needs: Developing the necessary infrastructure for green hydrogen is another critical challenge. This includes pipelines, storage facilities, and refueling stations. Without a robust network, the efficient transportation and delivery of green hydrogen remain hindered. The lack of infrastructure limits the accessibility and availability of green hydrogen, inhibiting its widespread adoption across various sectors such as transportation, industry, and energy storage (McKinsey).

Regulatory and Policy Uncertainty: Another major barrier is the lack of clarity around regulatory incentives, such as the 45V tax credit under the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). While these incentives are designed to make green hydrogen more competitive, the details and implementation of such policies remain unclear, causing uncertainty for investors and developers. Clear and consistent policies are crucial to encourage investment and provide a stable framework for the development of green hydrogen projects (McKinsey).

Public Perception and Awareness: Negative perceptions or lack of understanding about hydrogen technologies can hinder acceptance and adoption. Misconceptions about safety, reliability, and environmental benefits may lead to reluctance from consumers, investors, and policymakers. This can slow down market growth and investment, delaying the transition to a hydrogen-based economy (McKinsey).

These challenges highlight the need for coordinated efforts between governments, industries, and research institutions to address these barriers. By improving cost efficiency, scaling up production, developing infrastructure, and providing clear regulatory frameworks, the green hydrogen market can overcome these obstacles and achieve its full potential as a cornerstone of the global energy transition.

Future Projections

The green hydrogen market is poised for significant growth, driven by technological advancements and increased investment. According to the latest McKinsey report, the market is expected to expand rapidly over the next decade, with substantial improvements in production capacity and cost efficiency.

Market Expansion and Technological Improvements: The global green hydrogen market is projected to reach 150 GW of production capacity by 2030. Continuous technological advancements in electrolyzer efficiency are critical to this expansion. Innovations in Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) and Solid Oxide Electrolyzers are expected to lower production costs and enhance output, making green hydrogen more competitive with traditional energy sources. These improvements will be pivotal in reducing the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) (McKinsey).

Widespread Adoption Across Sectors: As costs decrease and production capacity increases, green hydrogen is expected to be adopted widely across various sectors:

• Transportation: Green hydrogen will fuel heavy-duty vehicles, buses, and trains, providing a zero-emission alternative to diesel and gasoline.
• Industrial Processes: Green hydrogen will replace carbon-intensive processes in industries such as steel manufacturing, ammonia production, and chemical processing.
• Energy Storage: Green hydrogen will play a crucial role in energy storage and grid stabilization, balancing supply and demand in renewable energy systems.

Global Energy Strategies: Green hydrogen is set to become a cornerstone of global energy strategies, significantly contributing to decarbonization efforts. Governments and industries worldwide are recognizing its potential to meet climate targets and reduce fossil fuel dependence. Policy support, such as production tax credits and mandates for renewable hydrogen, will drive this transition. For example,  the U.S. government’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) included a Clean Hydrogen Production Tax Credit that is expected to drive significant investments in the hydrogen economy (McKinsey).

These projections highlight the transformative potential of green hydrogen. With continued technological advancements and supportive policies, green hydrogen is positioned to play a pivotal role in the global energy landscape, driving both economic growth and environmental sustainability.

Conclusion

Green hydrogen is emerging as a transformative solution in the quest for clean energy and decarbonization. Its potential to replace fossil fuels across various sectors such as transportation, industry, and energy storage, positions it as a critical component of global sustainability strategies. The significant growth projections for the green hydrogen market underscore its importance, driven by technological advancements and supportive policies.

Despite the challenges of high initial costs, scalability issues, and infrastructure needs, the future of green hydrogen looks promising. Technological improvements, particularly in electrolyzer efficiency, are expected to lower production costs and enhance hydrogen output, making it increasingly competitive with traditional energy sources. These advancements are crucial for achieving widespread adoption and integrating green hydrogen into the global energy mix.

Government initiatives and corporate partnerships are vital in accelerating the development and deployment of green hydrogen technologies. Policies such as the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the European Union’s hydrogen strategies are providing the necessary financial incentives and regulatory frameworks to support this transition. Additionally, international collaborations and investments are fostering knowledge exchange and driving down costs, further boosting the market’s growth.

As green hydrogen continues to evolve, its role in decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors and supporting a clean and resilient energy system becomes increasingly clear. With coordinated efforts from governments, industries, and research institutions, green hydrogen can overcome existing barriers and achieve its full potential as a cornerstone of the global energy transition.

In summary, the path forward for green hydrogen is bright. By leveraging technological advancements, increasing investments, and supporting initiatives, we can pave the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future powered by green hydrogen.

The post The Rise of Green Hydrogen: Stats, Trends, and Future Projections first appeared on Plug Power.

The post The Rise of Green Hydrogen: Stats, Trends, and Future Projections appeared first on Plug Power.

Fast forward to today, and we now operate the world’s largest PEM electrolyzer manufacturing gigafactory in Rochester, N.Y,  and are deploying and operating electrolyzers for customers across five continents. 

Over the past couple years, we  have announced several new electrolyzer customer projects – and have been working on even more. We’ve had great interest in our electrolyzer offerings and have continued to convert sales into commissioned installations. 

Plug is doing real things every day and we wanted to share a few of them from the electrolyzer side of the business. Let’s explore the global footprint of our installed and operational Plug electrolyzer systems.

Below, we highlight a few of the projects and partnerships where our electrolyzer systems are helping to displace fossil fuels across the globe today. 

MOL – Hungary

Announced in 2022, MOL Group, an international, integrated oil, gas, petrochemicals, and consumer retail company, teamed up with Plug to build one of Europe’s largest-capacity green hydrogen production facilities at MOL’s Danube Refinery in Százhalombatta, Hungary. Green hydrogen will reduce the carbon footprint of the Danube Refinery operation and enable emission-free mobility in the longer term.

Utilizing a 10-megawatt (MW) electrolysis unit from Plug, MOL’s €22 million facility will be able to produce approximately 1,600 tons of clean, carbon-neutral, green hydrogen annually, removing up to 25,000 tons of carbon dioxide by displacing the currently used natural gas-based production process. As this process represents one-sixth of the carbon dioxide emissions of MOL Group, this investment supports MOL’s carbon neutrality goals and will contribute to energy independence for the region.

Commissioning is expected to be complete by mid-Q3 2024. Once operational, MOL will use the green hydrogen in its Danube Refinery during fuel production of its own hydrogen system. It will be incorporated into the molecules of MOL fuels, lowering the carbon outputs from the production technology and the final product.

SK Plug Hyverse –  Jeju Island, South Korea

Hamdeok Refueling Station in Jocheon-eup, Jeju, South Korea, is home to Korea’s first green hydrogen charging station. Jeju City is ramping up their fuel cell bus fleet from 9 to 20 by the end of the year. The fleet will continue to grow – doubling by the end of 2025 and adding three garbage trucks as well. They are targeting 300 buses and 200 garbage trucks by 2030. A green hydrogen production facility nearby provides the hydrogen needed for the fleet. Powered by offshore wind, electrolyzers – including a 1MW Plug electrolyzer – produce the hydrogen, which is then transported 18km to the charging station. The project was commissioned in early 2024.

5 MW Site – Poland

Plug provided one 5MW electrolyzer to a site in Poland to provide up to 90 kg per hour of hydrogen that will either be compressed to 500 bar and stored or directed to a CHP (combined heat and power) engine capable of running on 100% hydrogen. In addition, the plant will deliver up to 1 MW of electricity and 1.2 MW of heat or cooling from the absorption chiller. The project was commissioned in the second quarter of 2024. The electrolyzer is powered by wind and solar directly – green energy how it is meant to be!

Hiringa – New Zealand

Hiringa is developing New Zealand’s first nationwide green hydrogen refueling network, using renewable energy to displace fossil fuels in transportation. Plug has sold eight 1 megawatt (MW) electrolyzers to Hiringa for use in the project. Two have been commissioned to date, with two more planned for 2024 and the other four in 2025.

Wiri

The Wiri  refueling station  is officially open and one of the first four stations under construction. It will help to cover 95 percent of New Zealand’s heavy freight routes in the North Islands area.

Plug has also delivered and installed the 1MW electrolyzer for the Te Rapa site, which is the second of the two hydrogen refueling stations to be open in Hiringa’s network. 

Hyvia – Flins, France

Plug has installed and commissioned a 1MW electrolyzer to supply Light Commercial Van manufacturer, Hyvia, with the hydrogen it needs for product testing and fleet refueling. This electrolyzer marks a major step in the deployment of Hyvia’s unique and complete ecosystem for H2 mobility. 

Amazon – Denver, Colorado 

Announced in late 2023, Plug completed installation of a 1MW electrolyzer system at Amazon’s Aurora, Colorado fulfillment center. The one-megawatt (MW) proton exchange membrane electrolyzer is the first for Amazon and is producing low-carbon hydrogen to fuel more than 225 hydrogen fuel cell-powered forklift trucks at the site, known as DEN8. For this project, Plug provided design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance services for the 1MW PEM electrolyzer and hydrogen storage—compatible with the existing refueling infrastructure and fuel cells already in use at the site. This is the first electrolyzer system installed and in use at an Amazon site.

5MW Site – Europe

Plug is executing on an order for ten 5MW electrolyzer systems, with one system installed and operational today. The electrolyzers will be used to produce renewable green hydrogen using primarily wind and solar-power for various mobility applications in Europe, including forklifts and light commercial vehicles.

5 MW Site – Sweden

A company in Sweden has been working toward decarbonizing their methane-fired furnaces, used in the production process. To further that mission, they have installed a 5 MW Plug electrolyzer, and are injecting the hydrogen to replace some of the methane used in furnaces. The electrolyzer unit will be fed with grid electricity. Plug began installing the system in October 2023 and is currently completing the last stages of commissioning. Because Sweden is located in the far north, where winter involves a lot of snow, the Company added a snow roof covering the electrolyzer to protect it from the elements.  

2 X 5 MW Site – Africa

In Africa, Plug has two 5MW electrolyzers that have been installed and are producing hydrogen to help the company reach its net zero targets by 2050. This is Plug’s first site in Africa.

Plug’s global electrolyzer deployments mark a significant milestone in our company’s evolution. By establishing a presence in key markets worldwide, we are advancing green hydrogen production and meeting the growing demand with our ready-to-deploy solutions. This presents a tremendous opportunity for Plug, positioning us as a leader in the green hydrogen market. No one else around the world has achieved what Plug has in the electrolyzer space. As we continue to innovate and expand, we are committed to driving progress and shaping the future of energy. 

The post Plug Doing Real Things: Global Electrolyzer Customer Deployments Roundup first appeared on Plug Power.

The post Plug Doing Real Things: Global Electrolyzer Customer Deployments Roundup appeared first on Plug Power.

Kaitlyn Kemp and Ryan Delaney are both returning interns at Plug. Kaitlyn recently graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a BS in Chemical Engineering and Sustainability Studies, while Ryan completed his degree at the University at Buffalo with a BS in Mechanical Engineering.

This is Kaitlyn’s third internship with Plug’s electrolyzer team. During her time here, she’s been able to dabble in both process engineering and product development. During Kaitlyn’s first year, she focused on calculations for the ultrapure water system used by our electrolyzer products. One of the highlights of her time at Plug was a trip to our facility in Texas, where the product was being built. She was able to take water samples and compare actual samples with the calculations she had done in the office. “That was one of the coolest experiences I’ve ever had. That really got me excited about things like this.”

Ryan is beginning his second summer at Plug, but has also been working throughout the school year as part of Plug’s new product introduction (NPI) team. He’s been able to do everything from CAD modeling and designing test fixtures to integrating, testing, and verifying what he’s built directly into prototypes for modifications to our 125kW and 30kW fuel cell systems. “The opportunities that I’ve been involved with are one of the best things,” he stated. “I’ve worked with multiple people on the NPI team. There are always new projects or questions that need answers or problem-solving. I’m not just tied down to a specific area.”

Both Kaitlyn and Ryan highlighted that the variety of work at Plug was among their favorite parts of the work. The ability to try new things and discover areas they enjoy is a great part of any internship, and truly encapsulates working at Plug.

Ryan noted, “When I was researching the companies in this area, Plug really stood out to me as a great company to be a part of because there are so many opportunities and so much room to learn and grow in the hydrogen business. This is a relatively new business and there are not a lot of other companies doing it like Plug. It’s cool to be a part of that and just see where you go – you’re really going to make a big difference.”

Kaitlyn added, “There aren’t a lot of companies that have a sustainability mindset for chemical engineering. When I saw Plug at a career fair, I realized Plug would be the best fit I could have to really combine both of my majors. I’m excited I landed where I did.”

Real world experience is a key component to internships at Plug – and the real world provides challenges not seen in the classroom in the same way. Kaitlyn stated, “We’d have simulation questions at school, but applying it to what I’m actually doing – this year, I feel like I’m finally starting to get the hang of it.” Ryan added that, “There’s no right or wrong answer; there are many opportunities and options to solve the problem. You need to look at it from a lot of angles, find the best solution, and move forward. The best experience for me has been the hands on learning. In school you don’t get to see what’s happening, but when you’re here, you do the calculations and then can go to the floor and see what you’ve designed, built, and tested go to a place in need.”

When they’re not working, both Ryan and Kaitlyn live active lives. Kaitlyn enjoys hiking, especially in the Adirondacks. She also played lacrosse when she was at RPI. She’s currently coaching a club team and wants to continue that in the future. During Ryan’s time at Buffalo, he really got into golf. When he’s not working, he’s likely to be on the green.

 As far as what their plans are after this summer, Ryan mentioned, “For the next two years, I’ll be going to Penn State for a Masters in Mechanical Engineering. I’m going to continue working for Plug throughout the year remotely, so I can come back next summer and during winter break.” Kaitlyn is still deciding what she wants to do next, like many people coming out of college. “I do think the hydrogen industry is somewhere I’ll end up no matter what. The green hydrogen industry is such a wonderful mix of my two passions, with the chemical engineering and sustainability. That’s something I hold dear and really want to keep together.”

The post GreenH2@Work Employee Spotlight: Kaitlyn Kemp and Ryan Delaney first appeared on Plug Power.

The post GreenH2@Work Employee Spotlight: Kaitlyn Kemp and Ryan Delaney appeared first on Plug Power.

What is a BEDP? 

The BEDP provides the engineering and plant integration details to allow a full plant front-end engineering design (FEED) study to proceed purposefully and efficiently to understand, in detail, the capital and operating expenditures associated with running a potential plant.  

The BEDP approach enables Plug’s customers to seamlessly integrate the electrolyzer package into the project’s broader engineering and construction plan. Customers also benefit from Plug’s experiences building its own plants and sharing lessons learned as the only electrolyzer OEM supplier building green hydrogen plants.   

The BEDPs contain all the information for a clients’ FEED project phase to develop a mature project execution plan and financial models required to bring the projects to Final Investment Decision (FID).  

Plug’s comprehensive design framework for a liquid hydrogen plant, is centered around its portfolio suite of products. This includes Plug’s PEM electrolyzers, liquefiers, cryogenic storage solutions, and both liquid and high-pressure gas tube trailers for transport. Plug is the only company to offer this turnkey solution.  

What do developers consider when vetting an electrolyzer supplier? 

There are various key factors that a company considers when vetting electrolyzer manufacturer and evaluating the viability of a project during the BEDP.  

• Integration Engineering/Project Management Capabilities: Project developers should consider whether the project gets done on time, on budget, and most importantly, at all, and whether the project will work as they have intended. Having the know-how, experience, and reputation for working through issues is therefore critical when choosing an electrolyzer partner as opposed to just a supplier. 

• Operating History: The electrolyzer partner having verifiable operating history at scale greatly increases the probability of the electrolyzer performing to its stated specifications, and the comprehensive offering meeting expectations. Without verified operating data, availability of the project can suffer significantly. 

• Power Cost Optimization Know How: Depending on geography and power source, power costs can be optimized with variances of $20+/MWh (using demand response, technology selection, etc.). Companies with experience in building and owning hydrogen plants can provide guidance, with potentially significant savings on power cost. 

• Total Plant Cost: The total plant cost is a better metric for comparing electrolyzer provider’s system. This is due to different electrolyzers having varying ease of installation requirements (such as modularity and module size), different scope, readily available documentation, and the company’s overall experience in installing and building electrolysis plants. 

• Electrolyzer Cost: Electrolyzer cost is important to understand, but only after understanding its context within the Total Installed Cost of an electrolyzer plant, as electrolyzers typically only account for 30% of total plant costs. Variances in electrolyzer costs of different providers (typically US/EU vs China), up to $400/kW can, but minimally affect, levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH). 

• Energy Efficiency of the Electrolyzer system: Power costs account for 50+% of the cost of hydrogen production and are easiest to compare against different electrolyzer providers, however the gap from the least to most efficient electrolyzers is small, and often does not account for the full plant scope, therefore the effect on LCOH is minimal compared to other factors. 

Plug’s industry leading position in PEM electrolyzer manufacturing at our Rochester, NY Gigafactory and the systems integration know how of Plug Process Systems (Formerly Frames), combined with Plug’s proven project execution and operation at our Woodbine, Georgia facility give the company a unique value proposition to offer to customers evaluating hydrogen projects and going through their FEED work. 

Converting the pipeline 

Following the significant project development work and completion of FEED and BEDP activities, customers will select suppliers and look to secure financing to reach FID. The maturity and track record of chosen technologies and suppliers is a key part of the bankability of any green hydrogen project looking to reach FID. 

With 7.5 GW of BEDPs in process, the general timeline for these projected to move to financing and FID is approximately 6-18 months. At that point, the BEDP funnel could translate into hardware sales, with each GW representing up to $0.5B to $0.75B in revenue. 

The introduction of Plug’s Basic Engineering and Design Package (BEDP) has significantly propelled the growth of its electrolyzer business, exemplified by reaching 7.5 GW in global contracts within just two years. As the only company offering these end-to-end solutions, Plug has a unique opportunity in this market. The potential equipment sales for a facility with a capacity of 30 tons per day, represents a sales opportunity of approximately $130 million and Plug has the experience, proven technology, and drive to deliver on this opportunity.  

The post Unpacking the Future: Plug’s 7.5 GW Basic Engineering and Design Package Contracts  first appeared on Plug Power.

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The demand for efficient and sustainable solutions in the material handling industry is growing rapidly. Companies are increasingly looking for ways to increase their operational efficiency while also reducing their environmental impact. Hydrogen fuel cell forklifts meet this need perfectly, offering a green solution that doesn’t compromise on performance.

Plug has been leading the charge in this field since 2007. We began designing and building hydrogen fuel cells specifically for material handling applications, and we’ve continued to innovate and expand our offerings ever since. Our hydrogen fuel cells seamlessly replace batteries in electric forklift trucks, providing an efficient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly alternative.

Can Forklift Trucks Run on Hydrogen?

Absolutely! Forklift trucks can efficiently operate using hydrogen fuel cells, and it’s a game-changer for industry. But how does it all work?

Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. When hydrogen gas enters the fuel cell, it reacts with oxygen from the air. This reaction produces electricity, water, and heat. The electricity is then used to power the forklift truck, enabling it to perform material handling tasks just like any traditional forklift truck.

The beauty of hydrogen fuel cells is their versatility. They can be used in various types of forklifts, whether it’s a small electric pallet jack or a larger heavy-duty stand-up truck. This compatibility makes hydrogen fuel cells a viable option for different warehouse and distribution center operations.

Not only do hydrogen fuel cells provide consistent power, but they also offer quick refueling times. Instead of waiting hours for a battery to charge, a hydrogen fuel cell forklift can be refueled in just a few minutes, like refueling a car. This leads to less downtime and more productivity on the warehouse floor.

In short, hydrogen fuel cells make forklifts more efficient, versatile, and eco-friendly, making them an excellent choice for modern material handling needs.

The Advantage of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Forklifts

Hydrogen fuel cell forklifts come with a host of benefits that make them stand out in the material handling industry. Let’s dive into some of the key advantages.

 Hydrogen fuel cell forklifts can be refueled in just a few minutes, much faster than the hours it takes to charge a traditional battery. This quick refueling time leads to increased productivity and less downtime.

Plus, hydrogen fuel cells provide consistent power output, ensuring that forklifts maintain optimal performance throughout their operation, enabling more picks per hour.

Here’s a visual that compares the lift speed of battery-powered forklift trucks versus hydrogen fuel cell forklift trucks:

As the visual shows, hydrogen fuel cells maintain consistent lift speed across various loads, even as the state of charge decreases. This consistent performance is a significant advantage over traditional batteries.

Additionally, hydrogen fuel cell forklifts require less maintenance compared to battery-powered forklifts. The fuel cell system has fewer moving parts, resulting in reduced wear and tear and lower maintenance costs. This translates to fewer disruptions and more reliable operations.

Hydrogen fuel cell technology is incredibly sustainable. These forklifts produce zero emissions, meaning they only emit water and heat as byproducts. This contributes to cleaner air within facilities and significantly reduces the carbon footprint of material handling operations. By switching to hydrogen fuel cells, companies can make a substantial impact on their environmental sustainability goals.

Overall, the combination of efficiency, reduced maintenance, and sustainability makes hydrogen fuel cell forklifts an excellent choice for modern warehouses and distribution centers.

The Cost Considerations of Hydrogen Forklifts

When it comes to new construction sites, known as greenfields, hydrogen forklifts have a distinct advantage. Unlike traditional electric forklifts, hydrogen fuel cell forklifts do not require extensive electric infrastructure. Building such infrastructure can be incredibly costly and often involves long delays. By opting for hydrogen fuel cells, companies can bypass these challenges, saving both time and money from the start.

From an investment perspective, transitioning to hydrogen fuel cell forklifts involves several cost considerations. Specific cost breakdown and savings will vary depending on factors such as operational requirements, energy consumption, and location. While the initial investment might be higher compared to traditional forklifts, it’s important to look at the bigger picture.

Hydrogen fuel cells contribute to increased efficiency and productivity. Faster refueling times mean forklifts spend more time in operation and less time out of service. This increased uptime directly translates to higher productivity and, ultimately, better financial performance for the business.

Additionally, battery charging infrastructure takes up valuable warehouse space that could otherwise be used for profit-generating activity. There are several advantages that hydrogen fuel dispensers have compared to battery chargers: they are small in size, flexible in placement, and fast to fuel. This allows facilities using fuel cell lift trucks to maximize their revenue generating space.

When evaluating the total cost of ownership, it’s essential to weigh the benefits of hydrogen fuel cell forklifts against the initial investment. The potential for reduced maintenance costs, combined with the efficiency gains and reclaimed space, often make hydrogen forklifts a financially sound choice over time. By considering these factors, businesses can make informed decisions that align with their long-term operational and financial goals.

The Scope and Growth of the Hydrogen Forklift Market

The adoption of hydrogen fuel cell forklifts is rapidly increasing across various industries. This growth is driven by the rising demand for more sustainable and efficient material handling solutions. Companies are increasingly recognizing the benefits of hydrogen fuel cells and are integrating them into their operations to reduce their environmental footprint while enhancing efficiency.

Several factors contribute to the expansion of the hydrogen forklift market. One key factor is the continuous advancements in hydrogen fuel cell technology. These innovations are making fuel cells more efficient, reliable, and cost-effective, making them a viable option for a wide range of applications.

Another significant factor is the push for green logistics. As businesses strive to adopt more eco-friendly practices, hydrogen fuel cell forklifts present an attractive solution. They help companies meet their sustainability goals by offering zero-emission operations, which is increasingly important in today’s environmentally conscious market.

Supportive policies and regulations aimed at reducing carbon emissions in industrial operations are also playing a crucial role in market growth. Governments and regulatory bodies are promoting the use of clean energy solutions, including hydrogen fuel cells, through incentives and supportive frameworks. These policies encourage businesses to invest in hydrogen technology, further driving market adoption.

Looking ahead, the market potential for hydrogen fuel cell forklift trucks is vast. Ongoing technological innovations continue to improve the performance and affordability of fuel cells. Additionally, the growing consensus on the need for environmental sustainability in logistics and supply chain management ensures that hydrogen fuel cell forklifts will play a significant role in the future of material handling.

Manufacturers of Hydrogen Powered Forklifts

When it comes to hydrogen-powered forklifts, Plug stands out as a leading technology provider in the industry. Since 2007, Plug has been at the forefront of hydrogen fuel cell technology, specifically tailored for material handling applications. Our commitment to advancing this technology has resulted in reliable, efficient, and sustainable solutions that power forklifts in warehouses and distribution centers worldwide.

Companies like Toyota, Hyster-Yale, and Linde are making significant strides in this space, offering a variety of hydrogen-powered forklifts to meet diverse operational needs. These manufacturers are helping to expand the market and drive innovation, ensuring that businesses have access to the best possible solutions.

At Plug, our dedication to advancing hydrogen fuel cell technology is unwavering. We continually invest in research and development to create cutting-edge solutions that address the evolving needs of the material handling industry. Our comprehensive offerings include not just the fuel cells themselves but also the necessary infrastructure for hydrogen production, storage, and refueling. This end-to-end approach simplifies the transition to hydrogen fuel cells for our customers, allowing them to focus on their core operations without worrying about the complexities of the new technology.

By leading the charge in hydrogen fuel cell technology, Plug is helping to shape the future of material handling, making it more sustainable, efficient, and forward-thinking.

Conclusion

Hydrogen fuel cell forklift trucks represent a significant leap forward in the material handling industry. They offer a sustainable, efficient, and reliable alternative to traditional forklifts, addressing the growing need for greener operations. With quick refueling times, consistent power output, and reduced maintenance needs, fuel cell powered forklifts enhance productivity and operational efficiency.

Plug has been a pioneer in this field, providing comprehensive solutions that include fuel cells, hydrogen production, storage, and refueling infrastructure. Alongside other industry leaders, Plug continues to innovate and expand the possibilities for hydrogen-powered material handling.

By embracing hydrogen fuel cell technology, companies can not only improve their operational efficiency but also make a meaningful contribution to environmental sustainability. The future of material handling is here, and it’s powered by hydrogen.

Let’s discuss your project!

For more detailed information and insights, check out some of our fuel cells for material handling resources.

The post Hydrogen Fuel Cell Forklifts: The Impact of Fuel Cells in Material Handling first appeared on Plug Power.

The post Hydrogen Fuel Cell Forklifts: The Impact of Fuel Cells in Material Handling appeared first on Plug Power.

To address the tight application timelines and the technological gap, sHYpS is centered around the idea of a swappable storage system for the liquid hydrogen, based on new c-type ISO containers. This solution can enable a full zero emission ship platform in the needed time. sHYpS aims at supporting the decarbonisation of the shipping industry by developing a novel LH2 swappable storage solution, which can be adapted to multiple types of vessels and speed up the green transition. The sHYps project triggers the hydrogen supply-chain development, generating demand, while tackling safety and handling requirements.

To this end, sHYpS will demonstrate the 1 Viking’s newbuilds Ocean Cruise vessel with the storage system onboard and energy management system by 2026 with a limited power fuel cell. The 6MW PEM fuel cell will cut 50% of emissions in a 14 day fjord cruise.

This project was announced in 2022, with 13 leading representatives from different industries and 6 European countries with a budget of €14,295,314, funded by Horizon Europe with Grant Agreement n° 101056940, coming together to develop the project goals and a framework to meet them.

• Development of a novel liquid hydrogen fuel storage, designed for road transport and to marine codes, based on an intermodal 45’ C-type container that can be easily loaded and unloaded by onboard facility.

• Design a suitable fuel cell based powertrain /modular containerized powertrain based on optimized PEM fuel cells.

• Design an integrated logistic network for the delivery of liquid green hydrogen to vessels based on swapping pre-filled containers.

• Use of the results through demonstration of the 2 hybrid cruise ships starting already by 2025.

• Validation of the business cases.

Plug’s main work path in the project is to define an integrated logistic network for the delivery of liquid green hydrogen to vessels, taking into considerations all regulatory, technical, logistic and economic constraints.

The first phase, completed in June 2023, focused on designing the supply-chain, analyzing regulatory needs, operational constraints, and transportation options for liquid hydrogen. Safety considerations for transportation of hazardous materials were also assessed. Economic scenarios including swapping and refill options were evaluated, along with safety requirements such as maximum clearance and weight limits. 

The second phase, slated for completion in June 2025, delves deeper into provisioning hydrogen and its associated logistics. It aims to map and match liquid green hydrogen generation plants with ports for vessel refilling, optimizing supply sources across Europe. The analysis includes exploring delivery routes, alternative port options for Viking vessels, and loading/offloading methods for liquid hydrogen containers onto vessels. Additionally, risk assessment and guidelines for LH2 container operation in refilling are defined.

Learn more about the sHYpS project here.

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As a vital member of the Plug team, Chad takes the lead on all new product launches in the Capital region, guiding his team through the intricacies of each new release with precision and expertise. Not only does he excel in steering new products to success, but Chad also rolls up his sleeves to tackle any bugs that may arise post-launch, ensuring that Plug’s products maintain the highest standards of quality and reliability.

Beyond launching and troubleshooting, Chad’s hands-on approach extends to product assembly, where he meticulously ensures that each component comes together seamlessly. With his dedication to excellence and his hands-on approach, Chad plays a crucial role in driving Plug’s manufacturing goals..

At Plug, teamwork is one of the pillars – Chad’s favorite one. Chad has been with Plug for 9 years and has, “a passion for Plug and the people around me.” Having worked on several teams, Chad is well-rounded and capable of innovating cross-functionally to help achieve Plug’s goals.

Outside of Plug, Chad’s life is filled with cherished moments spent with his wife and two boys. Whether it’s engaging in sports activities or embarking on family camping adventures, Chad prioritizes quality time with his loved ones.

These shared experiences not only strengthen family bonds but also create lasting memories that Chad treasures dearly. By nurturing a rich and fulfilling life beyond the office, Chad embodies the importance of work-life balance and demonstrates the value of investing in personal relationships and shared adventures.

Here’s a fun fact about Chad: not only is he a dedicated Plug team member, but he’s also known for his knack for making dad jokes that can bring a smile to anyone’s face. When he’s not busy optimizing systems or spending time with his family, you might just find Chad perusing the aisles of Lowe’s, as he’s a frequent shopper there. With his infectious energy and ability to liven up any room, Chad brings a unique blend of humor and warmth to the Plug team, making him an invaluable colleague.

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For over 25 years, Plug has been a leader in the hydrogen industry, spearheading innovative solutions related to hydrogen technology. Plug’s end-to-end hydrogen ecosystem, from production, storage, and delivery to energy generation, helps customers across the globe meet their business goals and decarbonize the economy. The Company has deployed more than 69,000 fuel cell systems and over 250 fueling stations.  It is the largest buyer of liquid hydrogen in the United States.

Through strategic partnerships, continued innovation, and steadfast commitment, Plug Power has remained dedicated to building out the green hydrogen ecosystem, accelerating the growth of the industry and shaping a sustainable future for generations to come.

As with any nascent industry, Plug recognizes the necessity of patience and significant investment to lay the groundwork for long-term success.

As stated in the company’s recent earnings call, Plug has resolved its previously announced going concern notice and established a firm financial footing, securing outside capital and reducing expenses. Plug has remained dedicated to bolstering its financial profile and is well-positioned for sustainable growth and continued innovation in renewable energy.

In addition, we have begun operations at our new liquid hydrogen plant in Woodbine, Ga., and continue to expand capacity at our state-of-the-art Gigafactory and Vista plant for production of electrolyzers and fuel cells to meet growing market demand.

As with any publicly traded company, Plug is routinely subject to litigation. We firmly dispute the merits of the matters referenced by the author of the referenced article, and note similar claims have been recently dismissed by the court, as disclosed in the Company’s most recent public filings. All material updates to such litigation are disclosed in the company’s public filings.

Plug Power has been transparent about its application with the Department of Energy (DOE) Loan Programs Office. As of early 2021, Plug had already entered the LPO application process. For more than three years, Plug has pursued an intensive application process with the aim of obtaining the loan to facilitate growth in the hydrogen sector.

Plug’s LPO application is under evaluation for a potential conditional commitment for a loan guarantee (For more information: https://www.energy.gov/lpo/articles/lpos-loans-and-loan-guarantees-overview-and-characteristics-its-financing-options). Loan guarantees are guarantees of debt instruments that must be fully repaid with applicable interest. While a conditional commitment demonstrates DOE’s intent to finance a project, the project must satisfy certain conditions, which may include reaching technical, legal, commercial, contractual, environmental, or other milestones, before DOE issues any financial assistance including a loan.

Additionally, Plug Power regularly reviews its financial instruments for optimal performance and opted to repay a loan from Generate Capital as part of that process.  This is a process that is conducted not just by Plug but by all financially prudent companies. 

Plug leadership was not aware of any request for comment from the author of the referenced article. The company encourages open dialogue and welcomes the opportunity to appropriately engage with all constituencies including reporters, sharing insights into its prominent role in the hydrogen industry and discussing the future.

The post Plug Statement on Certain Inaccuracies first appeared on Plug Power.

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Playing a pivotal role in Plug’s IT infrastructure, Carty describes their primary focus as, “ensuring that the stability, security, and efficiency of our various systems are maintained as best as possible.” Carty’s day starts with operational checks and a quick glance at overnight tickets and email escalations. This is just about the only constant in their day. 

One of their mottos is, “Each day is different in Plug IT!” 

At Plug, collaboration is encouraged – and Carty trusts their peers to help them problem-solve. “I work with a group of extremely talented and devoted individuals,” Carty noted. “It’s a great feeling coming into work every day knowing that our team can tackle any obstacles that come our way, and we can have a blast doing it.”

Choosing Plug was easy for Carty. The company’s mission to build and dominate the hydrogen ecosystem from start to finish is a boon to the clean energy movement. Carty works hard to help the company achieve this objective.

When Carty isn’t busy handling after-hours escalations at Plug IT, they cherish spending quality time with their wife and son. Whether it’s browsing the aisles of Target, indulging in Chipotle burritos, or enjoying outdoor activities like playing in the backyard or taking walks at SPAC, family time is always a priority. 

Carty also devotes time to refining their golf skills, eagerly anticipating the upcoming season on the course. Additionally, they stay engaged with the ever-evolving IT and security landscape, recognizing the importance of continuous learning in their career. It’s this passion for both family and professional growth that embodies Carty’s dedication and enthusiasm at Plug.

Carty’s commitment to collaboration and continuous improvement not only benefits the company’s mission in the clean energy movement but also fosters a supportive and dynamic work environment. Beyond the office, their dedication to family, outdoor adventures, and personal development reflects their holistic approach to life and work. With Carty’s leadership and passion driving Plug forward, the future looks bright for both the company and its mission in the hydrogen ecosystem.

The post GreenH2@Work Employee Spotlight: Carty Hastey first appeared on Plug Power.

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In this fourth ESG report, Plug has made strides in advancing our ESG reporting, including completion of an initial Scope 3 GHG emissions inventory, concentrating on identifying relevant disclosure categories. This involved building internal capacity for data collection and aligning with relevant emission factors. This effort continues Plug’s progress on reporting relevant emissions data to stakeholders, which includes reporting on Scope 1 and 2 emissions, water metrics, and electricity usage for a second year.

As a leader in the hydrogen economy, Plug is acutely aware of the pivotal role we can play in driving the transition to a low-carbon future. This makes ESG values intrinsic to our business strategy, guiding our efforts to accelerate the adoption of green hydrogen and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. We are dedicated to establishing a systematic and integrated approach to address risks, drive value, and build organizational resilience in an ever-evolving ESG landscape.

One of the highlights of our 2023 ESG journey was the expansion of our social initiatives. A key highlight was deepened partnerships with universities to drive educational initiatives, empowering future generations with the knowledge and skills necessary to have fulfilling careers in the hydrogen industry and navigate the challenges of tomorrow’s world.These efforts underscore Plug’s holistic approach to sustainability, recognizing the interconnectedness of social, environmental, and economic factors.

Sustainability is woven into the fabric of our products, core values, and the commitment of our employees. Plug recognizes its role in the transition away from fossil fuels and mitigating the impact of climate change. We remain mindful of the need for a circular business model that efficiently optimizes Earth’s natural resources, reduces environmental footprint, and trims operational waste.

Thank you to our customers, partners, suppliers, investors, and supporters for their trust and collaboration. Together, we are working to make the hydrogen economy a reality.

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March 25^th, the project took another step forward. Plug’s Benjamin Haycraft, Edouard Oberthur and Aleksi Haverinen and Jose Noldin from GravitHy visited Kristinestad to present the project at a public hearing. The informational event was an opportunity for Plug and GravitHy to explain how the plant will look, the opportunities it will bring to the region and to answer citizens’ questions. Benjamin Haycraft and Jose Noldin explained that the project is at an early development stage and that they are currently running the pre-studies on logistics for the connection to the Karhusaari port as part of the feasibility investigations. They also are launching the Environmental Impact Assessment – a key milestone for the permitting process that will enable to move to the next phases of the project.

Plug and GravitHy’s green DRI project in Kristinestad could result in CO2 emission decrease of more than 4 million tonnes annually – about 10% of Finland’s total emissions – while creating 400 direct new jobs and 1,500 indirect jobs. The plant will process 3.3 million tonnes of iron ore annually that will be imported via the ports to produce 2 million tonnes of DRI iron that will be exported to Europe, generating traffic in the port of Karhusaari.

Green steel is crucial to reach the objective of the European Union to decarbonise the industry. There is an increasing interest in green steel in the industry. Switching to green steel has little impact on product prices. It represents, for instance, only a fraction of the final price of a regular car, which explains why we see major companies such as Volkswagen partnering up with steelmakers to source green steel.

This is what matching industrial development and climate solutions looks like.

Finland has the great advantage of combining a large supply of affordable carbon dioxide-free electricity and Fingrid’s reliable and well-developed infrastructure. Such a combination is difficult to find, which makes Finland and Kristinestad a key location in Plug’s development strategy in Europe.

The event was also an opportunity for Plug to underline that the involvement of local communities throughout the whole project development phase is crucial to its success. With a full house and great questions from the audience, the meeting was a positive start for co-operation with the local community. There is a strong interest in and high expectations for the project, which is perceived as important for strengthening the vitality of the whole area, both in Kristinestad and also in the neighbouring municipalities. As an illustration, the municipalities’ Economic Development Centre, Plug, and GravitHy will work with Vaasa University of Applied Sciences (VAMK) to ensure that there is a skilled workforce for the implementation of the project.

The post Plug Doing Real Things: Kristinestad, Finland first appeared on Plug Power.

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Yet, beneath the surface of these groundbreaking developments lies an often-overlooked challenge: the substantial energy required to fuel these AI marvels. As we push the limits of artificial intelligence, the quest for sustainable, efficient power sources becomes increasingly critical.

Enter hydrogen fuel cells. These power generation systems offer a clean, efficient, and reliable energy source, making them an ideal match for the insatiable and ever-growing energy demands of Generative AI.

Unlike traditional fossil fuels, which come with a hefty environmental cost, hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity through a process that emits only water vapor, heralding a new age of eco-friendly innovation.

As technology rapidly advances, understanding how Generative AI and fuel cells can work together is crucial. This blog post looks at Plug’s leading role in the hydrogen fuel cell sector and how it can power the Generative AI revolution.

With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, Plug’s solutions not only address the pressing energy demands of AI technologies but also pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future.

Understanding Generative AI and Its Energy Demands

The Rise of Generative AI

In recent years, Generative AI has emerged from the depths of academic research to become a linchpin of technological advancement across the globe.

At its core, Generative AI is a subset of AI technologies capable of creating original content, be it text, images, audio, or even computer code. This capability marks a significant departure from traditional AI’s focus on data analysis and pattern recognition, pushing the boundaries of what machines can achieve.

From automating content creation to accelerating drug discovery, improving customer service, and streamlining design processes, Generative AI’s applications are vast and varied.

For instance, AI-generated artwork and deepfake technologies showcase the creative potential of these tools, while language models like OpenAI’s GPT series revolutionize how we interact with information, automating content creation and providing insights in natural, conversational language.

The implications – both positive and negative – of Generative AI extend far beyond convenience and efficiency. It is driving innovation, creating opportunities for new products and services, and even challenging our notions of creativity and authorship. As industries begin to harness its potential, Generative AI is set to become a fundamental driver of future technological landscapes.

The Power Behind AI

The brilliance of Generative AI, however, comes at a cost called energy. The computational power required to train these AI models is immense. Training a single AI model can consume as much electricity as a small town uses in a month.

ChatGPT, one of the widely used Generative AI tools uses 17,000 times more electricity than the average US household does daily.

This energy consumption is not just a technical challenge, it’s an environmental concern. Data centers, the physical homes of these AI operations, are energy-intensive facilities that often rely on non-renewable energy sources, contributing significantly to carbon emissions.

The environmental impact of AI’s energy consumption is a growing concern as these models become more complex and widespread. The demand for electricity in data centers hosting AI operations is expected to increase exponentially, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable solutions. This is where the role of green technologies, such as hydrogen fuel cells, becomes pivotal.

Generative AI’s future, while bright, hinges on our ability to meet its energy demands in a sustainable manner. The next sections will explore how hydrogen fuel cells offer a promising pathway to powering the AI revolution without compromising our planet’s health.

The Hydrogen Fuel Cell Solution

Introduction to Hydrogen Fuel Cells

At a time when the quest for sustainable energy sources is more critical than ever, hydrogen fuel cells emerge as a beacon of hope. Unlike traditional energy sources that rely on the combustion of fossil fuels, hydrogen fuel cells generate power through an electrochemical process that combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, water, and heat. This process, remarkably efficient and clean, produces zero emissions at the point of use, with water vapor being the only byproduct.

The scalability and flexibility of fuel cell technology make it particularly suitable for a wide range of applications, from powering vehicles and portable devices to providing backup power for data centers and full-scale electricity for industrial operations. For industries driven by the relentless demand for computational power, like those harnessing Generative AI, fuel cells offer a sustainable, reliable power source that can grow alongside expanding AI landscape.

Why Fuel Cells for AI?

The synergy between hydrogen fuel cells and Generative AI technologies lies in their mutual emphasis on innovation and sustainability.

 As Generative AI pushes the boundaries of what technology can achieve, the energy it consumes becomes a pivotal factor in determining the sustainability of this progress.

Fuel cells, as a clean energy technology, present a solution that aligns with the forward-looking ethos of AI development.

The benefits of using hydrogen fuel cells for powering AI technologies include:

• Renewable Energy Generation: The hydrogen used by the fuel cell products can be produced through the electrolysis of water, powered by renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. This method aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and utilize renewable resources, making green hydrogen a key player in the sustainable energy landscape.
• Reliability and Environmental Benefit: Fuel cells are notable for their ability to provide steady, on-demand power, which is vital for data centers and computational facilities that require constant operation. This technology offers a significant environmental advantage by reducing dependence on fossil fuel-based generators, highlighting the path toward cleaner energy solutions for powering advanced technologies.
• Scalability: As AI technologies evolve and expand, the energy solutions powering them must adapt. Fuel cells can be scaled to meet increasing energy demands without sacrificing efficiency or environmental integrity.

In the context of Generative AI, where innovation and sustainability are paramount, fuel cells offer more than just energy—they provide a pathway to a future where technological advancement and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.

Plug’s Role in the AI Revolution

Plug’s Fuel Cell Innovations

Plug stands at the forefront of the hydrogen revolution, pioneering the development and deployment of hydrogen and fuel cell technology across various sectors. With a robust portfolio of fuel cell solutions designed for a wide range of applications, from material handling units to large-scale energy systems, Plug is driving the transition to a green energy future.

At the core of Plug’s mission is the commitment to innovation and sustainability, evident by our decades of work with fuel cells that were then leveraged into green hydrogen production. In 2023, Plug opened the country’s first green hydrogen production plant, that uses solar and wind sources to produce 15 tons of hydrogen per day. More production plants are under construction as Plug continues to pave the way for a future where energy solutions can be both green and practical.

Empowering Generative AI with Green Energy

The energy demands of Generative AI are vast and growing, but with great power comes great responsibility to the planet and future generations. Recognizing this, Plug’s fuel cells emerge as an essential solution for powering the data centers and computational infrastructures that underpin Generative AI technologies.

Plug’s fuel cells offer several advantages for the AI sector:

• Uninterrupted Power Supply: Guaranteeing the continuous operation of AI computations, essential for training and running large models without the risk of data loss or computational errors due to power interruptions.
• Reduced Carbon Footprint: Enabling AI technologies to grow in an environmentally sustainable way, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.
• Scalable Solutions: As the adoption of Generative AI escalates, the need for scalable energy solutions becomes critical. Plug’s fuel cells can be efficiently scaled to meet this increasing demand, ensuring that the energy infrastructure keeps pace with technological advancements.

By integrating hydrogen fuel cells into the energy mix for AI technologies, Plug is not only addressing the immediate challenges of sustainability and reliability but also setting the stage for a future where innovation and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.

The efforts underscore the possibility, and necessity, of a symbiotic relationship between cutting-edge technology and clean energy solutions.

The Future Landscape

Market Trends and Forecasts

The trajectory of Generative AI is on an unprecedented rise, with applications spanning across industries, revolutionizing processes, and setting new standards for innovation.

This rapid growth is paralleled by an increasing awareness and demand for sustainable energy solutions, as businesses and societies grapple with the environmental impact of technological advancement.

Market trends indicate a significant shift towards clean energy, with hydrogen fuel cells expected to play a crucial role in powering everything from transportation to industrial processes, and critically, the data centers that are the backbone of Generative AI technologies.

 As regulatory pressures increase and public demand for sustainability grows, companies leveraging and contributing to sustainable technologies like hydrogen are poised for unprecedented growth and influence.

The Road Ahead for Generative AI and Green Energy

The futures of Generative AI and clean energy are not just intertwined; they’re interdependent. The advancement of AI technologies depends on the development of sustainable, reliable energy solutions that can scale with the burgeoning energy demands of AI systems.

Plug, with its innovative fuel cell solutions, stands at the forefront of this revolution, offering a blueprint for how technology and sustainability can coexist and propel each other forward.

As we look to the future, the collaboration between AI innovators and clean energy leaders like Plug will become increasingly crucial. The potential of Generative AI to transform our world is immense but realizing that potential in a way that also preserves the planet requires commitment, innovation, and partnership across industries.

The journey toward a sustainable technological future is both a challenge and an opportunity, an opportunity to redefine progress, to innovate responsibly, and to demonstrate that the future of technology is not just smart, but green. With companies like Plug leading the way, the path to a sustainable, AI-powered future has never been more optimistic.

The post The Sustainable Future of Generative AI: Hydrogen Fuel Cells first appeared on Plug Power.

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A typical day for Kenia is a blend of deadlines and long-term tasks. From crafting capital estimates to analyzing various scenarios, her focus remains on providing valuable insights for informed decision-making within the business. “Translating the technical documentation into numbers in the cost estimate and mixing it with common sense is my expertise.” When under the stress of tight deadlines, Kenia likes to ask, “Do you want it ‘right’ or ‘right now’?” Amidst the hustle and bustle, there’s always time for a coffee break and a chat with colleagues, fostering a sense of camaraderie within the team.

Outside work hours, Kenia leads an active lifestyle. She enjoys hitting the gym, exploring new cuisines, walking her young Kooikerhondje dog, and traveling with her husband. With a love of water activities, Kenia has found that Stand Up Paddleboarding suits her style, a fitting pastime for someone who grew up rafting challenging river grades in Indonesia. She’s also found a passion for building Lego Star Wars and Lego Technic sets in her free time – a holdover from Covid times.

Interested in joining Plug? Visit our Careers page here.

The post GreenH2@Work Employee Spotlight: Kenia Feunekes first appeared on Plug Power.

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Hydrogen is an Efficient Solution for Commercial Transportation

Hydrogen is the best fit low carbon solution for mobility applications. It has several key attributes that make it uniquely suitable. It has a high energy content, beneficial for applications in transportation and industrial processes. Hydrogen is zero emission fuel at point of use and it’s extremely versatile, so it can be used across various sectors – lift trucks, vans, buses, and more. Hydrogen is abundant and can be renewably produced, captured, and stored to be used when needed. And hydrogen fueling for vehicles is very similar to filling up a truck with diesel – both in terms of process and time required.

The question of liquid hydrogen comes down to the increased density of liquid vs. gaseous hydrogen. It takes approximately 8 high pressure gas tube trailers to deliver the same amount of hydrogen as one liquid cryogenic hydrogen trailer. This leads to lower cost of transportation and lower cost of storage infrastructure on the end user site on a dollar per kilogram basis for liquid hydrogen.

Plug began providing liquid hydrogen for our material handling customers several years ago and we are now producing it ourselves. We transport, deliver, and store the liquid hydrogen outside our customers’ large distribution centers. We’re now seeing a similar model play out in stationary power and commercial transportation, where we’re beginning to transport and store hydrogen to fuel fleets of buses, vans, and semi-trailer trucks.

But building fixed refueling stations is highly resource intensive. When many of our customers begin pilot programs transitioning to hydrogen, they’re developing their market and their customer base. Having a bridge solution is crucial to get the ball rolling. To meet that need, Plug developed our self-contained cryogenic hydrogen dispensing trailer solution. The trailer can be delivered and deployed quickly – and is easily relocated if the client decides to change locations, leaving no stranded assets. The “filling station on wheels” allows clients to use hydrogen in small programs to test the concept before converting their entire fleet to hydrogen fuel.

Plug’s Portable Refueler

Plug’s portable refueler operates as a relocatable filling station, equipped with a cryogenic liquid storage tank, a cryogenic liquid pump, and a cryogenic vaporizer. These components work together to store the hydrogen as a liquid, and then heat it to deliver high-pressure gas to the hydrogen dispenser. The system also features a temperature control loop to adhere to fueling protocol standards, along with safety measures such as emergency stop capabilities and flame and gas detectors. The portable refueler provides several benefits. It offers a cost-effective infrastructure solution and a quick market entry asset, as it can be operational on-site within a few days. This also allows it to be relocated quickly and easily.  Additionally, it provides fueling times comparable to traditional diesel, ensuring a familiar experience for drivers.

Over the last several years, Plug has made strategic acquisitions of companies and technology that have led us to this place. Companies including ACT and Joule have brought decades of experience in cryogenics and liquefaction, enabling Plug to take leaps forward in technology development timelines. Plug’s strength is our end-to-end solutions: from hydrogen production and liquefaction to delivery fleets and on-site storage – and then power generation through fuel cell products, of course. If you’d like to learn more about using our portable hydrogen mobility fueling for your fleet, please contact us today.

The post Unlocking the Future: Hydrogen Mobility Fueling Solutions first appeared on Plug Power.

The post Unlocking the Future: Hydrogen Mobility Fueling Solutions appeared first on Plug Power.

“Plug is appreciative and excited about the DOE’s clean energy manufacturing initiatives and the announced awards. We believe that they will have a profound impact on Plug’s industry-leading manufacturing capabilities in fuel cell and electrolyzer MEAs (Membrane Electrode Assemblies) and stacks,” said Andy Marsh, CEO of Plug. “Congress has enacted these policies and enabled these programs to advance hydrogen and fuel cells as vital components of the United States’ energy and climate strategy.  These cost-shared programs will advance Plug’s fuel cell and electrolyzer manufacturing capacities, create good paying jobs in New York, and fortify the region’s leadership in the national clean energy transition.” 

Of the nine awards, Plug has been selected as a prime contractor on three and subcontractor on six. DOE and the selected applicants must undergo a negotiation process before any funding is issued.  

Prime Contractor Funding Selections 

• High Volume Fuel Cell Manufacturing, Stack Assembly, and Final Test: This project will enable additional domestic manufacturing capacity of 20,000 fuel cell stacks per year and demonstrate an innovative expansion of Plug’s current manufacturing line. 
• Gigawatt Scale Electrolyzer Component Manufacturing and Stack Assembly: This project will scale up manufacturing of proton exchange membrane electrolyzer stacks to the multi-GW scale, driving down costs to meet DOE targets. This project will automate membrane electrode assembly fabrication and stack assembly and enable automated inspection with machine learning to accelerate factory acceptance testing.   
• Advanced PEM Electrolyzer Membrane for Hydrogen Crossover Mitigation: This project will develop membranes for a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer that avoids the use of perfluorinated materials. Developments will include the incorporation of additives to enable safe, pressurized electrolyzer operation.   

Sub-Contractor Funding Selections 

• Advanced hydrocarbon proton exchange ionomer and membrane scale-up and electrode optimization for heavy-duty fuel cells: The project will focus on reducing fluorinated compounds in fuel cell manufacturing. The project will develop innovative hydrocarbon membranes to replace incumbent fluorinated materials. 
• Alkaline stable, non-porous, anion exchange ionomer and membrane separator scale-up for liquid alkaline electrolysis: This project will scale up manufacturing of an advanced alkaline exchange membrane with improved manufacturing processes for low-temperature electrolyzers. The membrane will be demonstrated in an alkaline electrolyzer stack to illustrate the cost reduction potential and pathway to achieving DOE cost and performance targets. If successful, this project could help expand the domestic supply chain for alkaline electrolyzer membranes. 
• H2CIRC: This consortium will develop and demonstrate recycling technology approaches for end-of-life and critical supply chain challenges for proton exchange membrane fuel cells and electrolyzers. The goal of the project is to provide a blueprint for the hydrogen industry to efficiently and sustainably recover and recycle materials and components from fuel cells and electrolyzers. 
• High-Throughput Anode Packs with Advanced Porous Transport Layers: This project will develop a unitized anode pack designed for high-throughput manufacturing of proton exchange membrane electrolyzers. The anode pack will incorporate a novel micro-expanded porous transport layer to improve performance. The novel anode pack will be evaluated by an electrolyzer manufacturer and, if proven successful, the anode pack could be considered for scale-up and commercialization. 
• SPIN into Power: Scaled Production of Integrated Nonwoven Gas Diffusion Layers for Fuel Cells: This project will focus on creating a new supply chain pathway for key fuel cell components with improved performance over the current state-of-the-art. The project will strengthen the domestic supply chain for gas diffusion layers for low-cost fuel cells. 
• Towards Scalable Manufacture of Low Iridium Loading Catalyst for Durable PEM Water Electrolyzers (PEM-WE): This project will guide the development of non-precious metal catalyst supports for proton exchange membrane electrolyzers that can enable cost reduction without sacrificing performance and durability. 

Plug followed DOE’s highly selective award process for this funding opportunity. It began with the creation of proposal teams that included Plug and external partners, followed by the submission of concept papers, and then in-depth full proposals detailing how the team would develop high-performance fuel cell and electrolyzer technologies to meet the DOE’s technical and decarbonization goals. Drs. Karen Swider Lyons, Principal R&D Engineer, and Corky Mittlesteadt, VP Electrolyzer Technology, led the fuel cell and electrolyzer efforts, respectively, ensuring the proposals’ alignment with Plug’s technology and manufacturing roadmaps. 

The proposals describe and afford robust community benefits in furtherance of the Biden Administration’s Justice40 initiatives. Plug will engage with partner organizations to positively impact the surrounding communities (particularly historically disadvantaged communities) by creating economic, environmental and societal benefits through these awards. Advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA), energy equity and workforce development opportunities are cornerstones of these plans, which can help cement Plug as an engaged community partner. 

Plug is honored to be selected for these awards, which are demonstrative of our manufacturing leadership in the United States and dedication to a clean energy future. We extend our gratitude to Senate Majority Leader Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, Congressman Joe Morelle, and Congressman Paul Tonko, who have continuously supported Plug and the clean hydrogen industry.  

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law is helping supercharge Upstate NY’s clean hydrogen sector. With this federal funding, Plug Power and other cutting-edge companies will be able to increase production capacity and spark new innovation to reach the next frontier of clean hydrogen manufacturing and research, all while supporting good paying clean energy jobs and boosting the fight against climate change” said Senator Schumer. “Clean green hydrogen is one of the most exciting forms of new energy production and with the major federal investments being made thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act I championed, Upstate NY is poised to lead the way in powering America’s clean energy future.”  

“Investing in clean energy manufacturing is vital to fighting climate change. With this federal funding, Plug Power and other innovative companies will be able to accelerate their critical work and continue to show the world that New York is leading the way in clean hydrogen technology,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I’m proud to have fought to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to boost the manufacturing capabilities of clean energy companies like Plug Power, all while creating good-paying jobs for communities in Upstate New York. I look forward to seeing the innovative work that results from these awards and will continue to fight to bring federal dollars home to create a greener future.”

“New York is a leader in green energy and innovative technologies—thanks in no small part to the work of Rochester businesses like Plug Power and Ionomer Innovations,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “I congratulate them on this significant investment, which is a testament to the cutting-edge work they do to bring our economy into its green energy future. I’m proud to have worked alongside Senator Schumer to secure this funding, and I look forward to more opportunities to work alongside him and my colleagues on the House Appropriations Committee to bring more federal investments like this one home to Rochester.” 

The post Plug Selected by U.S. DOE for Several Project Awards to Advance Hydrogen Electrolyzer and Fuel Cell Technologies  first appeared on Plug Power.

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Plug’s mission to revolutionize the green hydrogen landscape owes much of its success to employees like William Herron. Holding the position of Plug’s Liquid Hydrogen Commissioning Plant Manager, William has played a pivotal role in shaping the company into what it is today. 

William’s responsibilities range from handling issues arising at the plant to ensuring efficiency in liquefiers and even training the next generation of green hydrogen drivers. This multifaceted approach to work underscores the adaptability and versatility valued at Plug. 

Sixteen years ago, William embarked on his journey with Plug. A spontaneous job interview following a vacation to South Africa changed the course of his career, and he hasn’t looked back since. What excites Herron the most about Plug is being part of a select global group successfully delivering hydrogen—a testament to the company’s pioneering efforts in the industry. 

William’s story reflects the essence of teamwork and collaboration vital for instigating meaningful change in the green hydrogen sector and beyond. However, his contributions extend beyond the plant. Outside of his work at Plug, Herron dedicates his time to bringing happiness to families and children. Acting as a clown at a children’s orthopedic hospital, he adds a touch of joy to those in need. 

William Herron’s journey at Plug encapsulates the company’s commitment to innovation and community engagement. His story serves as a living example of Plug’s empowering culture, where employees are motivated to exceed their job descriptions. As Plug continues to lead the way in the green hydrogen landscape, Herron’s unwavering dedication epitomizes the company’s mission to make a positive impact, both professionally and personally. 

The post GreenH2@Work Employee Spotlight: William Herron first appeared on Plug Power.

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As the demand for hydrogen increases,  more companies are seeking to generate their own hydrogen to guarantee a consistent and reliable supply. Companies can integrate hydrogen production into their operations, deploying it as a clean and powerful energy source to fuel their processes, machinery, and even entire facilities. 

What is a hydrogen electrolyzer, and how does it work? 

Hydrogen electrolyzers can be used to produce entirely green hydrogen, using solar and wind to create the electricity that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen in a sustainable and efficient method called electrolysis. For many companies, the integration of electrolyzers into onsite operations allows them to harness the power of hydrogen in a way that aligns with their sustainability objectives.  

A hydrogen electrolyzer is a device that harnesses the process of electrolysis to produce hydrogen gas. Electrolysis involves passing an electric current through water (H₂O), splitting it into hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂). The electrolyzer typically consists of electrodes immersed in water, and as the electric current flows through, it induces chemical reactions that separate the water molecules, releasing hydrogen at the cathode and oxygen at the anode. This process results in the generation of clean and sustainable hydrogen fuel, the only by-product being pure water. 

What are the main types of hydrogen electrolyzers, and how do they differ? 

There are three primary types of hydrogen electrolyzers, each with distinct characteristics. Alkaline electrolyzers use an alkaline solution (typically potassium hydroxide) as the electrolyte and are known for their efficiency and longevity. Solid oxide electrolyzers operate at high temperatures and use a solid oxide ceramic electrolyte, making them suitable for high-capacity and industrial applications. Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzers employ a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, allowing for higher current density, quick response times, and high-purity hydrogen production. 

What are the practical applications of hydrogen produced by electrolyzers? 

Hydrogen produced by electrolyzers has versatile applications across various sectors. In the realm of energy, it can fuel fuel cells for electricity generation, providing a clean and efficient power source. Industries can use hydrogen as a feedstock for chemical processes, reducing reliance on traditional fossil fuels. In transportation, hydrogen serves as a clean fuel for fuel cells, offering zero-emission energy where and when it’s needed. The adaptability of hydrogen makes it a key player in the transition to sustainable and eco-friendly energy solutions. 

What are the benefits for companies producing their own hydrogen with electrolyzers? 

On-site hydrogen production reduces dependency on external suppliers, fostering energy independence and security. The environmental benefits are substantial, with reduced carbon footprint and lower emissions compared to traditional hydrogen production methods. Overall, producing hydrogen on-site with electrolyzers aligns with corporate sustainability goals and contributes to a greener and more resilient business model. 

What challenges do hydrogen electrolyzers face, and how are they being addressed? 

Hydrogen electrolyzers face challenges such as high initial costs, reliability/availability issues, and the need for rare or expensive materials. Researchers and industry experts are actively addressing these challenges through ongoing innovations. Advances in materials science aim to develop more cost-effective and durable components for electrolyzers, lowering the overall system cost. Improvements in system efficiency are pursued through engineering optimizations and the development of advanced catalysts. Scaling up production processes and standardization efforts are also underway to make electrolyzers more economically viable and accessible for widespread adoption. The collaborative efforts of the scientific community and industry stakeholders continue to drive progress in overcoming these challenges. 

Conclusion 

In adopting on-site electrolyzers, companies are not just embracing a technological solution; they are revolutionizing their approach to energy and sustainability. This strategic shift fosters energy independence, reduces operational expenses through renewable energy utilization, and significantly lowers carbon footprints. Beyond economic advantages, the integration of electrolyzers aligns with corporate sustainability goals, contributing to a greener and more resilient business model. As these companies pave the way for clean and efficient hydrogen production, they are not merely adapting to change – they are actively shaping a future where responsible practices and environmental stewardship define the new standard for success. 

Learn more in our articles: 

Electrolyzer 101: Growing Green Hydrogen 

Swiftly Deploying Green Hydrogen with Plug Containerized Electrolyzer Solution  

The post Hydrogen Electrolyzers: Five Frequently Asked Questions first appeared on Plug Power.

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Other green sources such as solar and wind will play integral parts in decarbonizing the planet. Hydrogen is unique among these green energy sources in that it can decarbonize the hard-to-decarbonize, bringing power to industries that have heretofore been dependent on fossil fuels and for which wind and solar can’t effectively do the job.

Oil Production, Petrochemical Refining and Ammonia Production

Three important applications where green hydrogen can reduce harmful emissions are oil production, petrochemical refining and ammonia production, all extremely carbon intensive processes.

The refining sector plays a key role in producing products containing plastic, which while important to curtail in the mid- and long-term for both climate and ecological purposes, will continue to play a sizable role in modern life for decades.

The sector also produces liquid oil. While oil production is beginning to be deprecated, it currently constitutes 4% of all global emissions. But a complete phaseout will not happen overnight and green hydrogen can play a role in making it less greenhouse gas intensive during the phasedown era.

The consultancy Wood Mackenzie has concluded that scaling up green hydrogen as a refinery feedstock could reduce refinery carbon emissions by 25% by 2050. Researchers from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) have further stated that by 2030, the market for green hydrogen within the oil and gas sector could be worth $18.2 billion and $17.5 billion within the petrochemicals sector. What’s more, refineries using green hydrogen within the United States are eligible for 45V green hydrogen tax incentive credits created via the Inflation Reduction Act.

But how exactly has this potential been realized thus far?

BP’s Cherry Point refinery is now considering producing green hydrogen “as a way to help lower [its] carbon footprint of [the company’s] manufacturing process.” Outside of the US, the Indian Oil Corporation has also stated intentions to develop two green hydrogen projects at refineries in northern India in the near-future and to convert all its refineries to green hydrogen producers by 2047. In China, the country’s state-owned companies are building out multiple facilities producing solar and wind energy that will be used as a feedstock for green hydrogen at some of its largest refineries.

Hydrogen has also come to petrochemical production. ExxonMobil, for example, has announced plans to both use and produce low-carbon hydrogen at its Baytown refinery in Texas. This would reduce emissions by 30%, helping the company achieve its net zero emissions by 2050 goals.

Ammonia is an essential input for nitrogen fertilizers used in food production. Globally, 70% of ammonia is used as fertilizer for bedrock staple crops such as wheat and corn. In the US, that figure jumps to 90%. But ammonia production is greenhouse gas intensive. Green hydrogen, though, can lessen its emissions footprint. The opportunity for ammonia produced via green hydrogen, sometimes called green ammonia, is also immense.

IEEE researchers have concluded that by 2030, the ammonia market for green hydrogen could have a $3.8 billion valuation. Currently, more than 43% of hydrogen consumption happens within the fertilizer industry, but there is still room to grow.

Natural Gas Power Plants

Green hydrogen can also serve as a key tool for greening the production of natural gas within power plants while also lowering its carbon intensity.

Due to the Inflation Reduction Act, green hydrogen as a gas power plant feedstock can also generate financial incentives for power plant operators. The consultancy ICF International says that this could make it cheaper than the incumbent natural gas currently used to power combined-cycle gas turbines that power homes and businesses by 2030. 

Industry leader GE already has more than 120 such gas turbines intaking hydrogen. The company has a stated goal of running its global power plants 100% on hydrogen by 2030. GE, alongside electric utility company Duke Energy, are additionally working to power a natural gas peaking power plant entirely with green hydrogen. That project is slated to begin in 2024.

Green Hydrogen in Heavy Industry

Green hydrogen can also play perhaps its most crucial role in decarbonizing heavy industrial processes where there are few good energy alternatives. These sectors include steelmaking, glassmaking, concrete production, and the manufacture of semiconductors and other electronics. Heavy industry currently accounts for about 25% of global carbon emissions, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).

Glassmakers are now deploying green hydrogen as a heat source within the European Union’s H2Glass project (a four-year project with a €33 million, or USD $36.4M, budget), a government-funded program currently overseeing five distinct trials in which hydrogen energy is employed to create glass. H2Glass aims to segue from natural gas as the energy input to green hydrogen, aiming to lower carbon emissions by 80%.

Concrete production is badly in need of decarbonization. As it stands, concrete production yields a gargantuan 9% of all global carbon emissions. Not only that, but the industry has also increased its emissions progressively higher every year for the past half century. Simply put, green hydrogen could serve as an antidote for this highly polluting industry.

“[T]he development of supportive hydrogen policies is necessary for countries and society to meet their CO2 reduction ambitions,” the Global Cement and Concrete Association wrote in its “2050 Cement and Concrete Industry Roadmap for Net Zero Concrete” 2021 report. “However, in developing the necessary policies and infrastructure it is vital that production and use of hydrogen is prioritized for uses where there are few if any alternatives such as in industry.”

This is happening: industry leaders are already putting hydrogen into their cement-making mixes.

A case in point is CEMEX, one of the leading global producers of cement, which as of 2021 uses hydrogen within its fuel mix for all its cement production occurring in Europe. The company announced at the time that “[I]t is also moving quickly to extend this technology to the rest of its operations around the world, including Mexico, the USA, South and Central America and the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia.”

Semiconductors and electronics are ubiquitous in our modern world. While they garner less attention than fossil fuel production and consumption, they take immense amounts of energy to create. A 2020 paper by researchers from Harvard, Facebook, and Arizona State University projects that by 2030 information and computing technology could use between seven and 20% of global electricity demand, resultantly driving up greenhouse gas emissions.

Steelmaking emits 7% of the world’s greenhouse gasses. Currently, the production process requires vast amounts of coal as a feedstock, as well as fossil fuel-based energy to run the machines making that possible. The emissions add up quickly.

Financial services sector leader Morgan Stanley wrote in May 2023 that “As companies determine the best way forward [on decarbonizing steel production], a key consideration will be the availability of hydrogen to replace coal in the production process.” Morgan Stanley’s financial services industry peer ING also echoed Morgan Stanley in writing that it sees “Hydrogen [as something that] provides the possibility to completely redesign the process of steelmaking.”

The Swedish company H2 Green Steel has also announced intentions to build a new green steel plant in Sweden dependent on green hydrogen that will open for business by 2025 and by 2030 produce five million tons per year of green steel dependent on green hydrogen.

Green Hydrogen for Energy Storage and Production

Green hydrogen is a highly effective source of stored energy, while also having the ability to convert into fuels like methane — the chemical compound known to most as natural gas.

One of the top selling points of hydrogen, as compared to batteries (a relatively short-duration energy storage technology), is its ability to store energy for weeks or even months at a time. Climate change-caused extreme weather events can knock out the grid, leaving communities and essential businesses without electricity, but hydrogen fuel cells can be deployed as backup power during emergency moments such as hurricanes.

On the production side, green hydrogen can be synthetically converted into other fuel types, such as methane. This process is known as the Sabatier reaction. This is crucial because methane is a greenhouse gas over 80 times more potent than CO2 during its first 20 years in the atmosphere. Also known as carbon methanation and more broadly as a power-to-fuel or power-to-hydrogen method, Sabatier produces methane and water by mixing hydrogen with carbon dioxide at temperatures ranging from 300–400°C.

An article published in September 2023 by the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy explains the key use case rationales for methanation as an alternative to wind, solar, and battery power.

“The electrification approach…has limitations for some applications such as aviation, heavy load vehicles and marine transport; as electrification can hardly be implemented due to their high energy needed and the low volumetric energy densities of batteries,” the article states. “This has resulted in the emergence of…power-to-fuel.”

Green Hydrogen as a Transportation Fuel

Hydrogen can propel mobility.  Fuel cell vehicles intake hydrogen at fueling stations much in the same way conventional combustion vehicles do for gasoline or diesel.

At the end of 2022, IEA data demonstrates that 72,193 fuel cell vehicles were on the roads across the world, with 41% in South Korea and 21% in the United States.

One key area where fuel cells can play a big role is long-haul trucking. The sector creates 7% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, as well as about a quarter of transportation emissions.

In that sector, companies like Nikola Motors and Anheuser-Busch have put major financial resources into fueling their fleet with hydrogen. So too has auto manufacturer Hyundai, via its XCIENT model. Global auto manufacturers Daimler, IVECO, and Volvo have all also shown support for scaling hydrogen heavy haulers, teaming up as members of the H2Accelerate coalition within the European Union. Ford and GM have also marshaled resources into scaling up their presences in the space.

There are economic reasons for this shift to hydrogen. It is faster to refuel heavy-duty hydrogen vehicles than to recharge battery-powered trucks, crucial in an industry where time quite literally means money.

“An electric long-haul truck takes thirty minutes to charge to only 70 percent capacity even with megawatt charging,” the Atlantic Council explained in a May 2023 article. “In comparison, hydrogen re-fueling can be done quickly. Refueling a hydrogen truck takes ten minutes.”

Further, the weight of batteries in a heavy-duty truck aspiring to get 600 miles in range “would weigh more than 18 tons, significantly more than the cargo that many trucks carry” at 16 to 20 tons, InTransition Magazine reported in November 2023. Failure to deliver the goods, once again, means money lost.

Green hydrogen also has a role to play both by air and sea.

In recent years, Germany, Canada, Namibia, and Spain, China, Italy, the United States, and Japan have all hopped aboard the hydrogen train. Colloquially, these hydrogen fuel cell trains are also known as hydrail.

“Trains are ideal candidates to be powered by hydrogen, because they are big enough to accommodate the equipment and fuel its use requires,” PricewaterhouseCoopers wrote in a November 2023 article. “Fueling trains with hydrogen holds the potential to fully decarbonize this vital mode of transporting people and goods, including heavy-duty long-haul.” This applies to both heavy and light rail.

Trams (also known as streetcars or monorails) fueled by hydrogen fuel cells are also proliferating globally.

In Egypt, Hyundai has agreed to build light rail hydrogen trams in Cairo, Egypt. In China, China South Rail Corporation subsidiary Safang has also opened a hydrogen-fueled tram for which Hydrogen Fuel News reported “refueling takes three minutes and provides the trams with a range of about 100 KM.

Meanwhile, in South Korea, Hyundai has a tram planned that can travel 150 KM on a single charge.

Passenger buses are now, too, increasingly powered by hydrogen. In 2021, Plug signed a partnership with BAE Systems to supply zero-emissions powertrains to heavy-duty transit bus equipment manufacturers. There are 6,460 fuel cell buses globally, with 84% of them in China, according to IEA data. Buses consist of 9% of the total fuel cell vehicles currently on the global market, the IEA further details.

Hydrogen Fuel Cells in Material Handling, Maritime Shipping

Another place increasingly using fuel cells intaking green hydrogen is in warehouses for material handling equipment. And no source of mobility is more symbolic of the warehouse than the forklift, a staple of how these workplaces transport goods. 

While Plug currently has over 60,000 such green hydrogen-powered forklifts in geographically diverse warehouses, serving as an industry leader, fuel cell forklifts have undergone increased demand in recent years. In 2018, for example, there were only 20,000 such devices in warehouses.

Once goods leave the warehouse, in a globalized age, they often end up on ships crisscrossing the world. And maritime shipping, unfortunately, consists of 25% of global transportation sector emissions as of 2021. How can green hydrogen make an impact?

A March 2021 Global Maritime Forum study examining 106 zero emissions maritime projects worldwide “found that nearly half of these initiatives focused on hydrogen as a low-carbon fuel source,” the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) explained in an April 2021 article.

“A key advantage of hydrogen over other fuel alternatives is the relative ease of retrofitting existing ships with hydrogen fuel cells,” CSIS further elucidated. “Hydrogen fuel could replace 43% of voyages between the United States and China without any changes, and 99% of voyages with minor changes to fuel capacity or operations.”

A 2021 article published in the journal Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering further concluded that “Green [liquid hydrogen] is among the few promising options to meet the [International Maritime Organization’s] goals of reducing carbon emissions by at least 40% by 2030 and by 70% by 2050 relative to the 2008 emissions.”

Hydrogen is also an option for aviation. Companies such as American Airlines, Airbus, ZeroAvia, United Airlines, Rolls-Royce and easyJet have all stated intentions to scale fuel cell-powered planes. In 2022, aviation comprised 2% of total global greenhouse gas emissions.

Green Hydrogen Greens the Future

Green hydrogen applications are diverse and geographically far-flung. Both governments and the private sector that it can help achieve sustainability goals, shaping public policy and high-level business decisions to get there

To learn more about how Plug can help you achieve your green hydrogen goals, please contact us.

The post Green Hydrogen Applications: Eight Ways Forward Toward Sustainability first appeared on Plug Power.

The post Green Hydrogen Applications: Eight Ways Forward Toward Sustainability appeared first on Plug Power.

As one of Plug’s systems engineers, her responsibilities include “defining and managing the stack requirements for the cathode subsystem, utilizing advanced data modeling techniques.” To ensure excellence and optimal results, she collaborates with the system and component teams. Plug’s strong belief in collaboration has not only allowed Aman to produce exceptional results but has also grown to become her favorite part of her position.

Aman stated, “My favorite aspect of working for Plug is the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals who make the work environment enjoyable and fulfilling.”

Working closely in teams has inspired Aman to take initiative each morning. She kicks off her day by “setting up our self-made coffee station and preparing coffee for the team—a small, communal ritual that adds a personal touch to our mornings.”

As a systems engineer, Aman is no stranger to problem-solving. She spends the rest of her day engaging in meetings where critical thinking and analysis take center stage.

Aman embraces these meetings, stating, “These sessions are not just about addressing challenges but making the process enjoyable, turning complex problem-solving into a dynamic and fulfilling aspect of our daily work.”

After hours, Aman prioritizes quality time with loved ones, relishing the outdoors in pleasant weather, and dedicating gym time for personal well-being. Beyond work, these moments define a balanced life filled with joy, fresh air, and a commitment to a healthier self.

Aman’s ability to collaborate extends outside of the office. She makes it a point “to have weekly dinners, often accompanied by some Nintendo switch games for added fun and laughter. It’s a wonderful way to connect and create lasting memories with friends and family.”

On the days when she is not spending time with her family or friends, she may be watching her favorite comfort show, “Gilmore Girls.”

Whether it’s defining system requirements or starting the day with a coffee tradition, Aman adds her personal touch to everything. Outside the tech world, she’s all about quality time with loved ones, enjoying the outdoors, and staying fit. Aman turns problem-solving into a dynamic part of her day.

The post GreenH2@Work Employee Spotlight: Aman Awais first appeared on Plug Power.

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Providing Power in High-Risk Fire Zones

In recent years, wildfires have become an alarming concern, partly due to electrical transmission lines. These lines, still the standard for electricity transmission, are increasingly identified as a significant cause of wildfires or a distribution weakness to essential services during a wildfire. This situation raises a pressing question: how can we decrease the chance of starting a wildfire from transmission lines and maintain power to essential services within a community?

This is where hydrogen-powered fuel cell power systems can step in. They provide clean, reliable, and (most importantly) safe power generation downstream of these transmission lines that can be dangerous or a distribution weakness. This technology ensures that utilities can continue to meet the power needs of their customers, without compromising safety.

Charging EV Fleets in Grid-Constrained Locations

Regulatory mandates and public sentiment are pushing commercial businesses to adopt greener practices, including switching their fleets to electric vehicles. However, the power needed to charge those EVs is immense and multiplied out across many fleets will deem it a substantial burden. In some locations, the grid updates needed to provide the power to charge EVs can take years, cost millions of dollars, and inevitably result in high or unpredictable utility bills. What’s worse is that power isn’t guaranteed to be renewable so EVs could be charged by fossil-fueled power.  

Fuel cells powered by green hydrogen can provide sustainable on-site power generation for any site that can’t get enough energy from the grid. These fuel cells can be commissioned in a matter of months, instead of the years needed for a utility line extension. They can act as the permanent solution to charge EVs, or as a temporary solution to charge EVs while waiting for the grid to update, thereafter switching to a role for backup, demand response, or peak shaving. These fuel cells can also scale so as an electric fleet grows, or more site equipment electrifies, fuel cells’ modular design can meet the increasing power demand.

Grid Firming for Renewable Energy

The need for renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydro has never been more apparent. These sources offer a sustainable path to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. However, their intermittent nature presents a significant challenge to grid stability. Solar power generation demands consistent sunlight, and wind power relies on the presence of wind.

These forces, while potent sources of clean energy, are unpredictable and often out of sync with our energy demand patterns. What happens when clouds obscure the sun for extended periods, and winds are calm for days on end? The result is a potential gap in energy supply that can lead to power outages or force utilities to rely on fossil-fuel-based alternatives, which only exacerbate environmental concerns. Solving the riddle of renewable intermittency is central to the future of sustainable energy.

Again, the answer lies in hydrogen-powered fuel cells. This is a game-changing technology that can revolutionize the way we think about energy storage. During optimal conditions, we can harvest lots of solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear power to provide electricity to our communities, and any excess power can be used to produce green hydrogen through the process of electrolysis.

Hydrogen is a means of storing energy, much like a battery, but it is better suited for large-scale, long-duration storage and power production. So, when sunlight is scarce, or the wind doesn’t blow, hydrogen-powered fuel cell systems can seamlessly generate massive amounts of zero-emission, dispatchable power onto the grid. This allows our grid to waste less energy, be more environmentally sustainable, and more resilient.

The Promise of Domestic Power Generation

Hydrogen-powered fuel cell power systems represent a turning point for making power generation a domestic capability. They offer clean, reliable, and independent power generation that doesn’t hinge on unstable foreign fuel sources. These systems can be seamlessly integrated into domestic setups that harness renewable energy sources, distributed energy generation, and storage systems, creating an environmentally friendly and geopolitically stable power structure.

In an era where self-sufficiency and sustainability are paramount, hydrogen-powered fuel cell power systems are leading the way toward a greener, more secure energy future. No more relying on diesel and gasoline to power industries.

The challenges of grid constraints, growing demand, and the urgent need for renewable energy sources have converged to create a pressing need for innovative solutions. Hydrogen-powered fuel cells emerge as a beacon of hope in this landscape. These systems ensure grid stability, reduce the risk of wildfires, provide domestic generation capacity, and provide on-demand, clean power when renewable sources are unavailable.

The message is clear: hydrogen and fuel cells are here to stay, and they’re an essential part of the solution to our energy challenges.

If you’d like to take a tour of our megawatt-scale fuel cell power generation system and the manufacturing facility, please watch our video.

The post The Hydrogen Revolution: Reliability, Sustainability, and Grid Stability first appeared on Plug Power.

The post The Hydrogen Revolution: Reliability, Sustainability, and Grid Stability appeared first on Plug Power.

For large-scale warehouse operations, there is a question to resolve as we move forward. Batteries or hydrogen fuel cells? What is the most effective way to power an electric forklift in a manner that optimizes productivity, efficiency, sustainability, and makes the most of warehouse space?

What’s the Difference Between Fuel Cells and Batteries?

A battery is a device that stores electrical energy in chemical form and converts it into electrical power when needed. It consists of one or more electrochemical cells, each comprising positive and negative electrodes separated by an electrolyte. During discharge, a chemical reaction occurs, releasing electrons that flow through an external circuit, producing electricity.

A hydrogen fuel cell is an electrochemical device that generates electrical energy through the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, with water and heat as byproducts. In a fuel cell, hydrogen is fed to the anode and oxygen (usually from the air) to the cathode, separated by an electrolyte. The chemical reactions at each electrode produce electricity with the only emissions being clean water vapor.

What Types of Batteries Power Forklifts?

Lead-acid batteries are commonly used in forklifts and are known for their reliability and cost-effectiveness. These batteries employ a chemical reaction between lead dioxide and sponge lead in a sulfuric acid electrolyte to generate electrical energy. They are a popular choice for electric forklifts in various material handling operations. However, they have a relatively shorter lifespan and require regular maintenance, including watering and equalizing charges, to optimize performance.

Lithium-ion batteries have gained prominence in forklift applications due to their higher energy density, longer cycle life, and reduced maintenance requirements compared to lead-acid batteries. These batteries use lithium compounds as the electrode material and offer a lightweight and compact alternative, contributing to improved efficiency and maneuverability of electric forklifts. Lithium-ion batteries also provide faster charging times, allowing for increased uptime and operational flexibility.

What Types of Fuel Cells Power Forklifts?

Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells are commonly used to power forklifts. In a PEM fuel cell, hydrogen is supplied to the anode and oxygen from the air to the cathode, separated by a proton-conducting membrane. The chemical reactions at the electrodes produce electricity, water, and heat. PEM fuel cells are particularly well-suited for forklifts due to their ability to operate at relatively low temperatures and respond quickly to changes in power demand. This makes them efficient and practical for the stop-and-start nature of forklift operations, as they can provide on-demand power with high responsiveness.

Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) operate at higher temperatures compared to PEM fuel cells and use a solid oxide electrolyte. They are advantageous for their high efficiency and ability to directly convert a variety of fuels into electricity. While not as common as PEM fuel cells in forklift applications, SOFCs offer the potential for greater fuel flexibility and could become more prevalent in certain industrial settings where their specific characteristics are advantageous.

Which is Better for Material Handling? Fuel Cells or Batteries?

PEM fuel cells and batteries are both useful technologies for material handling, but each has distinct characteristics that make them suitable for different applications. While batteries store and release electrical energy through a reversible electrochemical reaction, PEM fuel cells generate electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen, producing water and heat as byproducts. In material handling, particularly in industries requiring heavy-duty and prolonged operations, PEM fuel cells offer several advantages over traditional batteries.

One significant advantage of PEM fuel cells is their faster refueling time compared to a battery’s recharging or swapping time. In material handling operations, downtime is a critical factor, and the refueling capability of PEM fuel cells of under three minutes enables continuous workflow without extended breaks for recharging. Additionally, PEM fuel cells provide a consistent power output throughout their operation, avoiding the gradual decline in performance commonly seen in batteries.

This consistent power delivery is especially beneficial in applications where sustained power is essential for efficient material handling, contributing to increased productivity and operational efficiency. Overall, while both technologies have their merits, the faster refueling and consistent power output of PEM fuel cells make them a compelling choice for material handling applications, ensuring seamless and efficient operations.

What Type of Infrastructure is Required for Batteries vs. Fuel Cells?

The footprint of battery charging stations versus fuel cell refueling stations is a critical consideration when deciding between the two. Traditional battery charging stations often require dedicated spaces within the warehouse, consuming valuable square footage that could otherwise be employed in revenue-generating activities. The need for designated charging areas not only consumes space but also limits the flexibility of warehouse layout and design.

On the other hand, fuel cell refueling stations present a distinct advantage by freeing up valuable warehouse real estate. The compact nature of fuel cell infrastructure allows for greater flexibility in warehouse design, enabling companies to optimize their spatial configurations for maximum efficiency and revenue generation. This liberated space can be repurposed for additional storage, expanded operational areas, or streamlined workflows, thereby contributing to a more agile and profitable material handling ecosystem.

What’s more Lithium-ion batteries depend on power from the electric grid, which is centralized within the warehouse and often can’t provide enough power for a fleet of forklifts, and as the fleet grows the drawbacks become more pronounced. This does not happen with hydrogen fuel cells which operate independent of any grid system.

What are the Environmental Impacts of Batteries vs. Hydrogen Fuel Cells?

Battery-powered forklifts raise environmental concerns due to the production, use, and disposal of battery components. The manufacturing of batteries involves the extraction and processing of raw materials, including metals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, which can lead to habitat destruction, resource depletion, and environmental pollution. What’s more, the energy-intensive production processes contribute to a significant carbon footprint. During operation, batteries for forklifts require electricity for charging, which may come from fossil fuel-dependent power sources, further exacerbating their indirect environmental impact.

Finally, the disposal of used batteries poses challenges, as they contain hazardous materials that can harm ecosystems if not handled properly. While efforts are made to improve battery recycling, the ecological footprint of traditional forklift batteries remains a concern in terms of both production and end-of-life management.

Hydrogen fuel cells offer a more environmentally friendly alternative for forklifts. The production of hydrogen can employ renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar power, minimizing the carbon footprint associated with fuel cell technology. When hydrogen is used in fuel cells to power forklifts, the only byproducts are water vapor and heat, resulting in zero emissions of harmful pollutants during operation.

At the end of a fuel cell’s life, the recyclability of its components is relatively straightforward, contributing to a more sustainable life cycle. The adoption of hydrogen fuel cells in material handling can play a role in reducing the ecological impact associated with traditional battery technologies, aligning with the broader goal of achieving environmentally responsible corporate practices.

What are maintenance concerns for batteries vs fuel cells?

Maintaining batteries in forklifts involves regular checks on electrolyte levels, water refilling for lead-acid batteries, and monitoring for signs of corrosion. Battery charging also requires careful management to prevent overcharging, which can significantly impact the lifespan of the battery. Scheduled maintenance, such as equalizing charges and conducting capacity tests, is essential to ensure optimal performance. What’s more, batteries may experience a gradual decline in efficiency over time, leading to reduced runtimes and overall productivity. Replacement of battery cells or the entire battery pack becomes necessary at the end of their life cycle, contributing to both operational downtime and additional costs.

Fuel cells in forklifts generally require less maintenance compared to batteries. The primary maintenance tasks involve periodic inspection of the fuel cell stack for signs of wear and tear, as well as ensuring that the hydrogen supply system remains free of contaminants. Fuel cells have fewer moving parts, reducing the likelihood of mechanical failures. While the initial investment in fuel cell technology may be higher, the potential for lower maintenance costs and increased operational uptime can offset these expenses over the long term.

For large-scale warehouse operations, there really is no question. Fuel cells win over batteries in productivity, efficiency, sustainability and use of warehouse space for revenue-producing activities.

For more information about hydrogen fuel cells vs batteries in forklifts, check out these eBooks and blog posts:

Fueling the Future of Material Handling
Hydrogen Fuel Cells Advantages over Li-ion Batteries for Material Handling Applications

Leading the Charge: How a Fuel Cell Compares to a Lead-Acid Battery

Fuel Cells: What They Are and How They Work

The post Fuel Cells vs. Batteries for Material Handling: Forklift Power, Activate! first appeared on Plug Power.

The post Fuel Cells vs. Batteries for Material Handling: Forklift Power, Activate! appeared first on Plug Power.

Tyler’s favorite part about Plug is, “that anyone can help develop our processes to make them better. I always encourage my technicians to bring up new ideas to make our jobs easier and more efficient”.

As the leader of his team, Tyler rarely has a dull moment. As Depot Repair team lead Tyler is responsible for maintaining the inventory physically and through our resource planning system, ordering inbound and outbound trucking, as well as operating a pallet jack and forklift.

Starting the day at 7:00 am, Tyler kicks off a whirlwind of activity. The morning is dedicated to tackling emails, orchestrating the seamless flow of parts and units in and out, a task that often spans the entire day. Engaging in daily cycle counts keeps the team on their toes, ensuring precision in inventory management.

 As the team lead, he checks in on the team’s progress with repairs, extending a helping hand whenever needed. It’s a dynamic role, and he thrives in the fast-paced rhythm of keeping Plug’s operations running like a well-oiled machine.

Tyler looks forward to the future of Plug. He is “very interested in being a part of the spearhead of the hydrogen industry.”

Outside of Plug, you’ll catch Tyler kicking back and enjoying the simple things. Whether it’s hanging out at home with his cats or spending time with his friends and family.

Beyond the 9-to-5 hustle, Tyler dives into some cool hobbies – think working on cars, hitting the ice for some hockey, building computers, and having a blast with board games and friends. When Tyler leaves the office, he is just like anyone else. When asked for a fun fact, he stated that he has owned 3 ford fiestas in the past 4 years.

Tyler Sundermann, Plug’s Depot Repair Team Lead, is the go-to guy for keeping things smooth and innovative. Beyond his role in fixing and orchestrating daily tasks, Tyler fosters a culture of openness and creativity, encouraging the team to bring in fresh ideas. Whether juggling emails and parts or checking in on the team’s progress, Tyler thrives in the dynamic rhythm of his role.

The post GreenH2@Work Employee Spotlight: Tyler Sundermann first appeared on Plug Power.

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But the benefits didn’t stop and just greening their operations. With lead-acid batteries powering their distribution center forklifts, companies had to give up valuable floor space for storage, charging, and mid-shift battery swaps. They also had to contend with declining operator productivity as batteries lost their charge and they had to leave the floor for replacements. What’s more, lead-acid batteries presented safety risks and sustainability challenges that could not be otherwise solved.

Like many companies across different industries, customer demand for greener operations has been an influential factor in the decision to go green. Walmart and Home Depot were among the first retailers to move to fuel cell-powered forklifts, establishing them as sustainability leaders and setting an influential precedent for other sectors. But what started as a green effort, soon became a business decision. They simply could get more work done more efficiently.

Other industries have taken note, realizing the potential for similar benefits by embracing hydrogen fuel cells, further propelling the expansion and development of this green technology as companies across the board seek to emulate the success achieved by the early adopters.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Case Study: Walmart

Walmart is a retail corporation that operates a chain which includes Walmart Supercenters, Sam’s Club and Walmart Neighborhood Markets. Walmart’s network of more than 150 distribution centers has proven to be a competitive advantage in the support of their retail operations.

The Walmart supply chain network consists of distribution centers in various configurations to support specific types of retail business. Walmart’s distribution footprint includes more than 120 million square feet of distribution space in configurations that range from 20°F Freezers to ambient temperature.

Walmart distribution centers typically support more than 100 stores in a 150-mile radius. Walmart’s fulfillment centers are strategically located to give them very quick and highly efficient access to consumers.

Situation: Walmart has used hydrogen fuel cell-powered forklifts since 2012 and currently operates more than 10,000 fuel cell units across many distribution and fulfilment centers. Walmart’s focus on sustainability drove its interest in fuel cells. The company began its sustainability efforts in 2005 and has since significantly grown its efforts.

Plug Solution: After Walmart ran a series of fuel cell trials, it became apparent that fuel cells offered significant productivity gains in its operations with zero harmful emissions.

Plug currently provides Walmart with end-to-end hydrogen solutions that include hydrogen fuel cells, fuel, and maintenance services for all the forklifts and hydrogen installations at various Walmart distribution centers across the US.

The fuel cells can operate in forklifts at sub-zero temperatures and have been shown to improve sustainability and productivity significantly compared to alternate grid-powered battery solutions.

Key Results: Significant improvement in warehouse space savings, electricity consumption, operator and equipment productivity and sustainability.

Further Engagement: Since 2012, Plug has installed more than 10,000 fuel cell units for Walmart’s forklift operations. What is more, in 2022, Plug and Walmart announced an agreement for an option to deliver up to 20 tons per day of liquid green hydrogen to power material handling lift trucks across Walmart’s US distribution and fulfillment centers.

Walmart Customer Testimonials

“The challenges [of COVID-19] have increased demand for leading brands providing necessary goods and services to customers. At our distribution facilities across the country, our decision to be an early adopter of Plug Power’s hydrogen fuel cells has helped us manage and meet the increased demand for food and basic supplies. This is why we’re excited to expand Plug Power’s proven solutions into our eCommerce network in 2021.”

-Senior Director Walmart Supply Chain

“Hydrogen is critical to helping us power a more sustainable supply chain and Plug Power’s hydrogen solutions allow us to continue making progress. Sourcing green hydrogen can help bring Walmart closer to reaching our goal of zero emissions by 2040.”

–Senior Director of Supply Chain Maintenance Services

This case study is drawn from Plug’s ebook, Implementing Fuel Cells in Material Handling: Learning from Leaders.

The post Hydrogen Fuel Cells in Retail Material Handling first appeared on Plug Power.

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Playing a guiding role in shaping the green hydrogen ecosystem in Europe, Aysel actively engages with potential customers. Her goal is not to sell the products but to inspire customers with Plug’s mission. This has led to the facilitation of key electrolyzer products.

The dynamic atmosphere at Plug encourages employees to step outside of their job descriptions. Officially a sales coordinator, Aysel highlights this approach by actively engaging in tasks beyond her designated role.

Aysel’s ability to build trust within the European team has granted her the flexibility to undertake diverse ventures, showcasing both her adaptability and the company’s commitment to having a collaborative and innovative culture.

When we spoke to Aysel, she explained that she is willing and ready to aid any team or a peer who may just be looking for an extra hand.

Aysel’s ability to adapt to her daily tasks leaves her regarded as “swiss army knife.”

Since Plug recruited and hired Aysel, it has been a perfect match. She really enjoys the environment Plug offers, describing it as “easy-going” and “supportive.” She also “loves how much everyone cares.”

Plug’s goal to change the landscape of energy is one her favorite parts of the job as she feels that everyday she is “doing a good thing.”

Outside of building the green hydrogen ecosystem in France, she enjoys the aesthetic it has to offer. Aysel enjoys the scenery of Paris by taking leisurely walks and describes the city as “beautiful.” Her time in and out of the office includes appreciating the environment.

Aysel Boniou’s role at Plug goes beyond her title, exemplifying adaptability and collaboration. Her significant contributions to the green hydrogen ecosystem, coupled with a willingness to step into diverse ventures, showcase Plug’s dynamic work culture. Aysel’s ability to find inspiration in the captivating scenery of Paris adds a personal touch to her professional journey.

The post GreenH2@Work Employee Spotlight: Aysel Boniou first appeared on Plug Power.

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SK E&S (CEO Choo Hyeongwook) has joined forces with Plug Power and K-water to collaborate on advancing the green hydrogen sector both domestically and internationally with a focus on promoting electrolyzers.

On November 7^th, SK E&S announced the collaboration, following the signing of an MOU between SK E&S, K-water, Plug Power, and SK Plug Hyverse on November 3^rd (local time) at Plug Power’s Vista plant in Albany County, New York. This partnership aims to ‘promote the growth of green hydrogen and rejuvenate the industry.’

Through this agreement, the four companies will bolster their alliance leveraging their unique strengths to pioneer the forthcoming era of green hydrogen. Their cooperation will encompass various aspects of the business such as development of national green hydrogen production facilities and the acquisition of operational technologies. They will also collaborate to boost the competitive edge of the domestic green hydrogen industry including the expansion of both domestic and international green hydrogen ventures as well as the exploration of new business opportunities.

With this objective in mind, SK Plug Hyverse, a joint venture between SK E&S and Plug Power, is set to provide and manage PEM electrolyzers, for both domestic and international green hydrogen projects. In addition, SK Plug Hyverse will engage in joint research and development efforts with K-water to enhance the operational technology of green hydrogen production facilities. Moreover, there are plans for further business collaborations and joint entry into overseas markets in the future.

Parties involved have also agreed to collectively pursue the promotion of PEM electrolysis technology, a crucial component in green hydrogen production. SK Plug Hyverse is planning to manufacture PEM electrolyzers in Korea while K-water seeks to offer essential business and technical support for localization and foster the growth of domestic green hydrogen enterprises within the water industry.

Water electrolyzers are instrumental devices that utilize electrolysis to produce hydrogen, playing a pivotal role in the proliferation of green hydrogen derived from renewable energy sources. Notably, PEM electrolyzers, which SK Plug Hyverse supplies and aims to localize, offer distinct advantages such as reduced operational time, exceptional load responsiveness, compactness, and low maintenance costs when compared to alkaline water electrolyzers. They are particularly appreciated for their ability to effectively compensate for the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources in green hydrogen production, ensuring stable operation even in the presence of fluctuating power supplies.

Leveraging Plug Power’s extensive global expertise in supplying and operating PEM electrolyzers across the world, SK Plug Hyverse is set to establish a ‘Giga-factory’ in Korea for large-scale production of PEM electrolyzers. Currently, SK Plug Hyverse is actively involved in expanding the domestic green hydrogen sector by utilizing PEM electrolysis technology, participating in the ongoing 3.3 MW and 12.5 MW water electrolysis demonstration projects on Jeju Island.

The collaboration between SK Plug Hyverse and K-water is poised to expedite the development of the domestic green hydrogen ecosystem and bolster the competitiveness of the green industry. K-water is actively promoting various hydropower projects grounded in water resources and aims to lead the domestic green hydrogen industry by harnessing renewable energy sources. In September, the company achieved a significant milestone by constructing the nation’s first green hydrogen production facility at the Seongnam Water Purification Plant powered by small hydropower. 

Byeonghoon Chang, Head of the Water Resources & Environmental Management Division at K-water, said, “The hydrogen industry is very important as a major alternative to fossil energy to achieve carbon neutrality in the era of climate crisis.” He continued, “We will do our best to revitalize the green hydrogen industry by spurring the development of next-generation technologies such as water electrolysis technology based on cooperation between companies.” 

Jiyoung Lee, Senior Vice President of SK E&S, stated, “The collaboration to localize PEM electrolysis technology can contribute to not only reducing carbon emissions but also establishing global competitiveness in the domestic clean energy industry.” She added, “We are committed to exploring diverse cooperative opportunities to expand the ecosystem of the clean hydrogen industry and take the lead in the era of carbon neutrality.”

【 For more information, please contact SK E&S Media Comm】                                    

For Busan to win the bid to host World Expo 2030, SK will always be there.

※ You can visit ‘SK E&S Media Room’ (https://media.skens.com) and SK E&S YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/SKENSTV) for more information including press releases.

The post Clean Hydrogen Partnership to Promote Electrolyzers first appeared on Plug Power.

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Jessica plays a pivotal role for Plug, with responsibilities that include analyzing utility energy rates for prospective hydrogen plants, negotiating energy costs and contracts for plants under construction, and managing risk and market exposure for renewable energy credits.

Despite the seemingly strenuous role, Jessica has a different perspective. She knows she is “making a difference in the future industries that involve hydrogen.”

Before her arrival at Plug, Jessica already was established in her career, having experience with trading and operations in the wholesale energy market. Plug then provided Jessica with “endless opportunities in not only the energy industry but a lot of other sectors as well”.  Plug’s ability to extract the utmost potential out of their employees has allowed Jessica to flourish in her role. Employees at Plug are encouraged to step out of their comfort zone and take on other roles.

“It was exciting to me to be able to use my background in a different way and towards other sectors”.

Outside of Plug, Jessica goes home to her family which includes toddler Margot, husband, and her black lab. She spends most of her time, “chasing after Margot and making sure she doesn’t pull our dog’s tail too much!”

When she is not chasing her daughter around the house, she enjoys being outside as much as possible with her family. Jessica lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, which is home to beautiful scenery especially this time of the year — they “love the fall season with the leaves turning”. Not only does Jessica and her family love observing the scenery, they also enjoy experiencing it.

“Hiking has been a large pastime and hobby for the past several years.  My husband and I moved to North Carolina about 5 years ago and have loved getting out to all their state parks as well as the mountains and beach.  Some of the best ones we have been to have been Hanging Rock State Park, Mount Mitchell State Park, and the Outer Banks”.

Jessica’s role at Plug is undoubtedly pivotal, but her perspective goes beyond titles and responsibilities. With a keen sense of purpose, she sees her work as a vital contribution to shaping the future of hydrogen industries. Plug’s environment of continuous growth and personal development has allowed Jessica to thrive, and her passion extends beyond the workplace. Embracing the scenic beauty of Raleigh, North Carolina, Jessica, along with her family, finds solace in the outdoors, reinforcing her deep appreciation for both the environment and life’s simple joys. In this balance between a dynamic career and cherished family moments, Jessica Fleck’s journey serves as an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the significance of passion, versatility, and the beauty that surrounds us.

The post GreenH2@Work Employee Spotlight: Jessica Fleck first appeared on Plug Power.

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US Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm has called hydrogen the “Swiss army knife of zero-carbon technologies,” highlighting its versatility and across-the-board capability to revolutionize heavy industry and agriculture, mobility, electricity generation, and more.

While green hydrogen and the technologies that enable it, namely fuel cells and electrolyzers, have existed for decades, hydrogen’s true potential is just now coming to the forefront. Recognizing green hydrogen’s potential, governments have begun passing policy incentives to pave the way for the global clean energy transition. These policies send a strong message to the market, underscoring how crucial green hydrogen is to achieve global mid-century decarbonization goals.

From the US to the European Union, spanning East and South Asia, as well as Oceania, governments have passed green hydrogen policies to help spur the growth of the green hydrogen market. These policies have the potential to generate as many as 30 million jobs by 2050.

Let’s look at a few of the policies that are shaping the future of green hydrogen.

US National Clean Hydrogen Roadmap

In June 2023, the US Department of Energy (DOE) published a first-in-kind policy report known as the “US National Clean Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap.” This comprehensive strategy was created in response to a legislative mandate outlined under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021.

In their report, the DOE states that the official US hydrogen strategy is to employ hydrogen for decarbonization across the entire value chain, from production, transportation via pipelines and other mechanisms, storage, and of course, for use across many applications. Simply put, the US has committed to scaling up the hydrogen industry across the board, with a specific focus on  hard-to-decarbonize sectors, such as the industrial sector (e.g., methanol and ammonia) and heavy-duty transportation.

With a national goal of achieving net-zero emissions by mid-century, the Roadmap establishes concrete targets and market-driven metrics to measure national success and lead the US towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

By 2030, the agency’s Roadmap envisions the US producing 10 million metric tons (MMT) annually. By 2040, the number for domestic production rises to 20 MMT and by 2050, the goal rises to 50 MMT.

What does 50 MMT mean? US Deputy Secretary of Energy David Turk said during an August 2023 webinar, it is the “equivalent not only to every bus and train but every plane and every ship in the US combined,” and it could lead to a 16% cut in US greenhouse gas emissions.

Under this plan, that could mean 100,000 new direct and indirect jobs by the 2030 goal and rising from there over subsequent decades, according to another agency report published in March 2023 titled “Pathways to Commercial Liftoff: Clean Hydrogen.”

The Roadmap comes in tandem with the passage of two key laws now serving as the bedrock of US hydrogen policy: the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the latter of which became law in 2022.

The IIJA creates federal funding for at least $8 billion in creating up to 10 regional hydrogen hubs and $9.5 billion total in sector investments at-large, including $1.5 billion to support the hydrogen electrolysis process employed in Plug’s fuel cells. Meanwhile, the IRA has created essential hydrogen production credits valued at up to $3/kg, akin to the production tax credits seen for other renewable energy sources.

To ensure the effective implementation of these hydrogen incentives as mandated in the legislation, the US government has established the Hydrogen Interagency Task Force. The task force consists of 11 different federal agencies, alongside the US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate. The creation of this taskforce underscores the significant role the US expects hydrogen to play in the global energy transition.

Across the US, states and local governments submitted applications to create regional hydrogen hubs boosted by the incentives outlined under the IRA. More accurately, these hubs are public-private partnerships between state and non-state actors. The Hubs program also helps demonstrate the need for fostering collaboration between states and industry to meet both long- and short-term goals in the development of the hydrogen market. The non-state actors, such as companies like Plug, along with labor unions and academic institutions, are leading efforts across the various hubs. Recently, the Biden administration announced the establishment of seven (out of the ten applications) hydrogen hubs, which are expected to attract more than $40 billion in private investment and generate thousands of jobs – bringing the total public and private investment in hydrogen hubs to nearly $50 billion, signaling a unified commitment to scaling up hydrogen.

The Roadmap must be updated every three years under the IIJA, offering continuous stakeholder feedback as the Roadmap morphs into widespread policy gains and builds a mass hydrogen market.

European Union’s REPowerEU Hydrogen Policy

The EU also has an ambitious hydrogen policy agenda. The European Commission sets Europe’s Hydrogen strategy called “A hydrogen strategy for a climate-neutral Europe” in 2020. The Strategy listed a series of 20 key actions to be implemented in the Framework of the Fit for 55 Package. Since then, the EU took a step further by launching a series of additional initiatives on hydrogen fitting under the broader REPowerEU umbrella.

The policy package arose in light of Russia’s ongoing war with Ukraine, as the EU aimed to lessen its reliance on natural gas imports. This is also a response to Russia’s weaponization of its position as one of EU’s major energy exporters, causing an energy emergency across the EU, prompting it to address its regional energy security. Under the Hydrogen Accelerator plan, the European Commission intends to produce 10 MMT of hydrogen per year by 2030 and import the same amount by then, lessening the extent to which they need to rely on others for energy.

REPowerEU’s plan focuses on green hydrogen produced via the electrolysis process. In the EU, that is called renewable hydrogen as defined by the Commission Delegated Regulation. establishing a “Union methodology setting out detailed rules for the production of renewable liquid and gaseous transport fuels of non-biological origin”.

The launch of REPowerEU came mere months after the EU announced its Fit-for-55 plan, which calls for reducing greenhouse gas emissions within the EU by at least 55% by 2030. Fit-for-55 only calls for 10 MMT of green hydrogen consumption by 2030, meaning REPowerEU effectively doubled the green hydrogen goal. Further, Fit-for-55 calls for 40 gigawatts of renewable hydrogen electrolyzer capacity by 2030.

The two plans complement one another as the EU shifts away from natural gas.

“The combination of Fit-for-55 and REPowerEU is expected to initiate a virtuous circle that will likely both accelerate the transition and cut the EU’s reliance on Russian hydrocarbons,” wrote the consultancy KPMG. “On the one hand, full implementation of the Fit-for-55 proposals would lower gas consumption by 30% by 2030, consequently reducing hydrocarbon imports. On the other hand, REPowerEU may boost the Fit-for-55 proposals regarding earlier and more ambitious targets for renewable energy and energy efficiency.”

Like the US legislative packages that support the hydrogen buildout, the EU is also directing public financing to help scale-up the sector in the bloc. For example, the EU has allocated $3.18 billion from its Innovation Fund to launch the European Hydrogen Bank which aims to spur investment and increase demand for hydrogen. Notably, this EU subsidy is more generous than ones proposed in the US, offering up to $4.78/kg in hydrogen production credits for a 10-year period. It adds to the existing supporting schemes that can provide support to the sector although they are not Hydrogen-specific.

The European Hydrogen Bank (which is not a Bank) will provide $849 million in immediate financing via its first auction, slated for late-November 2023, with the money coming from the Innovation Fund, which itself gets its revenue from the EU’s carbon market.

Similar to the interagency task force model seen in the US, the EU has created a more informal Hydrogen Energy Network, which brings together the EU member states’ energy ministers for green hydrogen market development coordination. The European Commission has also placed 76 projects based in 16 different countries on its Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI) hydrogen sector list. This list demonstrates[BL2]  the EU’s level of priority and importance of supporting the growth of zero-emission energy projects and technologies that will help stimulate private investment in the hydrogen market over the long run. A project on the ICPEI is eligible for $13.2 billion in public funding and $16.8 billion in private financing, for a total of $29.9 billion. Two more announcement rounds remain forthcoming.

The IPCEI stems from a manifesto signed between EU member states in 2020, in which signatories, as the European Commission explains it, “agree[s] that projects should cover the full clean hydrogen value chain—from renewable and low-carbon hydrogen production to hydrogen storage, transmission and distribution, and hydrogen application, notably in industrial sectors.”

Like the hub model in the US, the EU has created a Clean Hydrogen Partnership—formerly known as the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen 2 Joint Undertaking—to create up to nine hydrogen valleys, providing subsidies of up to €105.4 million for their creation. These valleys are cross-border, integrating various regional governments to ensure the growth of a comprehensive, sustainable hydrogen ecosystem. The EU anticipates that the private sector will increase the financing available for these valleys by a multiple of five, amounting to over $636.7 billion going toward green hydrogen’s growth.

China’s Hydrogen Industry Development Plan

Compared to US and EU climate plans that span across decades,  China’s Hydrogen Industry Development Plan works on a shorter timeframe. The Chinese Development Plan, introduced in March 2022 and runs through 2035, sets a goal of putting 50,000 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles on the road by 2025 and producing 100,000 to 200,000 MMT per year of green hydrogen by 2025.

Currently, China stands as the world’s leading hydrogen producer, yielding an impressive 33 MMT per year. According to the China Hydrogen Alliance, the country currently consumes 20 MMT of hydrogen annually, a figure projected to reach 35 MMT by 2030 and 60 MMT by 2050. As China strives for state-wide net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2060, hydrogen consumption is expected to surge to over 130 MMT, with 100 MMT being green hydrogen.

The South China Morning Press reports that all mainland China province, excluding Tibet, have agreed to unite forces to support the build-out of a robust green hydrogen infrastructure. Like the Hydrogen Task Force in the US, China’s state-backed and unified approach also extends to national administrative agencies, with 10 different agencies working under the Alliance, once again signaling to the market the crucial role hydrogen is expected to play in reducing carbon emissions.

While China’s hydrogen objectives aim for 2035 according to the existing policy framework, it will pursue its goals in five-year increments. By 2025, the overarching target is to lay the foundation for a domestic hydrogen supply chain and industry ecosystem, achieve renewable-based hydrogen production breakthroughs, establish transportation and storage infrastructure, and harness hydrogen from existing non-renewable sources.

S&P Global reported in March 2022, “by 2030, the plan aims to build a more comprehensive supply system for clean hydrogen and enable broad applications of hydrogen in different sectors to support China’s carbon peaking 2030 target. By 2035, the plan expects to have a more sophisticated ecosystem for hydrogen, covering diverse applications in transportation, energy storage, industrial and other sectors.”

An updated report published by the World Economic Forum in June, following the plan’s announcement, Alliance launched the Renewable Hydrogen 100 initiative, which aims to boost the capacity of green hydrogen electrolyzers to 100 gigawatts by 2030, ultimately producing 7.7 MMT of hydrogen annually.

Perhaps most notably, the country has already poured $20 billion into green hydrogen projects as well, demonstrating its commitment to strengthening the hydrogen economy.

Japan’s Hydrogen Society

In 2017, Japan became the first country in the world to launch a hydrogen plan, then known as the Basic Hydrogen Strategy. The comprehensive strategy focuses on Japan’s integration into the global hydrogen supply chain and becoming a hydrogen-centric society, encompassing several key goals/objectives.  

The first goal is to increase hydrogen supply to 3 MMT by 2030, 12 MMT by 2040, and 20 million MMT by 2050. Second, Japan aims to attract $107.5 billion in hydrogen investments over the next 15 years. And third, the country seeks to increase green hydrogen production using Japanese-made electrolyzers to 15 gigawatts by 2030.

If realized, this “Hydrogen Society”, would apply hydrogen to the carbon-intensive steel-making process, and applications in hard-to-decarbonize sectors such as shipping and aviation. It also prioritizes green hydrogen, alongside other sustainable energy sources.

India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission

In 2023, India announced the launch of its National Green Hydrogen Mission, instantly making it  a prominent leader in the global hydrogen market. Mirroring the objectives of the REPowerEU initiative, the National Green Hydrogen Mission aims reduce India’s reliance on imported fossil fuels while simultaneously boosting its domestic manufacturing capabilities.

By 2030, India aims to produce 5 MMT of green hydrogen per year and add 125 gigawatts of associated produced renewable energy into its inventory, creating an estimated 600,000 jobs. The country has allocated $2.4 billion into its initial financing pot for producing green hydrogen.

While the Rocky Mountain Institute has projected that India will produce a total 11 MMT of hydrogen by 2030, the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis concluded that the country’s hydrogen policy could yield $100 billion in outside investments.

Australia’s Hydrogen Headstart

Australia’s National Hydrogen Strategy, formulated in 2019, is currently in the midst of an overhaul inspired by the US IRA.

Australia sees hydrogen as “an important contributor” in achieving net-zero emissions and the development of which could create $192.7 billion in outside investments. The country aims to position itself on “a path to be a global hydrogen leader by 2030 on both an export basis and for the decarbonization of Australian industries.”

Under the initial 2019 Hydrogen Strategy, Australia has already made substantial investments. Over $321 million has been poured into five different hydrogen hubs and an additional $1.3 billion into a competitive hydrogen production program called Hydrogen Headstart.

Despite Australia’s latest hydrogen policy review in the works, the country was the world leader in green hydrogen production as of 2022. “Australia had the largest number of announced renewable hydrogen plants worldwide as of 2022; due to its abundant solar and wind resources, the country is expected to see some of the lowest levelized costs for producing renewable hydrogen by 2050,” a 2023 report by the organization Renewables Now detailed.

The International Energy Agency projects that Australia will lead the world in hydrogen exports by 2050 and be the second-ranking exporter by 2030.

Hydrogen Rising Globally

Green hydrogen incentives are on the rise and gaining global momentum, with countries learning from one another to collectively create a robust market for hydrogen, which is clearly essential in combating climate change.

As a global company, Plug stands ready to partner with governments and industry to ensure the ambitious visions for green hydrogen, supplemented by unprecedented transcontinental financial support, becomes reality. Plug has the expertise and capabilities that span across the green hydrogen across the value chain, from manufacturing electrolyzers, fuel cell technology, liquefaction tanks, and refueling stations, and having the ability to service battery electric vehicle charging stations. This comprehensive skill set positions Plug as a vital partner in the worldwide effort to advance the green hydrogen agenda and address the urgent challenge of climate change.

To learn more about what we do and how we can help you achieve your green hydrogen goals, please contact one of Plug’s products team. We look forward to hearing from you and working together!

The post A Deep Dive into Global Green Hydrogen Policy Incentives first appeared on Plug Power.

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The passing of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and especially the new 45V tax credit for hydrogen production, demonstrates the United States’s commitment to combatting climate change. With billions of dollars at stake, we’ve seen a great deal of disagreement about how the credit should be implemented. Plug’s principal R&D engineer, Dr. Luke Wentlent, sat down with Dr. Jack Brouwer, a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at the University of California Irvine sat down to discuss the topic. Below is an excerpt for their conversation edited for length and clarity. If you’d like to listen to the full conversation, go here.

What is the hydrogen production tax credit in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)?

The 45V credit for hydrogen was created to provide support for low carbon and low emission hydrogen production. The government provided $3 per kilogram for those technologies that could achieve very low carbon intensity, and they provided $1 per kilogram of support for those that had somewhat lower carbon intensity.

What’s the intent behind the tax credit?

The fact is, we need to support solar, wind, nuclear, and other zero-carbon technologies with other technologies like batteries or other energy storage and much has been invested in those technologies. But hydrogen fuel cells and electrolyzers can do things that none of these other technologies can do to achieve zero emissions economy-wide. If we don’t invest in them, we can’t decarbonize and de-pollute everything. Just as policies in California –and all around the US and the world, for that matter– provided the incentive for solar, wind, batteries and electric vehicles, we need incentives to drive the market for hydrogen and related technologies.

Why is hydrogen important now?

We’ve invested far more in sun, wind, and batteries than we have in hydrogen. But we didn’t really need hydrogen in the early years because we only had small amounts of sun and wind power generation. We didn’t need to store a lot or for a long time. We didn’t need to get that sun and wind power into things like ships and applications that are challenging to power with renewable energy. Now that we’re starting to do those things, we must invest in the initial implementation and scale-up of that technology.

Let’s talk about some of those hard-to-decarbonize industries.  What else can hydrogen accomplish?

Hydrogen has very special features that are required by some industry applications. Take steel or ammonia production. You need the reducing gas feature. You need a chemical that can react with the iron ore to make iron. You need H2 to make NH3, which is the ammonia for fertilizer and other applications. You have other difficult applications in industry that require things like high-temperature heat. It’s difficult to generate these high temperatures with electricity. Hydrogen fuel can accomplish these temperatures at a lower cost than electricity.

What’s more, hydrogen also provides long-duration storage. Batteries are good for short-duration storage. That’s why we use our cell phones and everything, but we have to charge them every night. Once you have the storage that you need, hydrogen becomes more efficient and a cheaper way to store power for a long time.

When do you see us achieving the scale needed for green hydrogen?

The scale-up must begin today. As a matter of fact, I thought it should have begun much sooner than this, but we had administrations that weren’t adopting a hydrogen policy until this one. Now investments must happen immediately. This is why I think the hydrogen production tax credit (PTC) should be implemented next year. We need to start funding the production of clean hydrogen now.

We still must build up the manufacturing base. We need to build up the infrastructure that’s going to transport the hydrogen and the infrastructure to use the hydrogen. You need not only to produce it, but you also need to move it around, and then you need to put it to use. All this infrastructure takes a while to build. By 2030 or 2035 we should have low-cost hydrogen for some applications already there.

Then it’s going to start to have massive investment, not from the government, but from industry, because they’re going to demand this zero-emission, now low-cost fuel. Then some of the applications are going to take a little bit longer because they need hydrogen to get even cheaper than we’re going to be able to do in 2035. You can see how it just builds on itself after the initial investment of the PTC.

There’s a lot of discussion about potential rules and regulations around the PTC. I think an additionality, an hourly time matching, and a regionality requirement that companies would have to meet in order to be eligible for the it. What’s your take on that?

It is a good idea to be concerned about where the primary energy is coming from. When we make renewable hydrogen via electrolysis, we would like it to be made from solar, wind or nuclear power that have zero carbon emissions. Those are the only kinds of things that are going to qualify for the $3 tax credit.

We can make sure that’s the case through lots of different mechanisms. One of them is to use already curtailed electricity that exists in California or in many jurisdictions, or solar and wind power that’s available at negative prices in markets that have built a lot of sun and wind power. They built this without any additionality constraint and incentives put a value on the produced electricity, which made it cost-effective. As a result, people adopted even more than they thought.

The same will happen with hydrogen. Without an additionality constraint, without forcing hydrogen to use a new sun resource or a new wind resource, you’ll see a demand on the market that will put new solar and new wind out there anyway.

In California, the grid is already getting cleaner at every hour of the day. As that continues to happen, there’s no need to add time stamping to make sure that happens. We’re already under a constraint to be 100% renewable by 2045. That is assisted by investing in hydrogen because it offers another vector for using that sun and wind power and producing the hydrogen from the sun and wind power at certain hours and using it at other hours.

What’s the final constraint? It’s regionality. This means that you want to make sure that if you produce a unit of sun and wind energy in a certain place, that there’s a way that you could deliver that to the end user. Again, hydrogen doesn’t impede that. It helps it.

The post The Inflation Reduction Act and the Future of Green Hydrogen first appeared on Plug Power.

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Plug is revolutionizing the power and energy industry, and with Steve Baker, Plug is in good hands. Steve has embraced his role as the site manager for what would be North America’s very first operational green hydrogen plant located in Georgia. Daily operations for Steve include being responsible for running the plant home to the first 5MW electrolyzer, supporting and commissioning efforts for the plant’s liquefier, but most importantly managing a team who is changing the landscape of renewable energy.

After serving in the Marines for ten years, he is no stranger to taking charge. One of his favorite parts of the job is “growing and grooming the next group of future leaders in the hydrogen economy.” His dedication to his team has been critical to the success of Plug, and he could not be any prouder of his work. “Being at the tip of the spear for the very first green hydrogen plant is something I am very proud of.”

Plug’s mission to set the standard for renewable energy is “work worth doing,” according to Steve. He is always looking to better the people around him along with his environment. “I have always been passionate about doing something that betters those around me and the areas around and providing support to those in need.”

His impact extends outside of the Georgia plant and into the community. Once Steve is done leading his team at Plug’s green hydrogen plant, he takes off the safety glasses and puts on a helmet. As an effort to take part in community outreach, he joined a semi-professional football team. As someone who enjoys athletics, he has seen major success, winning rookie of the year while playing both sides of the ball at offensive line and middle linebacker.

Finally, Steve’s most important team is his family. Outside of Plug, most of his time is spent with his wife and two children.

Steve’s unwavering leadership skills and dedication to driving positive change has been critical to the success of Plug Power and the community around him. Take a sneak peek into what Steve has helped build by clicking the link below.

The post GreenH2@Work Employee Spotlight: Steve Baker first appeared on Plug Power.

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The story is not a new one. Although fossil fuels built the world we know today, we now realize that they are also the element that could eventually take that world apart. You can see it in the searing heat of Phoenix, Arizona and the wildfires in Hawaii, Greece, and California. The arctic ice pack is melting. The planet’s temperature is rising. The first hurricane in more than 80 years just hit California. Climate change is real, and you can look to fossil fuels as its primary driver.

But do not lose hope! It’s time to act. While we all need to try to reduce our carbon footprint, the responsibly lies heavily on municipalities and corporations. The world is still largely fossil fuel dependent, and it will take great effort to move past them and build a new world. In this post, we’ll look at the two energy sources and where they stand today. 

What is Green Hydrogen?

Green hydrogen is made using renewable energy, without greenhouse gas emissions. There are two technologies currently in use to produce green hydrogen at scale, alkaline water (ALK) electrolysis and proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis. PEM electrolyzers are more expensive, but more efficient than ALK electrolyzers which have been in use longer.

Either way, green hydrogen is produced using electrolyzers to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen can be used, while the oxygen is vented harmlessly into the atmosphere. There is a significant opportunity to replace fossil fuels with green hydrogen. Hydrogen has the potential to decarbonize challenging industries such as steel production, last-mile delivery fleets, and aviation.

For many companies, the driving reason for developing green hydrogen is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Governments are increasingly putting incentives in places to make the switch. Public opinion also looks favorably on companies who act responsibly ahead of legislation which is likely to be next.

What are Fossil Fuels?

Fossil fuels are the fossilized remains of plants and animals that walked planet earth millions of years ago. Coal, oil, and natural gas are all fossil fuels. Because carbon is one of the major building blocks of life, these energy sources – when burned – are a primary source of carbon emissions.

Yet, for most of the 20^th century, fossil fuels drove industry and created great wealth for the great nations of the world. Without free use of fossil fuels, the power and wealth of the world’s economies would be unthinkable. But our success comes at a cost for the earth itself.

Emissions are only part of the damage that burning fossil fuels does to the planet. Drilling, mining, and fracking for fossil fuels takes a tremendous toll on landscapes and ecosystems. In the quest for fossil fuels, entire forests are wiped out, mountaintops are removed, and groundwater is poisoned. In the long term – and increasingly in the present – fossil fuels are untenable if human life is to persist on the planet.

Comparing Green Hydrogen and Fossil Fuels

Fundamentally, hydrogen and fossil fuels are both energy carriers.   To make use of that energy, we need to extract that energy from its carrier. For fossil fuels this typically means combusting the fuel with air in various types of engines or turbines. Hydrogen is more flexible. Energy can be extracted by either combustion or with a electrochemical means. To call either one “better,” we must define the context of what “better” means. That can be with respect to energy efficiency, GHG abatement, or cost, for example.

Fossil Fuels vs. Green Hydrogen: Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency refers to the ultimate efficiency of the energy extraction process. How much of the energy stored in the carrier is used?

We know about fossil fuels. It is no exaggeration to say that they are a core pillar of our society. Fossil fuels powered the twentieth century and are still –nearly a quarter of a century in the twenty-first– our primary source for power generation today. 

Given that there are a wide variety of ways in which combustion technologies are deployed, their ultimate energy efficiency will vary widely.  Internal combustion engines have efficiencies between 20 and 40%, see figure below. Combined cycle gas turbines that run at power plants can be higher, into the 40% to mid-50% efficiency range. 

Combined heat and power plants are highly efficient combustion schemes where the excess heat generated is captured and employed, driving the efficiency up into the 65%-85% range. This is depicted in the chart below.

Combusting hydrogen achieves relatively similar efficiencies to fossil fuels. Hydrogen does have some combustion characteristics that afford it a more flexible operation than gasoline or natural gas; however, the ranges stated would be reasonable for a hydrogen combustion scheme in those applications.

Hydrogen can also be deployed in a fuel cell. These electrochemical devices which combine hydrogen gas with oxygen to produce a current can operate with efficiencies in the 50% – low-60% range, significantly better than most combustion technologies.

There are many fuel cell technologies (I.e., alkaline, PEM, molten carbonate). PEM, alkaline, and solid oxide achieve the best efficiencies, all of which are generally around 60%. Below are the DOE targets for fuel cell efficiency in light duty vehicles (LDV) and heavy-duty vehicles (HDV) in 2030 and 2050.

Fossil Fuels vs. Hydrogen: Environmental Impact

Another critical aspect to understand when discussing fossil fuels and hydrogen technologies is the environmental impact. This can mean many different things and be assessed in numerous ways. Let’s look at greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and particulate matter (PM). According to the EPA, in 2021 fossil fuel combustion accounted for 73% of total GHG emissions and about 92% of total manmade CO₂ emissions in the United States.  We can point to numerous studies that show a clear, causal link between the increase in man-made GHG emissions and global warming.

The byproducts of combustion of fossil fuel depend, to a degree, upon the specific fuel and how it is burned. Typical byproducts include the following:

• Carbon Monoxide (CO)
• Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)
• Sulfur
• Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂)
• Nitric Oxide (N₂O)
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
• Hydrocarbons (HCs)

Consider that burning one gallon of gasoline emits ~8.8 kg of CO₂.

This is in stark contrast to hydrogen. Combusting hydrogen (H2) with air will only emit NOx — and there are methods to capture and minimize that.  However, the true star is the hydrogen fuel cell, where the only byproduct of operation is water vapor. This chemically pure water can be put down the drain, released outside, or even reused to help clean the floors at some facilities.

Green Hydrogen Safety

Not only is green hydrogen sustainable, but hydrogen safety standards are also developed, mature, and effective, according to the Department of Energy (DOE).

Experts and regulators agree that when handled appropriately, hydrogen is a far safer fuel than those currently in use today, according to Washington State University professor Dr. Jacob Leachman. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Technologies Office stated “a number of hydrogen’s properties make it safer to handle and use than the fuels commonly used today,” including gasoline, natural gas, uranium, jet fuel, and diesel.

Aside from green hydrogen being produced solely from sustainable energy and only emitting harmless water as a by-product when used in a fuel cell, there are an abundance of hydrogen safety features which ensure production, distribution, storage, and use are as safe as possible.

The safety regulations, summarized here by the Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Administration, are managed by governments, and regulated in accordance with third-party international hydrogen safety standards – making hydrogen a decarbonization solution with a safe, developed technical foundation.  These include codes and standards around hydrogen infrastructure, on-road and fueling, first responder practices, fuel cell design, use in marine and aviation applications, and even for use in a fuel cell-powered bicycle.

Read our blog post:

Truth is Power: Hydrogen Safety 101

Green Hydrogen Scalability

A common point of discussion is the scalability of hydrogen and whether it can truly be matured to the point where it can make institutional change.

Hydrogen is not something new. It is the most abundant element in the universe and the world already uses it widely as a commodity. The United States alone annually produces ~10 million metric tons of hydrogen from steam methane reforming. In short, the world already knows how to handle, move, and store hydrogen.

However, the production of green hydrogen (electrolytic hydrogen powered by renewable resources) is admittedly nascent. Many green hydrogen production plants of this type have been proposed but few have broken ground. But things seem to be changing. The industry is currently at a tipping point where state and federal incentives are positioned to jump-start this needed scale up, akin to the battery and PV industry ramp up that have already occurred during the past 10-15 years. 

The DOE is projecting that more than two million metric tons of green hydrogen will be required by the early 2030s. In order to meet these targets, we’ll need a massive scale up of the hydrogen production economy. Recognizing this, Congress passed a number of incentives and tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act focused around catalyzing that acceleration along with all the supporting components (e.g., incentives for renewable development).

Conclusion

The world is entering into an unprecedented period where our energy systems will begin to radically change as new technologies become more widely available and enable things like green hydrogen to make significant inroads into our decarbonization targets. Virtually every climate scientist agrees that we must act now. We do not have the luxury of decades to delay addressing the global energy challenges we face.

The post Green Hydrogen vs Fossil Fuels: Comparing the Future of Energy first appeared on Plug Power.

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Joe Williams, Plug’s Senior Talent Development Specialist, exemplifies our culture by lending a helping hand to teams throughout Plug.

Sharing his wisdom with fellow Plug colleagues, Joe offered straightforward advice: “Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you—take the initiative to learn and grow independently.”

As a man of his word, he willingly relocated to Houston, where he would be an HR field partner. His move to Houston allowed employees on-site to come to him with “small questions to big concerns.” Acting as a point of contact for employee relations, he was able to help educate and, more importantly, build relationships with his team.

No matter the team, Plug employees are willing to help teams in need. Joe did not just help the Houston team; he built relationships and educated them. He will tell you himself about his favorite part of the experience

“It was great to share information with the team. I was able to educate managers on our training opportunities and better understand how my team could support them.”

At Plug, employees are not stuck within their job descriptions. They are encouraged to step outside of their comfort zones to better their careers, help other teams, or expand their knowledge. Joe recalled the pivotal moment when the phrase “you own your own development” resonated with him.

For Joe, that decisive step forward came in the form of volunteering for an integral role within Plug’s manufacturing division. This role involved providing coverage for supervisors on the production floor in Latham, including overnight shifts within the testing and verification and stack departments.

Joe’s primary responsibility during this period involved ensuring the team stayed on track, adhering to schedules for testing and verification processes. He noted, “The T&V team essentially acts as the final quality checkpoint before our products are dispatched to customers. 

Witnessing the meticulous process of assembling, operating, and testing our units was a fascinating revelation. The team’s adeptness at identifying and rectifying issues was truly impressive.”

Beyond the technical aspect, Joe valued the opportunity to connect with team members, listening to their insights and establishing rapport. 

Joe elaborated, “Drawing from my previous experience in leading teams and supporting operations, I was eager to dive deeper into understanding the business and the intricacies of production. The hands-on experience was incredibly immersive.”

Joe expressed his renewed enthusiasm for being back in a production and operations setting. Armed with an Economics degree from the University of Albany, he initially embarked on his professional journey as an intern at Target. Progressing steadily, he assumed the role  of Assistant Store Manager at Target, which allowed him to engage closely with both customers and staff. It was during this tenure that Joe’s interest turned toward HR, ultimately leading him to leverage Plug’s tuition reimbursement program to pursue an MBA in HR.

Joe’s enthusiasm for active participation led him to engage in HR “lightning teams,” where small groups collaborate intensively to complete specific projects within tight timelines. Moreover, he maintains an open dialogue with his manager, Jade Houtz, about his aspirations, actively fostering connections with colleagues both within HR and across the organization.

Jade commended Joe’s dedication, noting, “We’re not only supporting Joe’s personal growth but also benefiting from his eagerness to contribute to the business.” 

Joe is the embodiment of Plug’ culture. His passion for human relations and desire to learn has helped Plug become a better place, but more importantly, has impacted the lives of his peers. Curiosity is rewarded at Plug, and Joe has taken advantage of every opportunity.

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The STAMP site is the largest green hydrogen production facility in North America, and will produce 45 metric tons of green liquid hydrogen daily once fully operational. 

This $290 million investment in green hydrogen production leads the way to decarbonizing freight-transportation and logistics and supports New York’s path to achieving carbon-neutrality by 2050.

The plant will use 120 MW of Plug’s state-of-the-art PEM electrolyzers to make green hydrogen using clean NY hydropower. This facility is expected to bring 60+ jobs to the county. Only emitting oxygen, this project is a step forward to decarbonizing the economy and furthering the energy transition. 

The outstanding qualities and remarkable achievements of the STAMP project captivated the attention of the program’s distinguished panel of judges. One judge remarked, “There is going to be even more need for cleaner and sustainable local hydrogen supply – and Plug Power can play a major role in the decarbonization of the transportation sector.” Another judge added, “This project demonstrates innovation by seamlessly integrating various aspects of hydrogen production, storage, and delivery. It represents a robust initiative; and there is an opportunity to further engage stakeholders in a fresh and targeted manner.” These testimonials affirm the exceptional impact and excellence of the STAMP project in driving sustainability and energy efficiency. 

The Environment + Energy Leader Awards program aims to commend excellence in products and projects that deliver significant energy and environmental benefits. Sarah Roberts, Co-President of E+E Leader, emphasized the rigorous selection process, stating, “This year’s entrants had to surpass an exceptionally high bar to qualify for an award, thanks to a seasoned and discerning judging panel as well as stringent judging criteria.”

This award comes on the heels of Plug’s 2022 E&E award: Plug is building an end-to-end green hydrogen ecosystem.

About the Environment + Energy Leader Awards: For over a decade, the Environment + Energy Leader Awards have celebrated excellence in the world of environmental, sustainability and energy management. Award recipients are acknowledged as industry leaders, and featuring a Top Project or Top Product of the Year Award badge signifies their outstanding contributions. Companies seeking sustainable and energy management solutions trust that E+E Product of the Year Award winners offer a comprehensive array of vetted products to guide their decision-making. Project of the Year Award winners exemplify how sustainability and energy management projects can successfully enhance the profitability of other companies.

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America cannot reach our climate or economic goals without clean, domestic hydrogen. Proposals for additionality, deliverability/regionality, and hourly matching are inconsistent with Congress’ intent via the Inflation Reduction Act to quickly scale the clean hydrogen economy. They would also undercut our economic and emissions goals.

• Additionality could halt the deployment of clean hydrogen and undercut economic and emission goals.
• Deliverability/regionality would constrain where clean hydrogen projects would be cost-competitive with fossil fuels.
• Hourly matching would not be feasible in many locations and would add significant delays and costs.
• Implementing strict deliverability/regionality and hourly time matching requirements together would have intensely negative and compounding effects. 

America needs clean hydrogen. And clean hydrogen needs the full extent of the production tax credit (PTC).

Below, you will find the report authored by Plug, along with supporting assets:

• The Road to Clean Hydrogen: Getting the Rules Right – Report
• The Road to Clean Hydrogen: Getting the Rules Right – Summary
• The Road to Clean Hydrogen: Getting the Rules Right – Fact Sheet
• Plug and 32 Signatories Submit Letter to Biden Administration on Section 45V Clean Hydrogen Production Tax Credit Implementation – Letter
• The Road to Clean Hydrogen: Getting the Rules Right – Video

The post The Road to Clean Hydrogen: Getting the Rules Right first appeared on Plug Power.

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The Day May Start Typical…

While our Field Technicians aim to start each day the same way, it isn’t long before the day’s priorities are identified for them. Most technicians arrive on-site, meet with the customer, and conduct rounds and equipment inspections. “My shift begins at 5am, and I’m there around 4:30 doing inspections,” said Michael Mendoza, Master Field Service Tech, Lead supporting Amazon in Las Vegas, NV. “This is the end of Amazon’s night shift, so I come in between shifts to service the trucks. I have about 2 hours to ensure all trucks are in service before the next shift begins,” he commented.

Mendoza has been with Plug since 2019, supporting the same Amazon facility since Day 1. He recalled his early days in the role where he’d show up on-site with 30 trucks in need of repair, and not knowing where to start. “You learn from experience,” Michael said, crediting both his previous 20 years as an auto mechanic and becoming more familiar with the customer and their needs.

“It’s like spending the day at your family’s house,” Steve Lucas, Master Field Service Tech said, adding “You work side-by-side with the customer, solving problems. It’s not just about punching in.” Steve, shown on the right, services Walmart facilities in Harmony and Cornwall, Ontario (Canada) and said he feels like a superhero most days. During his six years with Plug, Steve has helped start up each of Plug’s four Canadian sites, everything from supporting the construction process to installing the hydrogen tanks and fuel cells, and learning the equipment. He currently oversees three distribution centers at Walmart, all operating at different temperatures with Plug equipment working in different environments.

Logan Weiss, Sr. Field Service Tech, Lead in Ohio, who also supports Walmart, commented, “Walmart sites with freezers and groceries have dry temperatures, and our GenDrives work a little harder than in warmer temperatures.” Logan covers various customers across Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Indiana. We asked if it was confusing to jump from Amazon to Walmart to Kroger, and Logan said each customer has similar sites, but the issues and problems vary on any given day.

More than Solving Problems

In most cases, our techs are diagnosing technical issues and finding solutions before the customer is ever aware. This can include broken parts, issues with infrastructure, or providing general maintenance. A critical component to problem solving is also teamwork, working with the broader Plug team to troubleshoot and provide solutions. “Providing feedback to engineering helps improve the product,” said Vincent Dore, Service Specialist in France, adding “we are the interface between the customer and the product.”

Several of the techs we spoke with were currently training new technicians, and valued Plug’s combination of in-person, online, and on-the-job training. Ramiro Soto, Sr. Field Service Tech, Lead in California said that while training can be time consuming, it is also one of the most rewarding parts of the role. “I enjoy sharing my knowledge with others, so they have the same experiences.” Ramiro has been with Plug since 2020, providing site start-up training for Walmart sites in Apple Valley, CA and Utah. Most technicians receive two to three weeks of training before they are deployed to a site. From the start, it is essential for field techs to build customer relationships at all levels, including forklift technicians, regional maintenance managers, operations supervisors, and reliability engineers. “We carry walkie talkie radios for instant communications,” noted Steve, adding, “It is important to maintain 100% customer satisfaction at all times.”

Defining Success

Each Tech Lead we spoke with talked highly about the rewards of the role. “There’s satisfaction in helping out,” Logan stated, simply. Wesley added, “It’s rewarding working with the customer. Seeing the product move at a site like Walmart, knowing Plug had a part in that. It’s impressive.”

Another benefit of being a Field Tech is traveling. Ramiro mentioned he takes a photo at each of the site locations he visits, including the mountain ranges in Salt Lake City, Utah, as shown below. Vincent also travels weekly, from Paris to Barcelona to England.

“It’s intense work, proving to the customer that everything is right,” Vincent said, “but there’s pleasure in the result.” He continued “It’s good for the whole organization; we are representing Plug, and it’s a team between me, the customer, and Plug.”

Special thanks to Steve Lucas, Wesley Garrison, Ramiro Soto, Logan Weiss, Vincent Dore, and Michael Mendoza for contributing to this article.

Plug is currently hiring Field Technicians globally; if you or someone you know is interested in exploring these opportunities, please visit our Careers website or contact our team at careers@plugpower.com.

The post GreenH2@Work Employee Spotlight: A Day in the Life of a Field Technician first appeared on Plug Power.

The post GreenH2@Work Employee Spotlight: A Day in the Life of a Field Technician appeared first on Plug Power.

Take a deep dive into “additionality” with Plug’s Principal R&D Engineer, Luke Wentlent, Ph.D. Learn about what’s included in the landmark Inflation Reduction Act designed to accelerate the buildout of the green hydrogen economy – and, more importantly, what’s not included.

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Watch the full video

Plug’s Luke Wentlent discusses what’s included in the landmark Inflation Reduction Act designed to accelerate the buildout of the green hydrogen economy

Plug’s Luke Wentlent highlights why the Princeton paper which initially propose the three pillars (including additionality) made some serious oversimplifications of the situation.

Plug’s Luke Wentlent shows how Hydrogen can make an impact right now, and needs to be scaled now. The intent of Congress was not to overly regulate the production of green hydrogen. “We have to jump start this now, or we’re going to miss the window.”

The post Additionality and the Inflation Reduction Act first appeared on Plug Power.

The post Additionality and the Inflation Reduction Act appeared first on Plug Power.

BEVs are on the rise, with governments such as the state of California and the European Union shifting away from combustion engine cars by 2035 and U.S. federal incentives pouring $7.5 billion into building 500,000 new electric vehicle chargers along U.S. roads and highways.

This rise of EVs, and the policy architecture buttressing it, has a key central premise: a need to slash greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, 20% of all global emissions, and an even higher 29% of U.S. emissions as of 2021.

But that premise also has a central dilemma: the amount of charging infrastructure needed to power the EV boom has meant the dominant electricity grid fueling an increasingly electrified fleet has come under increasing duress.

And though that is the current state of play, it doesn’t need to remain so. Green hydrogen fuel cells deployed by Plug — a leading provider of turnkey green hydrogen solutions for over a quarter century — can play a key role in ensuring a faster transition from internal combustion engines to EVs in the months and years ahead.

Fuel Cells Can Fill the EV Electrification Gap 

Currently, electric vehicle charging infrastructure relies heavily upon the energy fed into them via centralized fossil fuel-burning power plants. The plants are generally highly polluting, both due to greenhouse gasses and the co-pollutants they emit into the atmosphere.

And even outside of fossil fuel reliance concerns, the practical reality of lack of access to electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the roads for both everyday and commercial fleet drivers — regardless of power source — stands as a central roadblock in scaling the technology to full potential.

Some math is warranted: given there are 145,000 gas retail stations across the U.S., with an average of nine pumps per station and an approximate 1.3 million gas pumps total, that means you’d need 20 million EV chargers to match that fueling capacity. Though this does not take into account at-home charging stations, it’s clear that the current 41,000 publicly accessible charging stations is far below what’s needed to support the projected EV adoption curve, requiring a 31-fold level increase to match the fueling capacity currently in place via retail gas stations. This means we’ll need both more EV chargers and more power to support those chargers.

That math has implications for the not-so-distant future.

By 2030, an estimated 48 million EVs will drive on U.S. roads and 10% of those will be fleet vehicles, or those used to carry out day-to-day public and private sector activities. The Smart Electric Power Alliance has predicted that by 2030, the amount of energy needed to power burgeoning EV fleets will equal that of powering 21 million new homes or 1.7 million new homes per year for the next seven years – a number significantly greater than the 1.3 million homes currently built annually.

To say the least, scaling up EVs to a significant degree will present significant impacts to the electricity grid as we know it today, something the U.S. government has pointed out.

“About 6 high-power chargers draw roughly the same amount of power from the grid as a small hospital, and a typical fast-charging plaza, with potentially 20 such chargers will triple that demand,” the Idaho National Laboratory has explained, as a case in point of those impacts, writing in support of studying microgrids as a distributed generation alternative to the status quo. “As more of these stations come online, they could disrupt the grid that delivers power to individual users. The existing utility infrastructure isn’t designed to meet the requirements for widespread, high-power electric vehicle charging.”

And that’s where distributed energy resources, also called distributed generation, come into play. Distributed generation (sometimes also called “self-generation”) is a technical name for solar, wind, or fuel cell-based electricity generated outside of the dominant electricity grid. Also known as DG or DERs, electricity generated in this fashion can exist either alongside or else “islanded” from the electric grid as a microgrid. With the grid under the status quo scenario increasingly overextended due to the reliance of EVs upon it, distributed energy will play an important role in ensuring a steady supply of electricity for a burgeoning fleet.

With these imperatives firmly in mind, Plug’s1MW fuel cell power system is built for the moment.

Modular and with the ability to scale up or down to desired project sizes as business and consumption needs evolve, it has full turn up and turn down capability such that the system only makes as much power as is needed, which allows it to serve as an ideal distributed generation technology. It can also fit within microgrids or augment the electric grid’s supply, combining hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, with water and heat generated as its only byproducts – zero on-site carbon emissions.

When utilizing Plug’s green hydrogen, hydrogen coming from renewable energy sources, with the 1MW fuel cell power system to charge battery EVs, it is truly clean transportation. This can also help the current array of public electric vehicle “charging deserts” and commercial fleet operators to bloom, assisting governments and private sector partners in meeting sustainability and climate goals.

Plug’s Fuel Cell EV Charging System in Context

For a standard 18,000-gallon liquid hydrogen tank utilized by Plug, our newly announced 1 MW fuel cell power system for charging commercial EV fleets can provide more than 60 megawatt hours (MWh) of energy.

To get an idea of how many EV chargers can be powered at once with a single 1 MW fuel cell system: 50 level-2 chargers, and five to six level-3 chargers. The higher the level of the charger, the faster it can charge a vehicle. That’s the ability to charge more than 500 delivery vans with 113kWh batteries.

With all of that in mind, fleet operators or those aiming to adopt EV charging infrastructure for passenger vehicles can do so in a matter of months, rather than years in areas currently experiencing grid constraints.  

Plug Fuel Cells Power Electric Vehicle Charging

The consultancy Guidehouse Insights has predicted global demand for EV charging infrastructure to rise to $207 billion by 2030 and numerous fuel cell companies are now emerging in the EVs charging space, as pointed out by the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association.

In this developing landscape, Plug stands ready to deploy its fuel cell power system as part of its broader green hydrogen ecosystem as the generational technological tectonic shift continues in the transition from the internal combustion engine vehicles.

Thanks for reading! For more on Plug’s EV charging capabilities, check out our eBook. And if intrigued, please touch base with our stationary power team to learn more about prospective partnerships.

The post How ​​Fuel Cells Can Power the Electric Vehicle Boom first appeared on Plug Power.

The post How ​​Fuel Cells Can Power the Electric Vehicle Boom appeared first on Plug Power.

A. Introduction to Electrolyzers

If solar power is defined by solar cells and wind production propelled by wind turbines, then the equivalent for green hydrogen production is the electrolyzer.

Put another way, an electrolyzer serves as “the building block of green hydrogen,” Plug President and CEO Andy Marsh told Bloomberg in July 2022.

B. Benefits of Electrolyzers

Electrolyzers that use renewables to power their hydrogen production – like wind, solar, hydroelectric power, or certain biofuels – churn out emissions-free production of green hydrogen.

Down the value chain, green hydrogen will prove increasingly crucial for the production of green ammonia and methanol, chemical compounds crucial for the future of more sustainable agricultural practices, chemical production, and seaborne shipping.

Beyond output value, electrolyzers can also be used for longer-term energy storage, producing hydrogen that is stored in pressurized vessels for later use, with “much higher storage capacity compared to batteries (small scale),” according to the alternative energy advocacy organization American Clean Power.

C. Components of Electrolyzer Stacks

Electrolyzers essentially function like fuel cells, but in reverse.

At the most basic level, water is provided to the electrolyzer stack, which looks like a multi-decker sandwich. The three layers in PEM electrolyzers utilized by Plug – called a cathode, an anode and a special membrane painted with a catalyst to separate the water into hydrogen and oxygen, using electricity to power the reaction. The hydrogen is then captured and stored for a variety of end uses.

D. Different Types of Electrolyzers

There are three different water-splitting electrolyzer types: Alkaline, Solid Oxide, and Proton Exchange Membrane, the latter of which is utilized by Plug.

Alkaline electrolyzers use water and a liquid electrolyte, generally either potassium hydroxide  or sodium hydroxide. They run at an internal temperature of just below 100°C. Solid oxide electrolyzers, sometimes also known as solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs), make use of a solid oxide ceramic electrolyte in producing hydrogen. Those run at internal temperatures of 500^oC to 850^oC.

And PEM electrolyzers utilize a proton exchange membrane functioning as a solid polymer electrolyte. When electricity runs through the stack during the water electrolysis process, the water splits into hydrogen and oxygen. Hydrogen then passes through the membrane and ejects on the cathode side. PEM electrolyzers run at ideal temperatures of 60^oC to 80^oC.

E. Electrolysis Process

The water electrolysis process utilized within Plug’s PEM electrolyzers is an electrochemical process that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen gases. At its simplest, the stack consists of a multi-decker sandwich of anodes and cathodes separated by proton exchange membranes coated in catalyst.

Here’s a simple explanation of how a PEM electrolyzer works:

1. Water supply: the electrolyzer requires a source of water, which can be provided through a water inlet
2. Electrolysis process: when the power supply is turned on, an electric current flows through the electrolyte and causes a reaction at the electrodes:
   • Anode (oxidation): at the anode, water molecules lose electrons and are oxidized. This reaction produces oxygen gas (O2), and positively charged hydrogen ions (H+) and releases electrons.
   • Cathode (reduction): at the cathode, the hydrogen ions and electrons combine to form hydrogen gas (H2).
3. Membrane function: the proton exchange membrane, coated in catalyst, allows only the positively charged hydrogen ions (H+) to pass through while blocking the electrons. This creates a separation of charges and generates a flow of protons from the anode to the cathode through the membrane.
4. Gas Separation: as the electrolysis process continues, the hydrogen gas produced at the cathode side and the oxygen gas released at the anode side are collected separately.
5. Gas Output: the collected hydrogen and oxygen gases can be used for various applications, such as fuel cells, industrial processes or energy storage.

Those aiming to produce green hydrogen, for which Plug is working to be a global-leading producer, make use of renewable energy sources like wind, solar, biomass, or hydro-electric power.

F. Factors Affecting Electrolysis Efficiency

While many factors determine the efficiency of the electrolysis process, temperature serves as a significant driving force.

This makes SOECs the most efficient electrolyzer fuel cell stack array according to most experts, but the extremely high temperature it requires to function also makes it the least versatile for that same reason. That’s because it takes more energy and time to power up to temperatures needed to carry out the electrolysis process. In other words, efficiency always comes within its own context and sits in the eye of the beholder.

Other key factors affecting electrolysis efficiency include electrolyte quality, electrical resistance of the electrolyte, the type of electrode material used, pressure applied for the current within the electrolyzer, varying types of separator and catalyst materials, and applied electricity voltage waveform.

A study published in the Journal of Electrochemical Science and Technology concluded that “concentration of [potassium hydroxide in] the electrolyte significantly affected the electrolyser performance” and that PEM electrolyzers “offer several advantages over traditional technologies including…higher production rates and more compact design,” in pointing to other electrolyzer efficiency factors.

G. Hydrogen Storage and Transportation

Hydrogen can be both stored and transported multiple ways.

For storage, while pressurized vessels are still useful for materially significant levels of storage, for larger amounts, underground caverns or ground-based storage tankers serve as the primary means of storing hydrogen.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory has also cited the prospect of storage in metal hydrates, surface-area absorption, and legacy natural gas pipelines as prospective hydrogen storage mechanisms. The agency states, however, that all of these except for the pipeline option are “still in the early stages of research and development, and as of yet it has not been shown to be energy or cost efficient.”

And for transportation, due to lack of pipeline infrastructure, the dominant method of moving hydrogen to market today is via cryogenic long-haul trucks holding liquefied hydrogen created via the liquefaction process.

And in order to facilitate that process, Plug produces two varying-sized liquefaction products for customers seeking to market their hydrogen, a more economical way of carrying the fuel than in its compressed gaseous state, due to its ability to superchill (at -253°C) and condense the gas to liquid. This enables hydrogen marketers to carry more of it per tanker.

Yet, the most efficient way to move hydrogen is via pipelines, only 1,600 miles of which exist today in the U.S. That compares to over 2 million miles of natural gas pipelines, with Plug CEO Andy Marsh calling for “a vastly more expansive [hydrogen pipeline] system” comparable to the gas industry in July 2022 congressional testimony.

For a more comprehensive review of the broader spectrum of storage and transportation options for moving green hydrogen from upstream electrolyzer to downstream storage point, check out the 2022 article published by Canadian researchers in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy.

H. Industrial and Commercial Applications of Electrolyzers

One of the major current commercial applications for green hydrogen produced from electrolyzers is fueling stations, which can fuel forklifts, e-mobility, and larger vehicles.

Think of the fuel stations as akin to gas stations dispensing refined diesel or gasoline for vehicles or electric charging stations for battery-powered vehicles. Plug currently stands as a global leader in fueling stations, with customers using them to fuel over 60,000 fuel cell systems used in material handling operations worldwide.

An up and coming application for green hydrogen is Ammonia production. With 70% of all ammonia currently being made from natural gas, and the rest coming from coal, production under the status quo fuels climate change. The EIA has surmised that non-green ammonia is “twice as emissions-intensive as crude steel production and four times that of cement, on a direct CO2 emissions basis.”

But Plug, via its Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzers, can mitigate the greenhouse gas emissions currently embedded in ammonia production and make the vital food-making ammonia fertilizer more sustainable. With stakeholders pushing for industrial actors to green their production processes, Plug’s technology capably aids producers in decarbonizing the chemical compound into green ammonia. 

Another application for hydrogen after made from electrolyzers is power-to-gas.

And though still an emerging technology, at least compared to fueling stations which directly dispense hydrogen to customers, power-to-gas applications could be a major part of green hydrogen’s future and a way to make the electricity grid less greenhouse gas-intensive. The process involves injecting hydrogen into the natural gas pipeline as a refined synthetic methane.

I. Maintenance and Safety of Electrolyzers

Maintenance of electrolyzers, as with any industrial equipment, is important for ensuring their optimal functionality and safety.

H2 Tools, an information-sharing database built by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy, has conveyed that “Proper and timely inspection and maintenance is key to ensuring safe system operation” and that “Reactive maintenance is generally unwise for equipment in hydrogen service.” The Laboratory further recommends a “systematic method” of maintenance which “should be documented and stewarded.”

H2 Tools added that the documentation for maintenance and inspection should “ include a description of any needed follow-up activity and the next scheduled inspection/maintenance activity,” recommending that U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standard 1910.119 should be the standard utilized for all electrolyzer maintenance.

Beyond maintenance, H2 Tools has also stated that those overseeing electrolyzer operations should utilize a safety culture and that “goals [in that vein] should be clearly communicated and understood by all staff.” The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration also has hydrogen workplace safety regulations on the books, holding companies accountable for the safety of their respective workforces.

J. Advancements in Electrolyzer Technology

Currently, electrolyzers are undergoing great change as they penetrate the market. PEM electrolyzers of the sort Plug uses, for example, are undergoing technological innovation to operate at increasingly higher and more efficient temperature ranges of between 120°C and 200°C.

The U.S. Department of Energy explains that high temperature electrolysis – often just called HTE by industry insiders – “results in very high electrical efficiencies and, hence, potential for low-cost hydrogen production when the steam is produced by either waste heat or a low-cost thermal energy generator.”

Another area of advancement within electrolyzer technology exists in the realm of generating green hydrogen through solar-powered electrolyzers.

In short, this involves utilizing solar technology to generate electricity, which then thereafter powers the electrolyzers producing green hydrogen. Plug’s technology stands ready to carry out that process.

Several such projects exist worldwide, primarily involving solar panel installations placed alongside electrolyzers to ensure maximum efficiency of both energy generation techniques.

K. Future of Electrolyzers

Electrolyzers have the potential to play a key role in the decarbonization efforts of countries and industries around the world. The ability to produce and store hydrogen allows it to be used for a growing number of applications and industrial processes including hydrogen fuel cells, power to gas to power, ammonia and methanol production processes, steel and cement manufacturing among others.

A number of countries have championed hydrogen as a method for meeting their sustainability targets, putting in place policies supporting hydrogen production growth. According to the Green Hydrogen Coalition’s 2^nd Edition Green Hydrogen Handbook, as of 2022, Australia, Canada, Chile, the European Union and Japan all have national programs in place. Additionally, the United States’ Inflation Reduction Act includes a robust hydrogen program. India, too, has enacted a National Green Hydrogen Mission.

As countries and companies work together to grow electrolytic hydrogen production, the sky’s the limit on the future of electrolyzers.

L. Economic Considerations of Electrolyzers

One of the biggest barriers to entry for global adoption of electrolyzers, as it stands, is the cost of producing hydrogen from them.

Yet, the cost to produce green hydrogen is project to fall drastically with the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, which provides producers with a decade of up to $3 per kilogram tax incentives to produce the fuel.

As of 2020, according to U.S. Department of Energy figures, the levelized cost to produce green hydrogen (often called Levelized Cost of Hydrogen, or LCOH) toggled between $4 to $6 per kilogram within PEM electrolyzers. This price point, without the tax incentives, can be achieved “assuming existing technology, low volume electrolyzer capital costs as high as $1,500 [per kilowatt] and grid electricity prices of $0.05 [per kilowatt hour] to $0.07 [per kilowatt hour].”

​​The cost primarily remains within that range, the DOE concluded, when coupled with both utility scale solar and onshore wind. Others, the DOE pointed out, put production costs at a range of $2.50 to $6.80 per kilogram “from a mix of renewable and grid feedstocks.”

Transportation costs, too, could ultimately drive up the price – speaking to the importance of building out more infrastructure as electrolyzers enable increased green hydrogen production.

The agency’s target range is $2 per kilogram, which means green hydrogen would be produced at a profit once it reaches that level with the new production tax credit in place created by the Inflation Reduction Act. The newly legally sanctioned credits equating to “60% of the average green hydrogen project’s cost,” The Wall Street Journal reported, pointing to financial services industry leader Goldman Sachs’ data.

With the newly codified tax incentives in place, the financial services firm Lazard put the LCOH of green hydrogen from PEM fuel cells at $1.68 to $4.28 per kilogram in an April 2023 report. Plug has a clear development roadmap to green hydrogen at a cost of $1.50 per kilogram.

M. Electrolyzers and Energy Markets

The green hydrogen electrolyzer market will be worth over $120 billion by 2033, a new report by the consultancy IDTechEx has predicted. But to achieve that, many steps will need to be taken in the next decade, experts conclude.

“The industry expects capex to come down as manufacturing capacity increases and capabilities improve through greater levels of automation,” the report notes. “Performance also has a significant impact. For example, the more efficient a system is, the lower the energy consumption…Other key performance metrics for electrolyzer systems include operating lifetime, output pressure and purity, current and power density, start-up times, dynamic range, and minimum load levels.”

The law firm Norton Rose Fulbright, which advises clients on financing hydrogen projects and making them commercial, states that on a project-by-project basis the key to financial success is to “have a bankable offtake scheme.”

The firm points to ammonia as a case in point, an area in which Plug stands ready to supply its green hydrogen to make the product more sustainable. Norton Rose Fulbright also points to speciality vehicles, like forklifts, for which Plug serves as a global leader in providing fuel cells and hydrogen infrastructure.

Lastly, the firm called government support “essential to get the green hydrogen market off the ground,” with that support including “economic incentives and by providing clear and appropriate standards and regulation applicable to the transportation of hydrogen by pipeline, truck and ship.”

N. Environmental Impact of Electrolyzers

From an environmental standpoint, electrolyzers producing green hydrogen can enable significant greenhouse gas reductions, according to a 2022 study published in the journal Sustainable Energy and Fuels.

“Hydrogen powered by offshore wind results in a twentyfold (93–97%) reduction in GHG footprint compared to grey hydrogen and a reduction of 76–94% compared to blue hydrogen,” the study details. “Using solar PV for hydrogen production…equates to a 62–85% reduction compared to grey hydrogen and is in the same range as blue hydrogen (34% increase to 73% reduction in GHG emissions compared to blue hydrogen…).”

Relatedly, a 2019 study published in the journal of Applied Energy concludes that “hydrogen production via proton exchange membrane water electrolysis is a promising technology to reduce CO2 emissions of the hydrogen sector by up to 75%, if the electrolysis system runs exclusively on electricity generated from renewable energy sources.”

O. Performance Metrics of Electrolyzers

While many performance metrics exist for electrolyzers, two are particularly important: efficiency and durability.

Many factors influence the performance metrics of electrolyzers’ efficiency level, which tallies an average of 61%, according to U.S. Department of Energy statistics.

They include electrolyte quality, electrical resistance of the electrolyte, the type of electrode material used, pressure applied for the current within the electrolyzer, varying types of separator materials, and applied electricity voltage waveform.

A 2017 study also concluded that “The efficiency of water electrolysis at 350°C/100 bars increased about 17%, compared with that at 80°C/1 bar,” meaning higher temperatures have demonstrably made electrolyzers more efficient.

And for durability, Plug’s PEM electrolyzer has a life expectancy of 80,000 hours, a world-leading figure.

P. Quality Control in Electrolyzer Production

Testing procedures in place within the electrolyzer production process ensure quality control in the final product. And Plug has taken a leadership role in quality control mechanisms, participating in the May 2021 International Meeting on Fuel Cell and Electrolyzer Quality Control hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Robust certification standards for green hydrogen also exist, ensuring the product is as green as advertised and marketed, as well as safe.

One of the bodies overseeing safety is the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydrogen Safety Panel, which maintains the H2 Tools website. In place since 2003, the Panel’s current members include those representing the public and private sectors. The agency has also published a 195-page Hydrogen Equipment Certification Guide, which acts as a domestic companion to the international International Organization for Standardization safety standards for “Hydrogen generators using water electrolysis — Industrial, commercial, and residential applications.”

Similarly, the Switzerland-based Green Hydrogen Organization also maintains a Green Hydrogen Standard seal of authority and certification for hydrogen production to ensure sustainable practices, while the International Renewable Energy Agency has laid out best practices for creating Green Hydrogen Certification.

Q. Regulatory Landscape for Electrolyzers

Electrolyzers are spreading globally, most robustly at the moment in the U.S. and East Asia. That said, 26 countries have either regulatory architecture or policy roadmaps in place to promote hydrogen production, the International Energy Agency’s “Global Hydrogen Review 2022” report has laid out.

In Plug’s home country, the United States, electrolyzers got a major win via the Inflation Reduction Act passed in 2022. The law gave a stamp of approval to the green hydrogen production market by implementing a new Clean Hydrogen Production Tax Credit, a ten-year tax credit (known as 45V) yielding up to $3.00 per kilogram of hydrogen production.

Marsh, of the legislation’s passage, stated that the “passage of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 represents our country’s commitment to creating a cleaner future with green hydrogen.”

R. Scaling Up Electrolyzer Technology

While electrolyzer technology is on the rise, manufacturing challenges still do exist to ensure the devices penetrate major regional and global markets. The number one challenge is cost.

A 2020 paper by The Electrochemical Society points to “both the upfront capital expense as well as the operating cost incurred over the product life.” This includes the “high cost of system and cell stack materials, which need to be durable for up to 100,000 [hours]” and “the lack of a robust supply chain for high volume manufacturing to further drive down cost through economies of scale.”

Yet, the paper also notes that PEM electrolyzer technology utilized by Plug is the furthest along and serves as a case study for a “relevant pathway for industrial scale hydrogen generation with tremendous opportunity for continuing cost reduction.”

While capital production costs are one barrier, the other is infrastructure for moving the product to market. As noted above, the biggest current barrier is lack of pipeline infrastructure to efficiently move green hydrogen to market. Increased infrastructure for carrying the product on the roads, too, is needed.

S. Yield Optimization in Electrolyzers

A crucial component to maximize the production value embedded in green hydrogen-producing electrolyzers, over the years, has been to tinker with them to optimize the yield of green hydrogen produced.

One study pointed out that the “efficiency of the PV-electrolysis system was optimized by matching the voltage and maximum power output of the photovoltaics to the operating voltage of proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers,” continuing, “The optimization process increased the hydrogen generation efficiency to 12% for a solar powered PV-PEM electrolyzer that could supply enough hydrogen to operate a fuel cell vehicle.”

Another way of tinkering is through the materials that become electrolyzer components.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory is currently performing research on higher performance catalysts and “new materials for water splitting.” Two large-scale research projects remain ongoing in that vein within the Laboratory: the Liquid Sunlight Alliance Hub and the HydroGEN Advanced Water-Splitting Materials Consortium.

But it’s catalyst materials that have been of particular interest for those studying optimization of green hydrogen electrolyzers.

“The number of catalyst materials studied for green hydrogen production has increased over the past decade, while the number of materials studied for use in hydrogen storage and fuel cell production has fallen, consistent with their relative levels of technical maturity,” a 2022 study published by the American Chemical Society details.

T. Zero-Emission Hydrogen Production with Electrolyzers

Green hydrogen made from electrolyzers could be a game-changer for climate change as the market for it flourishes globally. But with every great opportunity also comes challenges.

While the opportunity is bountiful, the challenge of truly hitting the jackpot comes down to the age-old infrastructure question.

“For green hydrogen to achieve commercialization as a carbon-free fuel, the industry must overcome the classic chicken-and-egg dilemma:  putting in place the needed infrastructure – including hydrogen transport, hydrogen vehicle refueling stations, and end users equipped to use hydrogen – before hydrogen production is fully scaled,” Leidos, a defense contracting and information services company, explained in a 2021 blog post. “There is less incentive to construct the supporting infrastructure and deploy end-user technologies if the hydrogen production facilities are not available and vice versa.”

Other challenges include finding suitable places for placing electrolyzers, energy loss throughout the value chain, as well as water costs.

U. Techno-Economic Analysis of Electrolyzers

According to techno-economic analyses, which measure and evaluate forward-looking economic performances of assessed technologies, can achieve parity with fossil fuel-based hydrogen between 2025 and 2040.

And in comparing electrolyzer types to one another, the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE has concluded that the total cost of ownership of a PEM electrolyzer totals one-third that of alkaline electrolyzer.

V. Utility-Scale Electrolyzers

For green hydrogen electrolyzers to achieve material scale, integration with the existing renewable energy utilities grid will be of utmost importance.

The Climate Council — funded by financial services companies such as Blackstone, Blackrock, Capital One, and J.P. Morgan, as well as the World Bank Group — opines that “Expanding renewable generation capacity to first and foremost deliver electricity to grids should be the priority for where wind or solar power are directed.”

Fortunately, doing so is feasible, according to a 2022 review article covering the integration of green hydrogen electrolyzers with solar and wind projects published by the journal Environmental Science and Pollution Research.

The article concluded that “authorities must enhance their energy budget to encourage green hydrogen” and that “increasing production would need developing hydrogen infrastructure, a massive effort that requires a solid plan and political backing.”

“Therefore, the authorities should collaborate with recognized firms in creating green hydrogen infrastructure to develop a strategic plan for green hydrogen’s success in the market and the expansion of such infrastructure,” the study concludes.

As explained above in “H,” power-to-gas applications can also serve as a means of linking green hydrogen to the electricity grid on the back end. Excess heat generated from the electrolysis process can be fed onto it as a zero-carbon fuel source.

Power Magazine reported that, as of 2019, “About 143 power-to-gas projects producing hydrogen and/or methane have operated since 1988 in 22 countries.” A list of all existing power-to-gas projects as of September 2019 can be seen here.

W. Value Chain of Electrolyzers

Electrolyzers do not come about by magic, despite their mystique. Instead, they require a bevy of resources to come to fruition.

• Raw Materials: The production of electrolyzers requires raw materials such as metals (e.g., platinum, nickel), polymer membranes, catalysts, and other specialized materials.
• Components: Various components are needed for electrolyzer assembly, including electrodes (anode and cathode), proton exchange membranes (PEM), bipolar plates, gas diffusion layers, current collectors, and electrical connections.
• Human capital: Used in the manufacturing process, for quality control, shipping, installation, operation and maintenance.
• Distribution: Hydrogen can be transported via various means, such as pipelines, cryogenic tanker trucks, or shipping containers, to reach end-users.

X. Water Management in Electrolyzers

Management of water, as in the production of anything in an era of increasing water scarcity, is top of mind in utilizing electrolyzers. In that vein, Plug’s PEM electrolyzers make use of Industrial water.

It differs from drinking water, used in industries such as smelting facilities, petroleum refineries, as well as the food, paper, and chemical industries. Plug utilizes a water filtration process to remove calcium, magnesium, and other mineral deposits that would poison the electrolysis process.

Over 910,000 liters of water are used to manufacture 75,000 kilograms of hydrogen per day. This equates to the water used on a large dairy farm, though is less than used to grow alfalfa or almonds en masse.

Importantly and most notably, the green hydrogen electrolysis process uses less water than all major electricity production methods besides geothermal.

Y. Plug’s Role in the Electrolyzer Industry

Plug has built out its electrolyzer production capacity to meet a historical moment for green hydrogen demand, as countries and businesses make a generational shift to renewable energy in accordance with midcentury “net zero” emissions climate goals.

Among other things, Plug stands ready to clean up currently greenhouse gas-emitting industries, such as ammonia and methanol.

Plug produces three different electrolyzer products, while it can also produce built-to-order and custom-engineered products, produced in facilities located both in the U.S. and Europe.

In 2022 alone, Plug’s electrolyzers have helped both Canadian and Hungarian oil companies clean up their refinery operations, teamed up with Danish and French hydrogen companies to construct both countries’ largest ever green hydrogen electrolyzer facilities, and signed a 120-megawatt electrolyzer deal to produce green hydrogen along the Gulf Coast. The 1 GW deal with the Denmark-based company H2 Energy Europe is the largest ever signed in history.

In March 2023, Plug also signed a deal with a Netherlands-based energy company to book 100 MW of green hydrogen electrolyzers to power its facilities located at the Port of Rotterdam.

By mid-decade, Plug aims to produce 500 tons per day of green hydrogen at facilities across the U.S. and globally across five continents.

For a more extensive look under the hood at a Plug electrolyzer production facility and what can be achieved within, check out the video below. And to learn more about how our team can help you produce green hydrogen to fuel your needs, please touch base with our electrolyzer team.

Z. Conclusion

Electrolyzers are the bread-and-butter for the growth of green hydrogen and a more sustainable energy future, particularly in tough to decarbonize sectors.

And the future looks bright for the technology. Bloomberg has reported that the outlook looks bright for electrolyzers, comparing it to the “hockey stick”-like growth seen in the past decade for solar energy’s ascent.

“Measured by the amount of power the machines consume, worldwide electrolyzer sales doubled from 200 megawatts in 2020 to 458 in 2021,” the publication reported in 2022. “They’re expected to triple this year, reaching anywhere from 1,839 megawatts to 2,464 megawatts.”

The International Energy Agency has reiterated the hockey stick thesis, hypothesizing that after reaching a global electrolyzer capacity of 8 GW per year in 2022, that could spike to 134 to 240 GW by 2030.

BloombergNEF has estimated even higher at 242 GW, noting that it believes Plug will sit among a select few companies “leading the manufacturing” of electrolyzers during that period. “Cumulatively, around $130 billion will be spent on electrolyzers between now and 2030,” the research company explained, calling what lay ahead for green hydrogen “breakneck growth.”

Plug, with its PEM electrolyzer stack technology, stands ready to champion green hydrogen and work with partners current and prospective to equip them with electrolyzers to produce the fuel.

To discuss your electrolyzer project, contact us here.

The post Hydrogen Electrolyzers 101: Why They Matter for Sustainable Energy first appeared on Plug Power.

The post Hydrogen Electrolyzers 101: Why They Matter for Sustainable Energy appeared first on Plug Power.

For 25 years, Plug’s foundation has exemplified responsible environmental and social governance that incorporates thoughtful decision-making in every corner of the company. Plug is proud to be a leader in the expansion of the hydrogen economy, which has the power to help decarbonize various sectors as world leaders work toward net-zero goals. Today, Plug owns key elements of the broader hydrogen value chain – fuel cells, hydrogen infrastructure, electrolyzers, green hydrogen and liquefaction. This is the culmination of our long-term strategy to create momentum, wherein the growth of each of our product lines compounds and impacts others, scaling hydrogen infrastructure quickly and efficiently. Our foundation has always been built on responsible environmental and social governance, and the company is proud to lead by example in the expansion of the green hydrogen economy. 

In this year’s report, which you can read in full here, we share the company’s achievements and milestones towards ESG made in 2022. The report highlights the company’s commitment to responsible environmental and social governance, its efforts to diversify and decarbonize the energy industry, and its contribution to global efforts toward achieving net-zero goals. The letter sheds light on Plug’s operational milestones, its efforts toward tracking its Scope 1 and 2 emissions, its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the findings from our first qualitative climate risk and opportunity assessment.  

Plug’s mission is centered around the goal of facilitating the widespread adoption of hydrogen as an alternative energy source. By making it easier for businesses to switch to hydrogen, Plug is helping to drive the transition towards a greener, more sustainable economy. In pursuit of this mission, Plug is constantly evaluating its impact on society and the environment, and striving to minimize negative effects. With a recognition of the urgent need to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, Plug is committed to the development and implementation of hydrogen fuel cells as a cleaner alternative. Through these efforts, Plug is making a significant contribution towards the ongoing effort to reduce our carbon footprint and create a more sustainable future for all.

In 2022, we conducted a materiality assessment with the assistance of Big 4 accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers to gain an understanding of which ESG topics were most relevant for us and our stakeholders. In addition to developing a greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory, Plug has also started collecting water usage data. As a key input in the electrolyzer process, it is paramount that Plug understands its water consumption and its effects on local communities.

Our hydrogen generation facilities will play a crucial role in the decarbonization of heavy industries, and we’re rapidly expanding hydrogen infrastructure. Our first green hydrogen plant in Georgia is set to commence hydrogen production on schedule at the end of the second quarter. However, this is just the beginning – by 2025, Plug will be producing 500 tons of hydrogen per day here in the U.S. We are also constructing green hydrogen plants in Europe, including significant projects at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and in collaboration with our partner Acciona in Spain. All our plants will employ Plug electrolyzers and Plug cryogenic equipment to produce and deliver liquid hydrogen using Plug trailers.

Through this report, we demonstrate Plug’s ability to scale the hydrogen economy, as carbon-intensive industries around the world seek to decarbonize and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. Plug remains committed to being the unmatched leader in the green hydrogen economy, and will continue to build the dream of a sustainable future.

The post Creating the World’s First Green Hydrogen Ecosystem: Plug Publishes 2022 ESG Report first appeared on Plug Power.

The post Creating the World’s First Green Hydrogen Ecosystem: Plug Publishes 2022 ESG Report appeared first on Plug Power.

As an energy resource quickly emerging globally, green hydrogen has received attention for its ability to decarbonize tough greenhouse gas-intensive sectors such as ammonia production and reliable backup electricity power as the world shifts from fossil fuel dependency.

Many view green hydrogen, a fuel for which Plug serves as a global leading provider of turnkey solutions, as crucial for countries and companies to meet mid-century “net zero” greenhouse gas emissions targets. The energy consultancy Rhodium Group, among others, has referred to green hydrogen as the “swiss army knife of long-term decarbonization.”

Yet, though a consensus has grown that green hydrogen will play a key role in assisting governmental and private sector sustainability goals due to its wide-ranging applications, some common myths and misconceptions still persist. These include its purported high costs, lack of scalability, questionable green credentials, safety hazards, unproven technological readiness, heavy water usage, challenged versatility and reliability, and more.

One-by-one, this blog post will separate fact from fiction on green hydrogen for these claims and debunk common myths about this crucial fuel of the future.

Myth #1: Green Hydrogen is Not Cost-Effective

One major myth about green hydrogen made by its detractors is that it is unduly costly. Those costs, the argument goes, will inhibit rapid systemwide and global uptake of the energy resource.

That’s the narrative. And then there’s reality.

On the market, green hydrogen has already at times been cheaper than natural gas in Europe. In the U.S, too, green hydrogen got a major boost via the Inflation Reduction Act’s passage. The law offers $3/kg in tax incentives for producers of the fuel for projects built through 2032, known as the 45V credit. The law also has earmarked $30 billion in subsidies for the hydrogen sector.

Globally, researchers from the European Technology and Innovation Platform for Photovoltaics have concluded that by 2030, green hydrogen produced via solar energy will outcompete natural gas-based forms of hydrogen on a unit-by-unit costs basis. And BloombergNEF has analyzed that the same could happen across the board, not just limited to solar, by 2050.

Some have painted the picture of an even more rapid timeline.

For example, the consultancy ICF Climate Center has concluded that “green hydrogen could reach [cost] parity with more greenhouse-gas intensive ways of making the gas in as little as the next decade,” Axios reported, a projection on par with one made by researchers in a 2019 article published in the prestigious journal Nature Energy.

While some have made end of the decade predictions, others have hastened the timeline. Among them, the environmental advocacy group Rocky Mountain Institute predicted in a 2021 report that “Green hydrogen production costs could fall below $2 per kilogram in many locations in the next five years.” RMI further stated that “Similar to cost decline track records of solar PV, wind power, and other emerging energy solutions, it is expected that electrolyzer plant capital cost will drop significantly as installed capacity increases and over time.”

The think-tank Rethink Energy is even more bullish, gleaning that in 2022 that by 2024, green hydrogen could outcompete fossil fuel-based hydrogen on a price point basis.

Energy consultancy Wood Mackenzie has also concluded that by 2030 in many parts of the U.S., the price of hydrogen could drop to $1/kg and $2/kg in many others. Currently, the price is $5/kg. Globally, PricewaterhouseCoopers expects similar price drops to take place by 2050.

Myth #2: Green Hydrogen is Not Scalable

Many also point to issues with scaling green hydrogen, tied to the costs cited above, but also current lack of infrastructure and uptake among various sectors. Yet, experts have drawn diametrically different conclusions about green hydrogen’s near-term scalability and technological readiness.

In a 2022 report, Goldman Sachs predicted that by 2030, there would be between 65 and 180 GW of green hydrogen electrolyzer capacity, which “represents a remarkable 200-600 fold increase” compared to what existed on the report’s release date. And by 2050, in a jointly written report published by the Hydrogen Council and McKinsey & Company in November 2021 before the Inflation Reduction Act passed, the authors surmised that in 2050 between 60-80% of all global hydrogen production will be of the green variety.

Rhodium Group, citing green hydrogen-friendly policy in the U.S. context, has further pointed to the history of the rapid scaling of wind and solar as instructive.

“How fast can electrolyzers scale up?,” Rhodium asked in a March 2023 policy brief. “During their fastest 10-year periods of scale-up this century, utility-scale wind installations grew by an average of 42% per year, and utility-scale solar installations grew by an average of 97% per year.”

To that point, Goldman Sachs predicts that by 2050, that number will jump to 25% and that green hydrogen will be a sector worth $10 trillion.

And in its report “Hydrogen costs 2021: getting ready to scale,” Wood Mackenzie states that — owing to the price drop in electrolyzers, for which Plug serves as an industry leading producer and marketer — the Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzer technology Plug uses earned strong ratings for its ability to drive costs down further in the 2020’s. That’s due to attributes unique to PEM technology such as modularity, manufacturing automation, and materials costs. Overall, PwC gave PEM fuel cells the strongest ratings for their array of cost reduction drivers.

Myth #3: Green Hydrogen Production is Unsustainable

When dependent on fossil fuels, the science shows skepticism is warranted on hydrogen. But that is not the case for green hydrogen, which utilizes carbon-free non-fossil fuel energy sources such as wind, solar, and bioenergy in manufacturing the fuel.

Columbia University’s Climate School points out that for hard to abate sectors, transitioning to green hydrogen will be crucial for meeting global climate goals set under the 2015 Paris Agreement.

“Energy efficiency, renewable power, and direct electrification can reduce emissions from electricity production and a portion of transportation; but the last 15 percent or so of the economy, comprising aviation, shipping, long-distance trucking and concrete and steel manufacturing, is difficult to decarbonize because these sectors require high energy density fuel or intense heat,” Columbia details. “Green hydrogen could meet these needs.”

Myth #4: Green Hydrogen is Unsafe

Due to movies and other false depictions, hydrogen has sometimes received a depiction as an unsafe fuel. Its stellar safety track record says otherwise, though.

While combustible like nearly every other liquid-based energy resource, hydrogen’s flammability is not up for question. Compared to natural gas and oil, though, hydrogen dissipates far more quickly. And because it’s not a hydrocarbon flame laced with a wide range of carcinogenic chemical compounds, the risk of a secondary fire is far lower than for petrochemicals and natural gas liquids.

While hydrogen is a much smaller molecule than the methane in natural gas, as a case in point, studies conclude it leaks from pipes at roughly the same rate. Given it’s 14 times lighter than air, it escapes into the air and floats away, while natural gas pools near the leak and creates an explosion hazard. And not only an explosion hazard: natural gas leaks also create a major public health risk including exposure to chemical toxin compounds, a risk that does not exist with hydrogen due to its non-toxicity and propensity to float away.

Compared to gasoline, natural gas, uranium, jet fuel, and diesel, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Technologies Office has written that “a number of hydrogen’s properties make it safer to handle and use than the fuels commonly used today.”

Environmental advocacy group Natural Resources Defense Council has also lauded green hydrogen’s safety accolades.

“To evaluate hydrogen’s safety, it must be compared to that of other conventional fuels like gasoline, propane, and diesel,” NRDC has stated. “While no fuel is 100 percent safe, green hydrogen has been shown to be safer than conventional fuels in a multitude of aspects.”

Plug additionally takes safety seriously, having maintained a sterling track record and active membership in the Center for Hydrogen Safety for the past quarter century to keep up with and advance industrial best practices.

Myth #5: Green Hydrogen Technology is Immature

Pointing to what is today a tiny niche green hydrogen global market, some skeptics of the energy resource say this indicates lack of technological readiness and maturity.

In reality, the technology is here and it is a matter of creating incentives and deploying it. The Rocky Mountain Institute has compared the technology’s state of play to an “S Curve.”

What’s an S Curve, you ask? RMI details that it means technological growth that starts “slow at first, then rapidly [rises], before flattening out again as it reaches market saturation.”

“We are now observing increased policy action, corporate commitments, and investments on both supply and demand sides in green hydrogen markets,” RMI further stated why it believes green hydrogen has achieved S-Curve status. “The decreasing costs of renewables are rapidly reducing the cost of green hydrogen. These are all signals of the third phase, when an innovation advances from pilot projects to the creation of new markets by linking early supply and demand.”

A sign of the technology’s maturity and marketwide appetite therein, Plug manufactured a company and industry record high 122 megawatts of green hydrogen electrolyzers in the first quarter of 2023 alone.

Myth #6: Green Hydrogen is Inefficient

Hydrogen fuel cells are generally between 40% to 60% energy efficient, U.S. Department of Energy data shows. This compares favorably to a car’s internal combustion engine, running at about 25% energy efficiency.

It is true, however, that Plug’s hydrogen fuel cells are less efficient than battery technology. Crucially though, efficiency is not the only metric that matters when examining enterprise-scale use of a technology.

Fuel cells boost productivity favorably compared to batteries due to their ability to operate in wider temperature ranges and utilize shorter refueling time needs. Further, they have roughly 25% greater range when used within automobiles. These attributes, when applied to Plug’s industry-leading deployment of fuel cell forklifts, boost warehouse productivity (and yes, overall efficiency) by up to 15%.

Myth #7: Green Hydrogen Production Requires Too Much Water

Though some have erroneously argued that green hydrogen is water guzzling, it is actually a far less water-intense energy production mode than its fossil fuel counterparts. It has won praise, for example, from climate advocates such as the Environmental Working Group.

“The clean energy solution that could succeed in curbing carbon emissions, saving ratepayers money on their power bills and reducing adverse impacts on water supplies, is green hydrogen,” writes EWG. “It is the best way to produce hydrogen, separating hydrogen from oxygen in water using wind, solar or hydro.”

“The freshwater consumption from this volume of hydrogen production would be less than one percent of current total global freshwater consumption,” EWG detailed in pointing to the data.

In a 2021 study published in the journal Fuel Cells Bulletin, the authors agreed with EWG’s water assessment, while also noting that “Benefits will also accrue for the water sector, including improving the efficiency of wastewater treatment, oxygenating…water bodies, improving the provision of drinking water supplies in arid regions, and making better use of the seawater resource.”

Plug, when compared to power producers of other energy resources, also utilizes less water than most other energy sources.

Myth #8: Green Hydrogen is not versatile enough

Compared to other renewable energy resources, green hydrogen is among the most versatile of the genre. Unlike other renewable energy sources, too, green hydrogen does not suffer from intermittency like solar and wind energy.

Green hydrogen has earned the “Swiss army knife” moniker, with across-the-board functionality. Green hydrogen applications include primary or backup power, mobility ranging from forklifts to heavy haul vehicles, fueling infrastructure, robotics such as drones, microgrids, green methanol production, and far more.

Myth #9: Green Hydrogen is Unreliable

Hydrogen, counter to some claims, is a highly reliable fuel. In fact, its reliability surpasses that of batteries in very hot or cold weather conditions, while Plug’s PEM fuel cells are engineered to ensure maximum robustness — an operational “sweet spot” ensuring durability and reliability over longer time periods.

At Plug’s 2022 Symposium, the frozen foods warehousing and logistics company, FreezPak noted that it has saved 31.5% in electricity since beginning its partnership with Plug in 2014 due to this reliability.

The reliability of Plug’s hydrogen fuel cells also saves time, which equals money. Swapping batteries can take up to 15 to 20 minutes per battery. By contrast, refueling hydrogen fuel cells takes less than three minutes.

Myth #10: Green Hydrogen is Incompatible with Existing Infrastructure

Another big overarching myth about hydrogen is that it is not compatible with current infrastructure. It is true, in large part, that more infrastructure buildout is needed to market green hydrogen, something Plug hasn’t shied away from stating.

In July 2022 congressional testimony, Plug COE Andy Marsh called for “a vastly more expansive [hydrogen pipeline] system…akin to that of the more than 2 million miles of natural gas pipeline in the United States” as a means of scaling the U.S. green hydrogen industry. By juxtaposition, 1,600 miles of hydrogen pipelines crisscross the U.S. today.

Yet, as Plug and its peers await more pipeline capacity, scientists have concluded that even current natural gas pipeline capacity can be utilized to move the product when blended with natural gas. Further, hydrogen can also currently be moved in trucks— including those designed by Plug — and potentially rail, as well.

As it awaits a more robust green hydrogen infrastructure boom, Plug has not stood on the sidelines. Instead, Plug has taken a global lead in realizing myriad green hydrogen use cases to lay the groundwork for a much-needed hydrogen logistics infrastructure boom.

Correcting the Record on Green Hydrogen

Green hydrogen cannot only help the world achieve its mid-century goals, as highlighted here, but also more accelerated decadal ones. Not merely a fuel far off into the horizon, green hydrogen can reliably and safely power myriad facets of society today.

Its capacity to do so has grown as governments create climate policy plans propelling the fuel from the periphery to the epicenter. It can also help the world stave off water scarcity issues, one of the key issues facing humanity alongside climate change.

Yet, some have called green hydrogen’s well-documented efficacy into question, creating narratives that could be harmful to developing a fuel source crucial for fast-tracking the much-needed energy transition as climate change impacts lock in. This article stands as a long-term corrective to combat these misconceptions.

Thank you for reading this article and please see our “Hydrogen 101” blog post, which offers an A to Z list to drill down on more of the topics covered here. And to learn more about our hydrogen and fuel cell products, please contact us! We’d love to hear from you.

The post Green Hydrogen Myths Debunked: Separating Fact from Fiction first appeared on Plug Power.

The post Green Hydrogen Myths Debunked: Separating Fact from Fiction appeared first on Plug Power.

Moreover, major companies have presented a total of 23 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) outlining their intended collaborations in clean-tech initiatives in Korea, such as hydrogen, nuclear, and sustainable technology. One such MOU, jointly signed by Plug, SK, GE Global Gas Turbine, and Korea Ship Building, is a four-way commitment to drive the growth of the hydrogen economy in Korea. Each entity will play a specific role in this collaboration:

• SK will spearhead a comprehensive blue hydrogen program in Korea.

• Plug will bring technical expertise, manufacturing capabilities, and research and development in hydrogen-based applications.

• Korea Ship Building will construct ships that will transport liquefied natural gas and capture CO2 in Australia.

• GE Turbine will provide hydrogen to gas turbine technology for Korean plants, with the ultimate aim of commercializing this technology.

The meeting, hosted by the US Chamber of Commerce, included speeches by the Secretary of Commerce, President Yoon and the CEO of the US Chamber of Commerce. There were also representatives from various US and Korean companies attending an action-oriented business round table.

The post Plug Joins SK and Others to Present Clean-Tech Investment Pledges to South Korean President first appeared on Plug Power.

The post Plug Joins SK and Others to Present Clean-Tech Investment Pledges to South Korean President appeared first on Plug Power.

Ammonia is a fundamentally crucial fuel source serving as the key input for nitrogen fertilizers used in food production.

Just how important is ammonia? The International Energy Agency (IEA) has concluded that about 70% of the production of it, a chemical compound combining nitrogen and hydrogen into NH3 via the Haber-Bosch process, is used as fertilizer inputs for crops such as wheat and corn globally. In the U.S., that figure is even higher at 90%.

But though a lynchpin for putting food on the table, ammonia producers also currently rely heavily upon natural gas to churn it out. And ammonia resultantly currently outputs 1.3% of all CO2 emissions, as well as 2% of global energy consumption. To understand why, here are some basics about how ammonia production works.

Ammonia production via Haber-Bosch, the process utilizing a metal catalyst under high temperatures and pressures, is fueled by natural gas. So much natural gas consumption takes place within that process that it totals 3 to 5% of the world’s natural gas production and 1-2% of the world’s energy supply at-large, according to a 2021 study published in the journal Joule.

With 70% of all ammonia currently being made from natural gas, and the rest coming from coal, production under the status quo fuels climate change. The EIA has surmised that non-green ammonia is “twice as emissions-intensive as crude steel production and four times that of cement, on a direct CO2 emissions basis.”

But Plug, via its Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzers, can mitigate the greenhouse gas emissions currently embedded in ammonia production and make the vital food-making ammonia fertilizer more sustainable. With stakeholders pushing for industrial actors to green their production processes, Plug’s technology capably aids producers in decarbonizing the chemical compound into green ammonia. 

Plug’s electrolyzers use electricity to produce hydrogen from water molecules in a process called electrolysis. The only byproduct in this process is oxygen, compared to traditional steam-methane reformation (SMR), which splits out hydrogen from natural gas and yields significant greenhouse gas emissions.

Benefits of Plug’s PEM Electrolyzers for Ammonia

Contrasting with the SMR ammonia production process, Plug’s electrolyzers are not only better for the planet, but also will cut costs in the future as the forecasted commodity price of natural gas continues to rise as those of renewables fall.

The opportunity is a major one for green hydrogen and green ammonia, with 43.5% of all global hydrogen consumption currently taking place in producing ammonia. And as global prices have risen, driven by geopolitical pressures, adoption of green ammonia has also increased.

U.S. Energy Information Administration data from May 2022 show the price of ammonia in the U.S. had risen by a factor of six times in the two years prior due to the international natural gas markets price shock.

These pricing dynamics have exhibited a willingness by buyers to purchase green ammonia as an alternative.

For instance, green ammonia made via electrolysis receives a per ton offer price of more than six times that of conventional ammonia from a CF Industries-owned Louisiana facility. Yara Fertilizers, too, has recently stated global natural gas prices have prompted several plant closures. American farmers have also mulled crop-switching to lower the pricing burden.

In addition to cost-savings, hydrogen generated from Plug’s electrolyzer products is pressurized upfront to reduce downstream compression demands. This pressurization alone reduces energy consumption required for green ammonia production by 2-5% while lowering power consumption by roughly a factor of two, further reducing compression costs. This cuts costs and emissions simultaneously.

Overall, using green hydrogen in ammonia production can lower the agricultural sector’s CO2 emissions by nearly 90%, Yale Environment 360 reported in 2022. As a whole, the agriculture sector currently contributes 11% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions and 18.4% of the global inventory.

Put succinctly, to cut costs and carbon, green ammonia produced from Plug’s electrolyzers is the way to go.

Green Ammonia Benefits, Challenges

Plug is a leading green hydrogen company, proliferating multi-applications fuel cells technology, and manufacturing electrolyzers.

Like our electrolyzers’ ability to produce green methanol — boosting the sustainability of solvent, antifreeze, and synthetic fuels production — the technology can also help the world meet its greenhouse gas reduction goals while still feeding a growing global population. Increasingly, too, green ammonia is seen as an emerging viable shipping fuel.

Green ammonia production, for all its abounding opportunities, also comes with some challenges.

The World Economic Forum has concluded that the biggest current challenge in scaling green ammonia is cost competitiveness with natural gas. As renewables like green hydrogen achieve a similar price point, the business leadership coalition has concluded that “the existing ammonia market would be opened up to a whole new set of users and thus, buyers.”

Ammonia producers are not just talking about the future benefits of electrolysis-based hydrogen. They are planning and developing projects right now. Green ammonia projects make up a significant portion of Plug’s electrolyzer sales pipeline, with projects from pilot to full-scale across multiple continents being discussed.

To learn more details about how Plug’s PEM electrolyzers can both boost and green your ammonia production needs, check out our white paper and please touch base with our electrolyzers team! 

The post The Potential of Plug’s PEM Electrolyzers: Decarbonizing Ammonia Production first appeared on Plug Power.

The post The Potential of Plug’s PEM Electrolyzers: Decarbonizing Ammonia Production appeared first on Plug Power.

The company has set ambitious goals to build the world’s first end-to-end green hydrogen ecosystem and achieve 500TPD of green hydrogen generation in North America by 2025 and 1,000TPD globally by 2028. With 200TPD expected to be commissioned by the end of 2023, the organizational structure must support these objectives.

Sanjay Shrestha, Plug’s General Manager, Energy Solutions & Chief Strategy Officer, is responsible for the construction, production, management, and sales of green hydrogen plants and electrolyzers. The company plans to leverage synergies between plant construction and the sale of electrolyzers, liquefiers, and cryogenic trailers.

Meryl Mallery, Vice President of Engineering, is responsible for product development for the entire business, with a focus on driving innovation to create the next generation of MEA and stack technologies. One of the key organizational changes is the centralization of their engineering organization. By joining together as one team, they can attack challenges with agility and high quality, design and develop innovative products, and lead the green hydrogen market.

Dave Mindnich, Executive Vice President of Global Manufacturing, is responsible for all global manufacturing, fabrication, and procurement of Plug’s products. With a thorough understanding of the frontline workforce impact, Mindnich is building a solutions-oriented team that continues to push the boundaries of innovation. Plug’s global service organization provides frontline support and industry-leading hydrogen expertise to customers all over the world. As our business continues to grow, the company recognizes the importance of aligning as one highly-efficient team to deliver consistent and reliable lifecycle services.

Finally, Jose Luis Crespo continues to play a key role in Plug’s global success, serving as General Manager for Applications & Global Key Accounts. Under his leadership, Plug has made significant strides in fuel cell adoption, starting with deploying more than 60,000 fuel cells in material handling equipment – and looking ahead to deploying Plug’s fuel cell products into other global applications, including stationary power and on-road vehicle markets.  

In conclusion, Plug’s organizational structure supports our vision of designing and developing innovative products, improving project prioritization and delivery, protecting product development, and leveraging talent and product synergies across teams. With our talented and dedicated team, Plug is well-positioned to achieve our goals and lead the global hydrogen ecosystem.

The post Green Hydrogen at Work: Plug Organizational Update first appeared on Plug Power.

The post Green Hydrogen at Work: Plug Organizational Update appeared first on Plug Power.

As the company behind the end-to-end green hydrogen ecosystem, Plug has spearheaded green hydrogen’s global growth, alongside fuel cells and electrolyzer technology, becoming a vertically integrated sector powerhouse.

As countries transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources under global climate goals, the wide-ranging applications of fuel cells within multiple sectors have lifted hydrogen’s profile as crucial for realizing government and corporate sustainability plans. Yet the ledger from hot prospect to robust reality, creating a method for transporting hydrogen to targeted markets must transpire.

And that’s where Plug comes into play.

To move hydrogen over long distances from Point A to Point B, liquefaction of the molecules — super-chilling the gas at -253°C into a more compact, mass marketable liquid fuel — must happen. Hydrogen liquefaction, in the years to come, could resemble that of natural gas liquefaction — also known as liquefied natural gas, or LNG. In other words, building terminals turning hydrogen into a containerized fuel that can globe trot as LH2 (liquefied hydrogen), just as LNG has upended the global energy landscape in the past decade.

Plug’s leadership in engineering and selling hydrogen liquefiers can assist countries and companies rapidly increasing uptake of a fuel source seen as strategically important for greening tough to decarbonize sectors. The International Energy Agency has pointed to green hydrogen as needing a 300-fold increase in output to achieve “net zero” greenhouse gas emissions goals by 2050.

Working Principles of Plug’s Liquefaction Technology

Plug’s hydrogen liquefaction process resembles the super-chilling technique used to yield LNG. In liquefying green hydrogen, it can be carried throughout domestic corridors across our home country in the U.S. via both pipelines and liquid hydrogen tankers carried upon trucks. Worldwide, hydrogen liquefaction can also enable carriage within liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHC), modeled after LNG supertankers.

To minimize energy loss of hydrogen as it moves from starting to end point, Plug’s engineers have collaborated with suppliers to streamline the product’s movement. Relatedly, Plug has designed its hydrogen liquefaction plants — coming in both 15 and 30 tons per day configurations — to operate over a wide ambient temperature ranges while avoiding hydrogen loss in transporting the product to market.

The video below offers a visually interactive depiction of how Plug’s liquefiers function.

Another example of Plug’s cutting-edge hydrogen liquefaction technology: while competitors require eight green hydrogen tube trailers for every 520 kilograms of the resource shipped, Plug’s LH2 tankers can ship nearly nine times the amount of the green hydrogen to market for each individual shipment. This leads to both fewer shipments and operational money saved, which when combined with other cost-savings via less energy shrinkage, also lowers capital expenditures for our project partners.

Plug’s hydrogen liquefiers increase cash flow to our partners in maximizing green hydrogen utilized to bolster climate and sustainability goals.

Benefits of Plug’s Liquefaction Technology

Included in the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022 was legislation creating a $3 per kilogram production tax credit for green hydrogen. It has created a bull market for liquefying and selling the fuel domestically and globally. Green hydrogen, under this new paradigm, now sits as cost-competitive with both gray hydrogen and diesel.

Under this newly infused economic terrain, bold action from industry leaders will help super-scale superchilling hydrogen liquefaction technology, alongside building midstream and downstream technology required for the wide-ranging adoption needed to meet global climate and sustainability goals.

Aside from the climate and sustainability imperatives presaging a path to and premise propelling passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, embodying the rationale behind the broader worldwide push to increase the technology’s nameplate capacity, great economic benefits could simultaneously accompany this climate-driven effort.

The Hydrogen Council concluded that worldwide, hydrogen’s global burgeoning could create “30 million jobs by 2050, and a $2.5 trillion annual revenue boost to economies worldwide.” And in the U.S., a 2021 McKinsey & Company study estimated that by 2030, the hydrogen sector’s growth could spawn 700,000 jobs.

Applications of Plug’s Liquefaction Technology

Comprehending the massive economic opportunity that liquefying hydrogen provides, Plug has forged ties with a number of partners, demonstrating use cases for Plug’s liquefaction technology.

In late-2022, Nikola — a company focused on manufacturing both fuel cell and battery electric vehicles, with a focus on trucks — announced a Green Hydrogen Supply Agreement that will ramp up to 125 tons of green hydrogen delivered per day from Plug to Nikola. The Agreement will include a 30 tons per day hydrogen liquefaction system at Nikola’s Arizona hydrogen hub, eventually slated for a production capacity of 150 tons per day.

And most recently, Plug formed a partnership with TC Energy to design and deliver two 30 ton-per-day liquefiers to a partner company best known for its North America-wide gas pipelines network, currently attempting to green its energy portfolio.

Broadly, Plug CEO Andy Marsh explained in a 2022 call with investors that “We are a real believer that during the next 10 years, liquid hydrogen is going to be the primary most cost-effective means of transporting hydrogen any distances.”

The partnerships formed so far and the value they will create, then, only presses play on Plug’s hydrogen liquefaction proliferation prelude.

Hydrogen Liquefaction Growing

Hydrogen liquefaction will ensure green hydrogen grows in a way similar to natural gas’ rise over the past decades. The ability to liquefy the fuel serves as a compulsory first step toward realizing the benefits of fuel fuels, their efficiency, and their numerous applications.

Plug is building green hydrogen production plants to produce 500 tons daily by 2025 — enough to ensure fuel supply to our customers and then some.

While an ambitious goal at face-value, 1,000 tons per day equates to 10,000 Class 8 trucks or 600 megawatts of stationary backup power of hydrogen fuel cells. A great starting point for sure, but also only a harbinger of far more to come.

To learn more about Plug’s liquefaction technology, please check out our white paper and our liquefier technological specifications materials. And for a more interactive discussion on these matters, please check this recent podcast interview on H2Tech with Sanjay Shrestha, Chief Strategy Officer for Plug, focused on our liquefaction technology’s present and future.  

And if you’re intrigued with what you see, please contact us to learn more about our custom-fit solutions for your hydrogen liquefaction needs.

The post Harnessing the Power of Plug’s Liquefaction Technology first appeared on Plug Power.

The post Harnessing the Power of Plug’s Liquefaction Technology appeared first on Plug Power.

Yaswanth Sai Palaghat has a big job at Plug. But, since joining the company just three months ago — he’s already achieved a lot. Palaghat is the SEO manager where he is tasked with analyzing web data to increase search traffic with the goal of properly educating the public about green hydrogen and the need to decarbonize our world.

Palaghat said he joined Plug because he wanted to be a part of a company changing how we consume energy and the type of energy we consume.

“What excites me about hydrogen and fuel cells is their potential to revolutionize the way we produce and consume energy,” Palaghat said. “With the world facing a growing demand for energy and a need to reduce carbon emissions, hydrogen and fuel cells provide a clean and efficient alternative to traditional fossil fuels.”

Aside from raising awareness about green energy solutions, Palaghat said he’s learned a lot along the way.

“Since I have started my career recently with Plug, I have come across many learnings in this short period,” Palaghat said. “I am excited to be a part of a field that has the potential to create a more sustainable future for us all.”

Interested in joining Plug, visit our Careers page here.

The post GreenH2@Work Employee Spotlight: Yaswanth Sai Palaghat first appeared on Plug Power.

The post GreenH2@Work Employee Spotlight: Yaswanth Sai Palaghat appeared first on Plug Power.

With a variety of applications, fuel cell technology enables electricity production for anything ranging from commercial vehicles and at ports, and from stationary back-up power for microgrids to hydrogen fuel cells-powered forklifts driving warehouse efficiencies.

Here are five quick takeaways drilling down on why fuel cells will fuel the future in a variety of venues.

Benefit 1: Zero-Emission Power

Specifically, Plug utilizes and manufactures proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell devices, with mid-range temperature functionality, offering power production opportunities across a wide range of use cases and product offerings. For fuel cells 101, check out the video below. 

Superseding all fuel cell benefits are their trump card: They do not emit greenhouse gasses nor other co-pollutants into the atmosphere, but instead benign by-products such as heat and water. With governments, the private sector, investors and stakeholders all aiming for mid-century “net zero” emissions targets, fuel cells’ ability to yield non-emitting electricity in hard to decarbonize and energy-intensive sectors is of paramount importance. 

And unlike batteries, fuel cells do not require storage of toxics like battery acid, an increasingly large global environmental justice issue as that technology scales. As Plug CEO Andy Marsh said in July 2022 Senate testimony, “Environmental justice is a fundamental tenet” for Plug because those communities bear “the brunt of climate change, toxic pollution, [and] adverse health effects.”

Some of Plug’s zero-emission fuel cell applications in recent years have included backup power generation for Southern Linc’s telecommunications network and a major Northern California winery, materials handling equipment such as forklifts within warehouses, as well as drones, delivery fleet vehicles, ground support vehicles at airports and other related settings, among others. Plug’s fuel cell technology within the e-mobility segment can help to reduce “middle mile” emissions, 57% of greenhouse gas emissions within U.S. transportation.

For more on the transportation emissions mitigation benefits fuel cell vehicles can usher in, check out this fact sheet published by the Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Association.

Benefit 2: Robust Reliability

Plug’s fuel cells also have a proven operational track record within tough conditions.

This has occurred particularly within bone-chillingly cold environments like warehouses requiring freezer technology to ensure maximum product freshness for their customers. Unlike batteries, whose power capacity decays and eventually completely degrades as temperatures lower, our technology can still prosper under such duress.

For example, FreezPak — an industry leader for the pre-retail market storage of frozen foods and dry foods — uses Plug’s hydrogen fuel cell-powered forklifts amid temperatures hitting -22°F within its warehouses. With battery-powered devices facing speed diminishments of 14% during the last half of their charging lives, the amount of time saved from not having to charge combined with full-scale functionality even amid Arctic-like temperatures equals $900,000 in annual savings for the typical 200-forklift warehouse.

On the other extreme is humidity-causing hurricanes. Amid Hurricane Michael in 2018, we provided 49 fuel cells, swiftly providing electricity amid massive regional grid damage. In all, Plug provided over 2,390 run-hours of backup power and two sites ran continuously for over 15 days.

Beyond these weather extremes, Plug has also stood ready as a back-up power provider for utilities, railroad switchboards, and telecommunications providers, among others.

Benefit 3: Improved Efficiency

With energy efficiency levels running between 40% to 60%, fuel cells defeat incumbent combustion engines, which maintain 25% energy efficiency levels. When it comes to warehouses, fuel cells can boost productivity by 15% when replacing batteries. This all amounts to warehouse productivity for fuel cell forklifts and extended electric vehicles mileage ranges. As mentioned earlier, fuel cells’ durability also increases long term efficiency.

According to U.S. Department of Energy analysis, “Fuel cells are the most energy efficient devices for extracting power from fuels.”

But even as fuel cells boost efficiencies accelerate productivity as a by-product, they also enhance robustness, another vital fuel cell metric.

For robustness, essentially finding a technology’s operational sweet spot, Plug’s engineers have concluded that fuel cells operate best when they are actually optimized for slightly lower efficiency levels than that for which they are technically capable. That’s because, in veering too close to a thermodynamics red line, this can shorten fuel cells’ lifetimes. And that actually means reduced efficiency and productivity in the long haul.

Benefit 4: Scalable

Technologies lacking finesse cannot meet wide-ranging customer needs.

Bearing that in mind, Plug creates drop-and-play custom-made fuel cell and electrolyzer configurations designed in a modular fashion as circumstances necessitate. At the same time, Plug engineers multiple modular fuel cell technologies, offering a wide range of applicable uses for the same equipment.

An example of modularity, Plug’s ProGen engines can empower van, heavy-haul trucks, and buses alike. And for custom-designed solutions cases in point, Plug has teamed up with robotics and drone producers to deploy more narrowly-tailored and individuated solutions.

Taken as a whole, Plug’s nimbleness with its fuel cells technology is its strongest asset, ensuring its smooth scaling both at the customer- and marketing-level. Whether it’s for on-road mobility, materials handling, or stationary power production, Plug designs fuel cells products possessing agility, ability, and scalability.

Benefit 5: Lower Operational Costs

Because fuel cells can proverbially “brave the elements,” as explained earlier, they foment inherent operational cost-savings and efficiencies. But compared to battery technology’s mobility modality, fuel cells also ax the charging time element, compounding those gains in further operational expenditure reductions.

Not only do fuel cell engines and devices top off fuel in three to four minutes, substantially reducing vehicle downtime, but they also perform at mileage ranges 22% higher on average compared to battery-powered ones. By contrast, battery-powered vehicles can take 20 minutes to an hour during a designated “fast charge,” or seven to 20 times that of their fuel cell vehicles counterparts.

Translated, this means more time doing productive work and less time refueling when using fuel cells technology. As the old adage goes: time is money.

The Future with Fuel Cells

These five differentiated benefits of hydrogen fuel cells provide the potential to remake the global energy landscape as we know it, with Goldman Sachs projecting that green hydrogen will provide 25% of global energy output by 2050. Clearly then, fuel cells sit at the nexus of today’s fossil fuel-laden energy landscape and the greener and more sustainable future.

For a more in-depth look at Plug’s far-reaching fuel cell applications, check out our previous blog examining the wide gamut of usage case studies our technology has propelled. And to learn more about how Plug’s fuel cell products can amplify your operations, please contact us to inquire further!

The post Fuel Cell Benefits: 5 Facts You Should Know first appeared on Plug Power.

The post Fuel Cell Benefits: 5 Facts You Should Know appeared first on Plug Power.

Electrolyzers serve as a fundamental component of Plug’s green hydrogen system and the overall production of green energy. Plug has been designated a global leader in electrolyzer technology and is a leading global supplier with companies relying on Plug’s team with five decades of experience.

Plug’s electrolyzers can — among other applications — produce low-carbon methanol, also known as green methanol. Green methanol, akin to green hydrogen, takes what has been a traditionally fossil fuel-feedstock energy resource and uses renewable fuels like green hydrogen within its chemical mix to lower its greenhouse gas emissions footprint.

When produced via wood-based biofuels, the most common type of low-carbon methanol, the International Energy Agency explains that for greenhouse emissions it can achieve “reduction potentials…competitive [with] established renewable fuels.”

This only pertains to the climate science for methanol’s insertion into internal combustion engines, however, unrelated to its production. But as a non-combustion technology, water electrolyzers can also both green the methanol production process itself and the manufacturing of methanol-based end-products.

Plug Electrolyzers: How They Work

So what’s an electrolyzer anyway? Plug’s (proton exchange membrane) PEM stacks enable the water electrolysis process, which utilizes electricity – mainly renewable – to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. That hydrogen is then captured for a wide range of applications Plug has taken the lead in deploying. For more on how an electrolyzer works scientifically at a 101 level, see our video below.

Electrolyzers, as non-emitting technology, stave off greenhouse gas and co-pollutant emissions. They are also versatile, ably utilizing a variety of energy inputs ranging from wind, solar hydroelectric power, or biofuels in producing zero-carbon green hydrogen.

It is here that green methanol comes into play. Currently sitting at only .2% of global methanol consumption, utilizing electrolyzers to produce green methanol could lower the current emissions output associated with carbon-intensive chemical production feedstocks and in areas such as marine transportation.

Three types of green methanol production techniques currently exist: Traditional methanol, e-methanol, and biomethanol.

Traditional methanol, as the name implies, produces conventional fossil-fuel based methanol (predominantly from natural gas) but intakes green hydrogen as the fuel source to make the production process more climate-friendly (i.e. green methanol).

E-methanol, by contrast, utilizes hydrogen combined with CO2 obtained via the bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) or Direct Air Capture (DAC). Intaking the CO2 from non-fossil fuel sources, the electrofuel (hence e-fuel) produced is a lower carbon methanol end-product.

Lastly, biomethanol intakes primarily wood-based biofuels as its feedstock, combined with green hydrogen for a carbon neutral or even carbon negative end-product.

Plug’s electrolyzers, and the water electrolysis process they utilize in being powered by renewable energy, stand ready to assist in all three production processes. For more on the trio, see our white paper on electrolyzers and low-carbon methanol.

And as a related decarbonization benefit, the excess supply of green hydrogen utilized during electrolysis within Plug’s electrolyzers can also be used in other parts of the process supply chain, also helping to cut energy procurement costs.

Benefits of Low-Carbon Methanol Production

Methanol, as a feedstock product, is often used as a solvent, antifreeze, and within the synthetic fuels production processes, while also sometimes utilized for mobility purposes.

Compared to using gasoline, even conventional fossil fuel-based methanol has a “greenhouse gas emission benefit over gasoline,” according to the International Energy Agency. Methanol of all types also has air quality benefits compared to gasoline, reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) and sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions. At the end of the day, albeit, methanol from fossil fuels still relies on fossil fuels in need of phasing out under global climate goals, unleashing .3 gigatons of CO2 into the atmosphere under the status quo.

Green methanol, by contrast, can curtail emissions portfolios. When made from forest residue, for example, it can cut greenhouse gas emissions from 38% to 165% compared to traditional shipping fuels or fossil fuel-based methanol.

Further, methanol is an advantageously energy dense fuel when used within hydrogen fuel cells, “packing more hydrogen in this simple alcohol molecule than can be found in hydrogen that’s been compressed (350-700 bar) or liquified (-253˚C),” according to the Methanol Institute.

Given these perks, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) concluded in 2021 that global demand for methanol is expected to rise in light of global climate policy and sustainable business practice imperatives, from 120 million metric tons in 2025 to 500 million tons by 2050. The vast bulk of this growth, IRENA projects, will come from green methanol.

The methanol industry is already a major economic engine, as well, creating over $55 billion in economic activity per year and over 90,000 jobs, according to the Methanol Institute. Great potential exists for even further growth on both fronts as green methanol grows from infant to mature adult.

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Many use cases exist for deploying green methanol made within Plug’s electrolyzers as a means of lowering greenhouse gas emissions and air quality footprints.

In areas such as transportation, as IRENA notes, “renewable methanol offers carbon reduction benefits ranging from 65% to 95%” drops in the sector. The Methanol Institute, too, points out that for stationary purposes — given the intermittent nature of solar and wind — green methanol could be built into the grid and fed into electricity production to ensure a completely renewable energy electricity portfolio, even amid intermittency.

At-large, the multiple ways Plug’s electrolyzers can interplay with green methanol depicts CEO Andy Marsh’s explanation of green hydrogen as “the Swiss Army knife of this transition to renewable energy.”

Plug, with that in mind, works with its partners to improve both the efficiency and sustainability of their operations, helping them meet and exceed regulatory standards and hit climate benchmarks. For more on our leading hydrogen electrolyzer products, please contact us via our website.

The post Plug Electrolyzers: The Future of Low-Carbon Methanol Production first appeared on Plug Power.

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Green hydrogen has become increasingly vital in plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, which is why global leaders have turned to Plug for green hydrogen solutions. Here’s everything you need to know about the clean energy source.

A: Introduction to Green Hydrogen and its Potential as a Renewable Energy Source

You can’t talk about the A to Z of green hydrogen without answering the question: What is green hydrogen?

Green hydrogen is produced from electrolyzers using renewable energy sources to provide the required power. It differs from other hydrogen colors — such as blue, pink, and gray — because it is the only one that doesn’t use either fossil fuels or nuclear power.

Taking a step back to the basics of hydrogen, the chemical compound is one of 118 known elements and sits as among “the most abundant element in the universe,” according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, at roughly 75% of the universe makeup.

While green hydrogen and hydrogen at-large today consists of a microscopic fraction of the global energy mix, Goldman Sachs predicts that by 2050, that number will jump to 25% and have a market segment worth  $10 trillion.

B: Benefits of Green Hydrogen and its Ability to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Compared to its other-colored counterparts, green hydrogen provides a major greenhouse gas reduction benefit because its energy input is not an emitter and its output is benign: water.

Dr. Emanuele Taibi, Head of the Power Sector Transformation Strategies, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), told the World Economic Forum that green hydrogen will be crucial “to reach net zero emissions, in particular for industry, shipping and aviation.”

In addition, Plug CEO Andy Marsh told Congress in July 2022 that hydrogen may be the only viable pathway to reduce emissions for difficult-to-decarbonize sectors, such as rail and long-haul truck transportation, marine vessels, steel, cement, and ammonia.”

C: Current Challenges and Barriers to the Widespread Green Hydrogen Adoption

Think of green hydrogen as many thought of solar 15 years ago: a potential electricity production game-changer, but in its nascent stage, it is still capital-intensive. Because of that, like solar, some investors view it as cost-prohibitive.

A central challenge of that cost prohibition cited by the World Economic Forum is “gridlock” among “policymakers and off-takers [that] must be resolved to kick-start initial [green hydrogen] projects and to promote the development of [the] sector.”

Five fundamental things causing that gridlock, according to a 2021 IRENA report, include: high production costs, lack of dedicated infrastructure, energy loss throughout the supply chain, lack of value recognition among stakeholders, and a need to ensure sustainability.

Plug is working – with good success – to educate global leaders on the need to invest in green hydrogen, while building an ecosystem providing cost-effective solutions to businesses.

D: Different Methods for Producing Green Hydrogen, Including Electrolysis and Biomethane Reform

Three primary green hydrogen production methods exist, including water electrolysis, biomethane reforming, and thermal conversion via biomass gasification.

Water electrolysis, the most common form of green hydrogen, uses clean energy sources such as wind and solar as its electricity current to split water into oxygen and hydrogen in producing hydrogen. The gold standard of producing the fuel, electrolyzed hydrogen is used in fuel cells as well as many other industrial processes. 

Green hydrogen via biomethane reform, by contrast, utilizes biogas (energy from biological methane-based waste, such as cow manure, also called renewable natural gas) as the energy current for green hydrogen production. It is a cousin to steam-methane reforming, which instead utilizes a natural gas feedstock. Biomass gasification, by contrast, utilizes plant-based biomaterials and other biowastes to create what is also sometimes called biohydrogen through the thermal conversion process.

E: Economic Considerations in Cost of Producing and Distributing Green Hydrogen

There are some walls in need of climbing before green hydrogen achieves its full market potential.

Few of these are technical, beyond the broader market need to continue scaling the renewable energy resources that would create green hydrogen to begin with. Most, instead, center around the cost of bringing green hydrogen to market and also the related importance of linking together renewable energy production sites with green hydrogen ones (see more on that later).

In July 2022 congressional testimony, Marsh called for “a vastly more expansive [hydrogen pipeline] system…akin to that of the more than 2 million miles of natural gas pipeline in the United States” as a means of scaling the U.S. green hydrogen industry. That compares to the 1,600 miles of hydrogen pipelines existing today.

F: The Future of Green Hydrogen: Advancements in Technology and Increased Investment

Technologies for optimizing green hydrogen are advancing rapidly.

In 2016, the number of patents for green hydrogen had just barely surpassed those gained by fossil fuel-based hydrogen producers. The number of green hydrogen patents, four years later, was double those of their fossil fuel-based counterparts. On a related note, electrolyzer sales — at 200 megawatts in 2020 — doubled to 458 megawatts in 2021, according to BloombergNEF research.

With vast technological advances taking place, green hydrogen now needs public and private sector investments to bring it from an emerging technology to climate change mitigation kingmaker.

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) concludes that $15 trillion in investment from government and financiers would create a hydrogen energy overhaul. And most of that must come from private financiers, UNIDO concludes.

Investments can go much further than ever before today because, as the World Bank recently concluded, “falling renewable energy prices—coupled with the dwindling cost of electrolyzers and increased efficiency due to technology improvements—have increased the commercial viability of green hydrogen production.”

G: Green Hydrogen Government Policies and Initiatives

Governments worldwide have increasingly created policies to grow green hydrogen.

Some 26 countries have such policies in place, according to a 2022 International Energy Agency report. In Plug’s home country, green hydrogen hit a home run with the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act in 2021 and 2022, respectively.

Beyond national hydrogen strategies and policies, IRENA has also recommended that the green hydrogen industry create a “guarantee-of-origin” system certifying that the hydrogen is in fact green, as well as more policies in place to ensure that green hydrogen can “level the playing field with fossil fuels.”

H: Green Hydrogen Applications in Transportation, Power Generation and Beyond

Green hydrogen applications run aplenty. At Plug alone, our hydrogen applications fuel forklifts, vans, microgrids, wireless networks, railroad radio base stations and signal locations, and more.

Beyond green hydrogen for mobility and stationary power generation, UNIDO has cited it as crucial for cutting greenhouse gas emissions for “hard-to-abate sectors such as steel, cement and the chemical industry, which cannot readily be electrified,” noting it sits as “the only way we have to decarbonize these sectors.”

I: How Green Hydrogen Impacts the Environment and Air Quality

In a July 2022 study published in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, researchers concluded that “Only green hydrogen with electricity from wind, PV and hydro has truly low emissions.”

Further, no matter the hydrogen color, fuel cells eliminate co-pollutants seen within fossil fuel production. This also provides a big win for frontline communities facing air quality impacts from incumbent technologies.

Marsh discussed this in July 2022 congressional testimony, stating that “The hydrogen economy can help ensure that disadvantaged communities are prioritized in the clean energy transition. Environmental justice is a fundamental tenet within Plug’s overall strategy.”

J: Green Hydrogen Industry Job Opportunities

An employment boom could come alongside the ongoing rise of the green hydrogen economy.

The Hydrogen Council concluded that worldwide, a hydrogen economy could manifest “30 million jobs by 2050, and a $2.5 trillion annual revenue boost to economies worldwide.” And in the U.S., a 2021 McKinsey & Company study estimated that by 2030, an ascendant hydrogen boom could yield 700,000 jobs.

Plug has played a major role here, creating thousands of jobs in recent years at green hydrogen production facilities within its headquarters state of New York and multiple other states. Plug currently employs over 1,400 people in New York and nearly 3,000 in the U.S., with an expectation of creating over 4,000 jobs globally by the end of 2023.

K: Key Green Hydrogen Industry Players

While Plug has emerged as an industry leader in the hydrogen space, it is joined by many peers as the sector burgeons. Plug sits alongside companies such as FuelCell Energy, Bloom Energy, Ballard Power Systems, Adani Green Energy, Air Products and Chemicals, Linde, Air Liquide and other companies aiming to scale green hydrogen.

The market research firm IDTechEx predicts the green hydrogen water electrolyzer market to grow to a $120 billion valuation by 2033. Business press has taken note of electrolyzers going in a direction today akin to wind turbines and solar panels during their early days of rapid market expansion, a tide lifting all boats across the industry.

L: Lessons Learned from Existing Green Hydrogen Projects

Lessons learned on existing green hydrogen projects so far have ranged from construction guidance, power and water supply allotment, technology licensing, land use, regulatory issues, and more.

The law firm Shearman & Sterling, in a 2021 presentation touching on all of these issues pertaining to a green hydrogen project advanced by its client, pointed to the first mover’s advantage in stating that “Developers need to move quickly to secure market share and ensure equipment supply.”

The firm also noted that while co-locating green hydrogen production sites next to renewable energy production sites has face-value logistical benefits, “The best renewable energy sites may not be conveniently located near other essential project infrastructure such as transmission infrastructure, roads and ports.”

In short, a number of logistical questions remain in mapping out the successful growth of a rising green hydrogen market.

M: Using Green Hydrogen Alongside Other Renewable Energy Sources

Co-location of green hydrogen production sites next to renewable energy production sites is seen by many as a way to solve the transportation logistics costs issues currently inhibiting industry growth. The approach has taken flight recently in Spain, which houses a solar farm next to Europe’s largest green hydrogen facility for industrial use.

One industry CEO told the solar trade publication PV Magazine in a May 2021 article that while this logistical set-up could benefit green hydrogen’s growth, the contrary also stands true because “hydrogen…ultimately offers the opportunity for power producers to monetize their green electrons on a much wider range of local and export markets than if they were in the form of electricity.” 

N: The Role of Green Hydrogen in Achieving Net-Zero Emissions

Numerous stakeholders view green hydrogen as fundamentally important for the global consensus goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

A jointly written report by the Hydrogen Council and McKinsey & Company published in November 2021 concluded that “clean hydrogen (both renewable and low carbon) offers the only long-term, scalable, and cost-effective option” toward that goal. And in its 2022 “Updated Roadmap to Net Zero Emissions by 2050” report, the International Energy Agency concluded that to hit net zero, green hydrogen will have to increase output by a multiple of 300 compared to the present.

O: Opportunities for Collaboration and Partnerships in the Green Hydrogen Industry

Scaling green hydrogen will necessitate cross-industry collaboration, as well as industry-government collaborations. In pursuit of the goal, the Green Hydrogen Coalition has formed a nonprofit created in 2019 with a goal of “building top-down momentum for scalable green hydrogen projects that leverage multi-sector opportunities to simultaneously scale supply and demand.”

Plug also has numerous green hydrogen collaborations with companies such as Amazon, Walmart, Renault, Microsoft, and others. Plug’s partnerships assist peers in achieving sustainability goals, meeting regulatory mandates, and increasing workplace productivity.

P: Potential Obstacles to Green Hydrogen’s Growth

One of the biggest obstacles for green hydrogen, at the moment, is access to reliable and affordable renewable energy inputs. That is changing rapidly, however.

According to a 2020 report by BloombergNEF, “renewable hydrogen could be produced…[at prices] equivalent to gas priced at $6-12/MMBtu, making it competitive with current natural gas prices in Brazil, China, India, Germany and Scandinavia on an energy-equivalent basis, and cheaper than producing hydrogen from natural gas or coal with carbon capture and storage.”

Q: Green Hydrogen Questions and Misconceptions

Some reports and news stories have highlighted risks of hydrogen leakage from infrastructure as of late and associated climate impacts. In reality, leaks from hydrogen infrastructure have been incredibly rare. In service to safety, Plug maintains active membership within the Center for Hydrogen Safety.

And as the Rocky Mountain Institute has pointed out, such leakage is far less likely than for natural gas infrastructure where it has become an endemic issue. That’s because of the “newer infrastructure and the carry-over of lessons learned in detection and monitoring technology, all of which will drive down leakage across hydrogen’s supply chain.”

R: The Potential for Green Hydrogen to Replace Fossil Fuels

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has concluded that green hydrogen “has immense potential as a clean fuel for the global energy transition” in sectors ranging from mobility, electricity, heating, and as a feedstock for other chemical products like ammonia and methanol.

Goldman Sachs further elucidates that hydrogen has inherent chemical properties making it advantageous to deploy over fossil fuels, as well. These include its global abundance, energy density (highest energy content per unit of mass as the lightest element), and zero greenhouse gas emissions production footprint.

Amazon has taken notice of hydrogen’s ability to replace fossil fuels. The company signed a partnership with Plug in August 2022 aimed at helping Amazon decarbonize its operations under its goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.

S: Storage’s Role in the Green Hydrogen Ecosystem

With a boom in green hydrogen could come an accompanying one: a need to streamline all of that energy. With that goal in mind, the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act ushered in $7 billion in federal dollars to build six to ten such hubs via a program called the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs, or H2Hubs.

One of those planned hydrogen hubs, Advanced Clean Energy Storage in Utah, received a $504.4 million loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Energy in June 2022. In the EU, a similar green hydrogen pilot project got off the ground in 2021 called the Hydrogen Pilot Storage for Large Ecosystem Replication (HyPSTER), funded under the EU’s Clean Hydrogen Partnership. Both projects serve as firsts-of-kind in their jurisdictions and could create major precedents for scaling hydrogen storage hubs elsewhere.

Plug, with the support of U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, aims to create another hub under the program in New York State in the years ahead.

T: Types of Green Hydrogen and Their Uses

As explained in D, the feedstock of green hydrogen determines the production method, with three main types existing today: water electrolysis, biomethane reforming, and biomass gasification.

Water electrolysis, the most common form of green hydrogen, is primarily used for longer-term energy outputs where consistent flows are needed. An example of this is the International Space Station, in which water electrolysis’s more indefinite and efficient attributes would obviously hold high value.

Green hydrogen via biomethane reform, has a wider array of potential uses ranging from stationary, mobility, buildings, and other uses allowing for the dynamic ability to shut power on and off. The International Energy Agency depicts such use cases below.

The third green hydrogen formation type, thermal conversion via biomass gasification, is still in early stages of development. But an Indian research team recently discovered a potentially carbon-negative method of developing what it calls syngas via the thermal conversion green hydrogen production process.

“The process consists of two steps. In the first step, biomass is converted into syngas – a hydrogen-rich fuel gas mixture – in a novel reactor using oxygen and steam,” explains a press release on the government-funded lab study’s results announced in July 2022. “In the second step, pure hydrogen is generated from syngas using an indigenously developed low-pressure gas separation unit.”

U: Green Hydrogen’s Potential Use in Urban Areas

Due to its multi-function usage potential, the notion and reality of hydrogen cities have arisen globally. Energy Cities, an association of European cities representing over 1,000 municipalities in 30 different countries, sees green hydrogen as having a place in five key areas on the continent: heavy industry, energy storage, boats, trains, and buses.

While not green hydrogen exclusive, the South Korean government has incentivized six municipalities as part of its Hydrogen City Creation Project. Under the project, cross-functional assets of those societies would be powered by hydrogen, joining three other already existing model cities.

Similarly, a 2022 study showed that the hydrogen city model is also possible in Turkey’s capital city Istanbul, which has a population of over 15 million. The study concludes that the model laid out could cut greenhouse gas emissions in the city by 90%.

V: The Value of Green Hydrogen in Global Geopolitics

Hydrogen’s status as the most prolific compound in the universe ensures that, “No one country can use the supply of green hydrogen as a geopolitical negotiating tool” because “Hydrogen is everywhere,” a Bank of America analyst recently surmised.

This chemical abundance has become all the more crucial amidst global geopolitical strife arising with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing war, with green hydrogen getting a boost in light of global natural gas market instability.

An October 2022 report by the nonprofit Carbon Tracker concluded that the war has spawned $70 billion in investments in green hydrogen since it began in March 2022. Marsh addressed the role green hydrogen could play in light of the launch of the war in the video below, as well.

Scholarship published in 2020 by Harvard researchers has further noted that, in line with the Ukraine case study, green hydrogen could reshape the broader global geopolitical order as we know it.

W: Green Hydrogen’s Potential in Chemical Production

Green hydrogen, on top of its ability to make cross-value chain operations more sustainable and less greenhouse gas-intensive, also has the ability to green energy production itself for chemical components vital to the global economy. Chief among those chemicals is ammonia, an agricultural industry fertilizer.

Rather than using natural gas as the feedstock, green ammonia intakes green hydrogen to clean up the industrially-intensive manufacturing process. The UK’s Royal Society concludes that “Reducing the amount of carbon dioxide produced during the ammonia manufacturing process is critical to achieve net-zero targets by 2050.”

At-large, if all of the green ammonia projects in the global pipeline get to the finish line, it will aid in cutting 1% in total global greenhouse gas emissions.

X :Green Hydrogen’s Export Potential

As highlighted in V, green hydrogen has blasted off as a geopolitical cudgel since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in March 2022. Beyond East Europe, however, green hydrogen has catapulted itself as a global export commodity for many countries globally.

For example, in August 2022, Chile signed a deal with Germany as part of its H2 Mission policy agenda to supply its green hydrogen supply to Europe’s largest economy. This deal followed on the back of previously signed deals with the Port of Rotterdam and the Port of Antwerp.

India, the world’s second most populous country, has also announced intentions to begin exporting green hydrogen, with a senior government official stating that “We are in a position to make green hydrogen as our main source of energy in the future” in November 2022.

These are just two major recent examples.

As of 2021, the World Energy Council had counted 41 green hydrogen import-export partnerships between countries accrued since 2017. In that vein, the energy research consultancy WoodMackenzie has projected that by 2050, the “green hydrogen export market could be worth $300 billion” on an annual basis.

Y: Green Hydrogen’s Role in Addressing Climate Change and Sustainability

While green hydrogen has the potential to propel numerous societal benefits, number one among them is its planetary one: a greenhouse gas neutral energy source that can play a major role in achieving stakeholders’ sustainability imperatives. 

Business for Social Responsibility concluded that for companies or partners in green hydrogen projects, green hydrogen’s sustainability benefits package includes “reductions in carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel burn and fugitive methane emissions, reduction in particulate air emissions, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ozone, and other emissions associated with transport, and reduced impacts of transit corridors on marginalized communities.”

Z: Conclusion and Green Hydrogen’s Future Outlook

The green hydrogen transformation is upon us and will only accelerate rapidly in the months and years ahead.

As this A to Z guide makes clear, green hydrogen benefits society on many fronts. From reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving sustainability metrics in light of climate change, reshaping cities, creating jobs, bolstering geopolitical postures, and serving as a key companion for both the growth of other renewable energy resources and in greener business-to-business relationships, green hydrogen can foment an energy secure and climate resilient future.

To learn more about Plug’s green hydrogen products, services, and other offerings, please contact us here! Thanks for your interest.

Learn more about green hydrogen in our bimonthly webinar series, “Green Hydrogen with Plug.” Register for the latest installment here.

The post Green Hydrogen 101: Unlocking the Potential of This Renewable Energy Source first appeared on Plug Power.

The post Green Hydrogen 101: Unlocking the Potential of This Renewable Energy Source appeared first on Plug Power.

History was made Thursday when Universal Hydrogen’s flying testbed took to the skies using Plug’s ProGen fuel cells.

The 40-passenger regional airliner nicknamed “Lightning McClean,” flew using hydrogen fuel cell propulsion — a powertrain built around Plug’s own family of fuel cells that have been modified for aviation use. Unlike grid-reliant batteries, the fuel cells are free of carbon emissions but also weigh drastically less and cost less.

“Plug is proud to be a part of Universal Hydrogen’s significant day in aviation history,” Plug CEO Andy Marsh said. “We’ve long said hydrogen can power applications, such as planes, while reducing toxic carbon emissions. Today, we proved it, and we’re one step closer to a more sustainable future.”

 Lightning McClean took off Thursday morning from Grant County International Airport in Washington state where it flew for 15 minutes at 3,500 feet (about twice the height of the Empire State Building).

Check out the video below of the momentous event.

The post Plug’s ProGen Fuel Cells Power Flying Airliner first appeared on Plug Power.

The post Plug’s ProGen Fuel Cells Power Flying Airliner appeared first on Plug Power.

Who wouldn’t want to be more efficient? And, indeed, energy efficiency is important.

Few would choose a refrigerator from the 1990s today, for example, given how much more efficient the devices have become decades later. Dollars and commonsense (pun intended) speak here: An energy-efficient refrigerator means lower consumer and business electricity bill expenses. As another case in point, many choose sedans over sports utility vehicles and large pick-up trucks for much the same rationale.

Yet, voyage beyond mere black and white case studies and energy efficiency — in of itself — is not such a cut and dry issue. We all use items to make our lives more efficient. For example, cell phones made our lives more efficient because we could call someone right away. Now, we have smart phones and smart watches that make our busy lives even easier to manage.

The same goes for fuel cell efficiency. In actuality, energy efficiency and hydrogen fuel cell efficiency are among multiple metrics that are key to consider when building out energy portfolios, mapping out energy procurement plans, or making consumer choices.

And three of those metrics, we believe, sit at an even greater level of particular importance: productivity, robustness, and sustainability.

Why these? That starts with a set of additional framework questions.

For one, are hydrogen fuel cells efficient? Secondly, how does fuel cell technology boost productivity? Further, what is the robustness of a fuel cell? And then just how sustainable are fuel cells?

As a global green hydrogen fuel cells sector leader, Plug sits uniquely positioned to answer these questions, with technological solutions responding to them. Before tackling that, however —  or as additive supplemental reading — check out our previous blog posts offering the basics of hydrogen and a 101 on fuel cells.

How Fuel Cells Boost Productivity

Having many ants in a colony yields great efficiency levels. But what does that have to do with hydrogen fuel cells of the sort utilized by Plug across multiple applications? In short, advantages inherent to the Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells technology itself.

But first, we must address the issue of fuel cell efficiency head-on.

Commonly, fuel cell technology detractors point to the comparative efficiency advantage lithium ion batteries possess. PEM fuel cells, Plug’s technology of choice, average about 40 to 60% efficiency. Combustion engines, by contrast, only average 20% to 35% efficiency in powering cars.

As the U.S. Department of Energy has stated, “Fuel cells are the most energy efficient devices for extracting power from fuels.”

So, PEM fuel cells’ efficiency comes out a clear winner over internal combustion engines. That said, lithium ion batteries are actually 90% efficient and lead acid batteries produce efficiency comparable to PEM fuel cells at a level of 50%.

Yet, looking at efficiency in fuel cells alone in this instance leads to misleading conclusions.

Why? As detailed in our fuel cells applications blog, one major issue with battery technology is that it requires frequent recharging. And recharging takes time. A lot of time. To cite the old adage: time is money and productivity pays off.

By contrast, hydrogen not only lasts longer on a miles per measured unit basis, but also takes far less time when the time for refueling comes. How much shorter?

First, take range. The U.S. Department of Energy points out that in 2021, battery-powered electric vehicles averaged a range of 234 miles and The Washington Postrecently reported that to get to an 80% “fast charge” takes between 20 minutes to an hour. The Energy Department’s Alternative Fuels Data Center, in juxtaposition, has pointed out that “Similar to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles, [fuel cell vehicles] can fuel in less than 4 minutes and have a driving range over 300 miles.”

Hydrogen fuel cells, generally speaking, run up to twice as long per fill-up in devices compared to battery-powered ones.

Additionally, those using fuel cells within warehouses in machinery such as forklifts report seeing productivity rises of up to 15%. And where battery-powered forklifts see their speeds diminish 14% during the last half of the battery charge, Plug’s GenDrive fuel cells persist at full power until refueling needs arise. This includes freezer applications, in which Plug’s fuel cells can function within temperature zones dipping as low as -22°F. This is a situation for which batteries, for their part, are known to go kaput or at the least see performances drop between 25% and 50%.

This all means, put simply, more time available to deliver packages and other goods. It also means greater productivity on the warehouse floor for materials handling, where our fuel cell technology currently helps propel operations of companies such as Walmart, Amazon, and other Plug partners.

For an example of efficiency in action, enter FreezPak.

A frozen foods warehousing and logistics company, FreezPak told Plug at its 2022 Symposium that it has saved 31.5% in electricity since beginning its partnership with Plug in 2014. Those costs previously arose for FreezPak in facilitating on-site battery charging. While swapping batteries can take up to 15 to 20 minutes per battery, refueling hydrogen fuel cells takes less than three minutes.

The Plug-FreezPak partnership, with Plug set to provide hydrogen fuel cells, hydrogen fuel and fueling stations at 11 U.S. FreezPak sites for 400 PEM fuel cells-powered forklifts in the years ahead, also helped FreezPak to gain 5,000 to 10,000 square feet per facility because they no longer have to store forklift batteries in-house for repetitious replacement.

Trade press reported that the switchover to hydrogen fuel cells for the company’s forklift fleet has garnered “a 100% improvement in productivity” for FreezPak.

For a summary of the warehouse economic productivity benefits of 50 fuel cell-powered forklifts over a 10-year period compared to 50 lead battery powered forklifts, see the graphic below.

Fuel cells, as these examples exhibit, spend more time moving products and less time at-rest refueling. Meaning, in the grander scheme of things, one could even consider them more efficient at actually getting work done.

That’s all mobility-related, however. What about stationary power production?

For stationary power, for which Plug’s GenSure fuel cell products have provided backup power within the telecommunications industry for companies such as AT&T and Southern Linc.  a similar story plays out on efficiency versus productivity. While diesel generators may be more common, fuel cells have proven to, not only be efficient, but better for the environment.

In life as in energy availability, things do not always go the way we hope.

With capital-intensive business decisions on the line, in fact, it is important to plan in advance for when things could and do go wrong. Given power outages do not always last for seconds and sometimes can last days or weeks, it is all the more important to have a cost-effective contingency plan in place. If, or rather when that happens, Plug can serve as a key partner during times of grid duress.

Directly to that point, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has concluded that “for durations above 12 hours, hydrogen has an economic advantage over batteries.” The U.S.  Energy Department has also concurred that hydrogen fuel cells for backup power require a less frequent maintenance need, have a more extended runtime, and a longer operational lifecycle, as summarized in the agency’s chart below.

How Robust Are Fuel Cells?

Robustness directly relates to the issue of productivity, with the two going hand-in-hand.

Succinctly, robustness is a metric centering upon design delivering the goods on product longevity and productivity.

Using a real-world nature example, one single ant can only do a small sliver of its colony’s work. But when each ant does a bit of work, it adds up to a highly productive colony. That the species has prevailed for time immemorial speaks for itself in terms of the importance of being robust. This also points to productivity and robustness working as a hand-in-glove relationship.

In the human world, too, one could hire a highly efficient worker to clean a building and give that person extra hours due to their hasty ability to make an office spotless. Yet eventually, that overworked person could run out of energy and their productivity could resultantly plummet.

For Plug and our relationship to robustness, we concurrently maintain an intricate focus on finding a “sweet spot” to ensure fuel cells do not become overtaxed. This relates to productivity again, exhibiting how the two metrics intertwine and undergird our market value proposition.

In layman’s terms, Plug’s engineers constantly tinker with and test our fuel cell technology at a wide range of power inputs and outputs. In collecting that testing data, they have thus far determined that while our fuel cells can technically deliver higher power as a matter of pure engineering prowess, when they go for broke, their longevity — and thus productivity — suffers.

Instead of pushing the red line of what a fuel cell can do as a matter of physics and thermodynamics, our engineers have instead narrowed their gaze on optimized operational productivity zones, determining that this also has promoted a longer product life.

So, to use the metaphor once more: longer product life means less maintenance, more time to do productive work and deliver products to customers, and thus — yes — more money at the end of the day.

How Sustainable Are Fuel Cells?

If efficiency were the only thing that mattered, a 100% shift to battery-powered vehicles and power generation would be called for with few questions asked. But, as already noted, decisions around energy procurement and production entail many additional factors and batteries do not make sense in all use cases.

Multiple options, in other words, make sense because lacking an “all of the above” paradigm reduces choices and consequentially maximizes stakeholder pushback. At this point then, batteries, combustion engines, and green hydrogen fuel cells all make sense in disparate dimensions. There is no “one size fits all” paradigm at-play.

In that exact vein, the investment bank Goldman Sachs has projected that green hydrogen could supply up to 25% of the world’s energy needs by 2050. That means, yes, energy sources of all varieties will still be produced and marketed in bountiful supplies by mid-century. Still, the 25% figure will prove instrumental in moving the dial closer to goals put forward by the United Nations, namely a goal of “net zero” emissions by that date.

Given these dynamics, today it appears likely that passenger vehicles may stand more well-suited to be driven by lithium ion battery power. That’s because, on average, passenger vehicle drivers spend less time on the road. Given that, they require — generally speaking — only one long battery recharge session per day after coming home from work or tending to day-to-day activities and life necessities.

By contrast, delivery van fleets — a market in which Plug has involvement vis-a-vis its partnerships with companies such as Renault, which utilize our ProGen fuel cells — undergo far higher mileage demands as a matter of daily business as they move demanded products from point to point. The same goes for heavy-duty, long-haul vehicles, which Plug can also propel with its ProGen fuel cell technology. In sum, the further range and far shorter refueling time fuel cells offer serves them well.

To reexamine stationary power once more, in areas of the world with high levels of grid reliability and short-lived outages measured merely in seconds or minutes, battery backup power may serve as an apt standby option. But that is a short-term solution, which doesn’t help when power outages can last days if not weeks.

In those cases, fuel cells working in conjunction with a smaller battery plant make more practical sense because reducing emissions while having reliable energy is key. The Energy for Growth Hub, a consortium of university researchers on the issue of energy insecurity, concludes that “the number of people without access to reliable electricity services is over 3.5 billion.”

Beyond the grid and looking at data centers once more as a key strategic industry reliant upon a steady 24/7 dose of energy for its operations, the amount of power production required is too big for batteries at the moment.

Instead, natural gas and diesel power sit at the moment as the incumbent energy resources for powering data centers, given their proven ability to generate the vast amounts of energy needed to keep data servers humming when emergency circumstances arise. Yet, both diesel and natural gas are fossil fuels, posing threats to the planet due to their respective greenhouse gas emissions footprints.

By contrast, Plug’s green hydrogen can enable customers to meet climate goals in this vastly growing sector and at the same time serve as a reliable source of backup power during electricity outages. Such moments are set to become all the more common in the age of the climate crisis due to a rise in extreme weather events and extreme temperature days.

How Plug Has Led the Fuel Cell Industry

In areas ranging from materials handling in warehouses, airport logistics vehicle fleets, the “last mile” delivery market, backup electricity generation, and more, Plug has served as the integrated global leader in fuel cell applications. Plug’s fuel cells currently power sites around the world and the demand continues to grow.

As customers current and prospective continue to address the energy transition, synthesizing and addressing their climate change mitigation and adaptation plans across the value chain, Plug stands ready to assist in those efforts as it pertains to productivity metrics important to our partners’ bottom lines.

We greatly appreciate your interest in learning about hydrogen fuel cell efficiency, productivity, and the ongoing energy transition! To facilitate an in-depth discussion about where Plug’s fuel cell products fit into your operations, please contact us.

The post Fuel Cell Efficiency 101: The Key Metrics first appeared on Plug Power.

The post Fuel Cell Efficiency 101: The Key Metrics appeared first on Plug Power.

Emily Gluskin can list several reasons why she joined Plug last year as the Global IT HelpDesk Manager. For starters, she wanted to move the hydrogen economy forward. Secondly, as a mother, she wanted work-life balance. Finally, she wanted a diverse environment where days varied, but all is exciting.

She checked off each of those boxes at Plug.

“The beauty and excitement of Plug is the diversity of each day,” Gluskin said. “The dynamic atmosphere is both challenging and rewarding.  This is a place where you will feel valued for your contributions to the greater cause.”

As the Global IT HelpDesk Manager, Gluskin is tasked with strategizing and collaborating with employees across the company to execute an enhanced global coverage model to provide real-time IT support to employees worldwide.

She’s had many career highlights since joining Plug nine months ago, including the build out of a global IT department.

“This growth, along with standardization of internal IT processes has allowed us to reduce our response time to employee requests from weeks to days,” she said.

While she’s guiding the department and the company in all things IT, Gluskin is learning a lot along the way.

“The energy industry is new to me, so asking my colleagues questions about whatthey do not only helps me understand more about Plug’s business but gives me more insight on how we can make our technology better meet their needs,” Gluskin said. “Technology is a critical building block to our business, so staying ahead of the curve is essential.”

Best of all, she can go home to her family without the stresses of her job.

“Working for a company that understands the importance of family and offers flexibility when needed to their employees is invaluable to me,” she said.

Interested in joining Gluskin and Plug? Check out our career openings here.

The post GreenH2@Work Employee Spotlight: Emily Gluskin first appeared on Plug Power.

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Robin Willick said she grew up in a family that loved to create so it made sense that her family-inspired love for innovations would lead her to science. Today, Willick is a controls engineer for Plug’s high-power stationary team.

“I love the creativity required to dream what’s possible, and the science of determining the best solution,” Willick said. “There’s a misconception that STEM and the arts are at odds, but I disagree. Engineering is not just about solutions that are practical — it is both possible and valuable for the things that we create to be beautiful as well as innovative and functional.”

On International Day of Women and Girls in Science on Feb. 11, Plug celebrates Willick and the hundreds of other women who are building the green hydrogen economy at Plug.

“I joined Plug because I believe the company operates in line with my own values,” Willick said.
“The products that we are developing to bring our vision to life are transformative to the energy industry. In Stationary Power, we are building an entirely new line of products that will allow companies to reach their zero emission goals. That’s incredible.”

Hannah Baldwin, an electrical engineer for the high-power stationary team, echoed Willick’s sentiments about Plug. She said she joined the company more than a year ago to make a lasting impact on the world.

“I wanted to be a part of a company that was not only interesting from an engineering standpoint but that also aimed to make a positive impact on the world,” Baldwin said.

For anyone, especially women, looking into joining the STEM industry, Baldwin encourages them to ask questions.

“Be curious about everything you are working on and ask questions whenever you can, the more questions you ask the more you will learn,” she said.

Willick encourages others to take advantage of all opportunities.

“There is an entire world out there to explore. Take advantage of opportunities to learn from others and invest in yourself. And always, always trust your gut.”

Ready to take advantage of the opportunities at Plug? Check out Plug’s Careers Page here.

The post Plug Women Engineers Lead Green Hydrogen Economy first appeared on Plug Power.

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If anyone exudes excitement about the power of Plug’s solutions — it is Justin de Boer, Plug’s Plant Manager for Energy Solutions.

Justin, who joined Plug more than one year ago, is responsible for the day-to-day plant operations, maintenance, and logistics around the production of liquid and gaseous hydrogen utilizing Plug’s electrolyzers and liquefiers. He said he chose to join Plug because it’s the future.

“Plug is leading the charge in becoming the largest provider of green energy,” Justin said.  “This coupled with being vertically integrated, Plug can do many things other companies could only dream of.”

As a member of the “pioneering” group of green hydrogen workers, Justin said he’s had many career highlights so far at Plug. He remembers participating in a town hall meeting to discuss a new liquid hydrogen plant.

“The ability to discuss your passions and interact with people only drives home the point of what impact Plug will have on the future,” he said. “It’s an amazing experience.”

Other career highlights include building the Plug team and continuing the company’s involvement in local communities.

“Plug is a company full of dedicated and passionate people who are ready to work hard and put in the time to change the future for the better,” Justin said. “There is a lot of demanding work ahead of us to make these ambitious goals a reality but being able to see what your hard work can turn into is extremely rewarding and motivating.”

The post GreenH2@Work Employee Spotlight: Justin de Boer first appeared on Plug Power.

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Unlike an internal combustion engine, fuel cells instead intake hydrogen to generate a chemical reaction to produce power and warm water vapor. Thus, they do not rely on combustion as the propulsion mechanism. That means fuel cells don’t emit carbon dioxide, methane, or other greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere.

Fuel cells empowered by green hydrogen are seen as the gold standard use case, in which Plug is an industry leader, for climate change-mitigating energy functionality of the technology.

Applications for fuel cells span the value chain, stretching into areas such as material handling for distribution centers, stationary power generation of various types, and both micro- and macro-mobility. The largest active user of liquid hydrogen in the world, Plug is a robust player in nearly all these areas.

PEM Fuel Cells’ Applications, Advantages

The U.S. Department of Energy notes that “Fuel cells are more energy efficient than combustion engines,” making them a key energy transition component. The University of Illinois further concludes that fuel cells generally operate at a drastically lower noise decibel level than conventional power generators, as well, further elucidating the benefits of fuel cells.

It is this versatility and ability to green energy production supply chains that serves as the central value proposition for fuel cells. A broad summary of the myriad fuel cell applications, also explained more throughout this blog post, can be seen below.

PEM fuel cells – the kind Plug develops — can empower material handling in warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities within the sphere of e-mobility fuel cell applications.

Another emerging fuel cell application is e-mobility, empowering delivery fleets, airport fleets, long-haul trucking, port operations, and holding the potential to propel maritime operations. Separate and apart from e-mobility, stationary fuel cell applications can provide backup power in a green and more climate-friendly fashion at sites such as telecommunications hubs, railways, microgrids, data centers, all the way to feeding into the utility-scale power production grid.

The U.S. Energy Department has concluded that PEM fuel cells, at all points of their value chain, “deliver high power density and offer the advantages of low weight and volume compared with other fuel cells.”

Fuel cells of all sorts eliminate co-pollutants endemic within conventional fossil fuel production. This also provides a big win for frontline communities facing air quality impacts from incumbent combustion technology.

In aggregate, Plug has deployed 60,000 PEM fuel cell systems to its commercial customers to-date, currently gaining steam (pun intended) across the value chain.

Fuel Cells for Material Handling Equipment

The heart and soul of PEM fuel cells deployment, for Plug, comes in the form of material handling fuel cell technology via its GenDrive product suite. Material handling equipment includes items such as forklifts, narrow aisle lift trucks, pallet jacks, and stock pickers.

Plug’s GenDrive fuel cells are designed and optimized specifically to propel material handling equipment, simultaneously engineered to fit into existing electric lift truck fleets. Tersely, this means they can be dropped right into already-purchased forklift fleets, swapped directly with the previously existing incumbent battery technology.

Known for their efficient use of energy, GenDrive fuel cells take less than three minutes to refuel versus the 15 minutes needed for a battery swap. While 13 minutes sounds immaterial on a one- or two-time basis business-wise, that difference causes more than 234 hours of lost productivity per forklift per year in a three-shift operation.

Further, while battery-powered forklifts see their speeds diminish by 14% during the last half of the battery charge, GenDrive fuel cells remain steady throughout a shift. This includes in freezer applications, meaning they run at full speed throughout their entire fueling payloads.

And as lead-acid batteries deplete rapidly in extremely low temperatures, Plug’s fuel cells stand strong in bitter-cold environments like freezer warehouses, functioning within temperature zones dipping as low as -22°F.

An additional metric: all of this, when tallied up, amounts to $900,000 in annual savings for the typical distribution center with 200 forklifts.

The U.S. Department of Energy has taken note of fuel cells’ ability to empower warehouses, writing that they “can efficiently provide power while at the same time producing almost no harmful air pollutants.” Plug fuel cells are a zero-emission technology.

On the contrary, the agency has pointed out the shortcomings of battery-powered material handling vehicles, writing that they require “special electrical infrastructure…[,] infrastructure for extra batteries, battery storage, charging equipment, battery changing areas, and battery maintenance (wash stations, showers, watering equipment, etc.),” while also noting the lack of efficiency compared to fuel cell forklifts.

Lastly, the agency points out that fuel cell forklifts have a better greenhouse gas emissions performance, a product life lasting double that of battery-powered forklifts, and a lower annual cost of ownership.

These beneficial uses go beyond the hypothetical. Plug’s PEM fuel cells have completed more than one billion hours of runtime, translating to more than one million driven miles throughout both North America and Europe. And these benefits have created fruitful partnerships with leading companies.

In April 2022, for example, Walmart announced an option to deploy 9,500 Plug fuel cell forklifts at 10 of its warehouses and distribution centers, all set to utilize green hydrogen. This marked the extension of a years-long partnership with the national retail powerhouse, through which Walmart already used Plug fuel cell forklifts at 22 different sites.

Shortly later in August 2022, Plug announced yet another partnership extension with another top-tier retailer: Amazon. The deal, with Plug set to provide 10,000 tons of hydrogen per year to Amazon by 2025, will increase the fleet of Plug fuel cell forklifts at 11 Amazon facilities and would yield enough hydrogen for empowering 800 long-haul trucks or 30,000 forklifts annually.

Both Walmart and Amazon, aided by Plug’s fuel cell technology, aim to go carbon neutral by 2040. As of 2022, Amazon used more than 15,000 fuel cells to power 70 of its sites. Walmart, for its part, operated 10,000 fuel cells at 41 hydrogen fuel sites across distribution centers as of January 2022.

Then in October 2022, Plug signed another deal with FreezPak Logistics, a leading third party food industry logistics company and another long-time Plug partner. The deal entails providing fuel cells, hydrogen storage and fueling infrastructure at 11 FreezPak sites across the U.S, including the three sites already in operation. Additionally, Plug intends to supply FreezPak with nearly 400 forklifts.  

FreezPak told Plug at its 2022 Symposium that it has saved 31.5% in electricity costs since beginning its partnership with Plug in 2014 and gained 5,000 to 10,000 square feet per facility by no longer having to store and recharge batteries for its material handling vehicles.

“The result of the switch…has been a 100% improvement in productivity in addition to freeing up valuable floor space that had once been devoted to battery rooms,” trade publication Modern Materials Handling reported in 2020.

Globally, Plug has also formed partnerships in recent years with the Norwegian grocery wholesaler Asko, UK-based supermarket company Asda, and the South Korean logistics company Coupang Fulfillment Services to provide fuel cell-powered forklifts at the companies’ warehouses.

The opportunity to green warehouses and logistics centers with green hydrogen-powered fuel cells is massive.

Every $1 billion in online sales amounts to 1.25 million square feet of needed warehouse space, the commercial real estate firm CBRE wrote in a 2021 report. That study further notes that U.S. storage space for warehouses has increased from over 10 billion square feet in 1999 to about 17 billion square feet in 2018. Pandemic-era online shopping habits, for food and retail goods, has only driven this trend further upwards.

Further, as a 2019 literature article published in the Journal of Cleaner Production pointed out, “Warehousing activities contribute roughly 11% of the total GHG emissions generated by the logistics sector across the world.” Another 2016 paper published in the Journal of Industrial Engineering and Management concluded that warehouse-based greenhouse gas emissions “represent about 5.5% of the total [global] emissions.”

Both figures cited in these studies stand likely to rise as the industry continues to increase in scope. In short, Plug’s PEM fuel cells fueled by green hydrogen could help put a dent in those figures, playing a market disruptive role while acting as a climate solution.

PEM Fuel Cells for E-Mobility

As governments consider how to slash greenhouse gas emissions, another economic sector on their radars is the “middle mile,” or the area of transit between a port of entry into a warehouse or distribution center.

Key to greening this middle mile is e-mobility, sometimes also known as electromobility, which can happen via battery-power or hydrogen-power for light-duty vehicles. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, light-duty vehicles made up 57% of greenhouse gas emissions for the transportation sector in 2020. 

As with warehouses, hydrogen engines extend range and leave more room for payload than other battery-powered solutions within the e-mobility domain. And in recent years, with that framework in mind, Plug has super-charged its entrance into the e-mobility scene, including in areas such as delivery drones, industrial robotics, delivery fleet vehicles, ground support vehicles, and at ports themselves. To do so, Plug utilizes its ProGen fuel cell product line.

At the origin point of the middle mile market, ports — heavy greenhouse gas and co-pollutant  emitting entities — have begun utilizing Plug’s PEM fuel cells.

As a case in point, in June 2022, Plug signed a contract to build a $315 million plant at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium, the second largest in the European continent. The deal includes a fuel procurement component in which Plug will provide 35 tons of green hydrogen per day as part of a 30-year contract. It also offers Plug the opportunity to sell its fuel cell-powered forklifts and other e-mobility vehicles used in the vicinity of the Belgian port.

In neighboring Germany, Plug has also made the Port of Duisburg in Germany its European service center, maintaining a focus on engineering, logistics, technical support, and maintaining an on-site electrolyzer to facilitate green hydrogen production. The site is well-positioned to expand Plug’s ports-based business line.

Further downstream, Plug also began a 50-50 joint venture in 2021 with Renault Group, creating HYVIA. The company name explains the partnership aptly: “HY” for hydrogen, “VIA” for road. The partnership aims to render carbon-free and fuel cells-based e-mobility.

Exemplifying this is the Renault Master Van H2-TECH prototype, exhibited at the 2021 Plug Power Symposium as the first fuel cell-powered van shown in North America. The vans have a range of over 300 miles, ideally situated for any industry needing a light commercial vehicle for transporting goods and packages.

Plug’s innovative uses of its PEM fuel cell technology also extends into airports, where the technology is being used within ground support equipment.

Fuel cells have also quickly emerged as a means to enable long-haul trucking. In the coming years, long-haul trucking powered by fuel cells could emerge quickly and even surpass the market share currently enjoyed by diesel-powered trucks.

Currently, heavy-haul vehicles make up 26% of the national greenhouse gas emissions portfolio in the U.S., according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency accounting.

Seeing the promise in the technology for long-haul applications, the U.S. Department of Energy launched the Million Mile Fuel Cell Truck Consortium in 2020 to promote research and development efforts to scale the technology across the U.S. highway system.

In a study published in March 2022, the agency’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory concluded that “Due to advancements for fuel cells and clean hydrogen production, hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles are expected to become cost-competitive for long-haul heavy-duty trucks with greater than 500-mile range by 2035.”

Fuel Cells for Stationary Power

While mobility remains a heavy focus for Plug’s PEM fuel cells, stationary fuel cell uses are also on the rise. GenSure fuel cells provide the power to make that possible.

As the name implies, GenSure ensures reliable 24×7 backup generation of electricity for partners in outage scenarios and can serve to supplant diesel. In that vein, GenSure was formerly branded as ReliOn after our 2014 acquisition of a company by that namesake.

Industries Plug has assisted or can assist with GenSure fuel cells include those needing lower power, like the telecommunications industry, utilities sector partners, the railroad industry, and those needing higher power, like data centers, microgrid implementers, and others.

On the data center front, Plug formed a partnership with Microsoft to build a 3-megawatt backup power generator pilot project prototype for its data centers, enough to replace one diesel generator. It fits within Microsoft’s broader goal to eliminate dirty, greenhouse gas-intensive and community-polluting diesel backup power generation altogether by 2030.

Within the electricity utilities sector, Plug’s GenSure technology was utilized for backup generation for communications tower equipment during Hurricane Sally in September 2020, via 51 GenSure fuel cells, exemplifying the importance of the fuel cell installations as standby electricity generators. Backup power was critical to keep communication lines flowing, empowering the people who did rescue and repairs as well as the general public.  

And in the telecommunications sector, Southern Linc, a subsidiary of the electricity utility company Southern Company, has deployed 500 Plug GenSure fuel cells to back up its 4G cellular network.

Plug’s fuel cells save our partner 64% in annual costs compared to traditional backup generation options. Sprint, likewise, implemented 200 hydrogen Plug fuel cells to juice their wireless network dating back to 2005 at vulnerable hurricane-prone areas such as New Orleans, Houston, as well as Jacksonville, Miami and Tampa. AT&T, for its part, has installed Plug’s fuel cells at approximately 450 locations to date.

In the railroad sector, too, CSX has plugged into Plug’s fuel cell technology in, procuring over 250 systems located at railway radio base stations and signal locations.

Aggregately, Plug has initiated more than 100 million hours backup electricity through GenSure fuel cells. Plug has also tested at 99.6% reliability when under the third party examination testing crucible. At-large, Plug has installed GenSure fuel cells at 3,000 locations in 46 states throughout the U.S and 34 countries on five continents globally.

For a more comprehensive overview of Plug’s backup power generation feats and accolades, check out this primer.

And in the microgrids area, Plug is equipped to join any prospective arrays for setups that have become increasingly important in the age of grid insecurity, be it wildfires, hurricanes, flash floods, tornadoes, and other extreme weather events. A microgrid essentially functions as a grid that can operate onto itself, disconnected and non-reliant on the broader macro-grid for electricity production.

As an example of how Plug’s fuel cells fit into such formations, the Stone Edge Farm Estate Vineyards & Winery in Sonoma, CA includes a fuel cells installation sitting as part of its broader microgrid that also features other clean energy technologies, including renewable electricity generation and battery power.

The microgrid can stand alone as an islanded source of electricity generation. At the same time, the microgrid at the Stone Edge Farm produces excess electricity sold back to local utility, Pacific Gas & Electric.

Stone Edge does not mince words on the role it sees microgrids playing going forward: “We are persuaded that microgrids are the future of energy sourcing virtually everywhere, eliminating centralized electricity generation and a landscape covered with wires.”

Plug, as the Stone Edge example makes clear, stands ready to contribute to microgrids of all shapes and sizes.

Other Fuel Cell Technologies

Other fuel cell types, beyond PEM fuel cells, include solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) technologies, as well as alkaline fuel cell (AFC), molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC), phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC), and Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC) applications.

SOFCs, more traditional for stationary usages in generating location-centric electricity, require a temperature of 1000°C (1,830°F) to produce energy. On a global scale, solid oxide fuel cell applications include stacks for backup power generation, primarily for large businesses, data centers, and utilities.

MCFCs, which operate at a temperature of 600°-700°C (1112°F-1292°F), are similar to SOFCs in their high operational temperatures and thus, use cases. They primarily function today as a combined heat and power source within natural gas- and coal-based power plants for electricity-generating functionality.

Operating at a high but lower temperature of 60-80°C (140-176°F) compared to SOFCs and MCFCs, alkaline fuel cell applications are akin to SOFCs in that they maintain usages in “hotels, hospitals, grocery stores, and office buildings, where waste heat can also be used,” the U.S. Department of Energy notes.

AFCs are widely used for outer space voyages, in particular, and operate at a temperature of 60-80°C (140-176°F). Germanely, DMFCs also operate at a relatively low temperature, at range of 50-120°C (122 to 248°F), utilized primarily for their liquid-based rapid recharging ability in items such as cell phones, laptops, and video cameras.

Plug Propels Global Growth of Fuel Cells

Fuel cell applications are spreading globally, most robustly at the moment in the U.S. and East Asia, though 26 countries have either regulatory architecture or policy roadmaps in place to promote hydrogen fuel cell applications, according to the International Energy Agency’s “Global Hydrogen Review 2022” report.

The report points out that “By end-2021, the global [fuel cell vehicles] stock was more than 51,000, up from about 33,000 in 2020, representing the largest annual deployment of FCEVs since they became commercially available.”

In Plug’s home country, the United States, fuel cells got a huge shot in the arm through the passage of both the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, as well as the Inflation Reduction Act in 2021 and 2022, respectively.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act created a $500 million grant program for “fuel cells, microturbines, or energy storage systems and components,” as well as “light-, medium-, or heavy-duty electric or fuel cell vehicles, electric or fuel cell locomotives, electric or fuel cell maritime vessels, or electric or fuel cell planes.”

Further the legislation included the launch of the Clean Hydrogen Research and Development Program to grow hydrogen “in the transportation, utility, industrial, commercial, and residential sectors” via the $1 billion U.S. Department of Energy program.

The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, too, will expand the hydrogen market by implementing a new Clean Hydrogen Production Tax Credit, a ten-year tax credit (known as 45V) yielding up to $3.00 per kilogram of hydrogen production, similar to the already-existing Investment Tax Credit system.

The legislation also enacts a Clean Vehicle Credit program folding in fuel cell electric vehicles, concurrently lending $7,500 in federal tax credits for new hydrogen cars and up to $4,000 for used hydrogen-powered vehicles. On top of that, the law also manifests a new Commercial Clean Vehicle tax credit, ushering in up $40,000 in credits applicable to fuel cell electric trucks and buses under testing and deployment regimes.

A two-page summary of the hydrogen fuel cell incentives baked into the legislation — published by the Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Association, of which Plug maintains membership — can be viewed here.

Buttressed by this dynamic policy paradigm, Plug recently unveiled its new, world-class fuel cell manufacturing facility in Slingerlands, N.Y. where more than 1,600 people will be hired.

The World Economic Forum pointed to the U.S., at-large, as ranked number two within the world’s hydrogen consuming countries.

In East Asia, as well, fuel cell applications appear ascendant.

Japan has set a target of 800,000 new hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and 1,200 new fuel cell buses by 2030. Japan’s national government has set a goal of setting up 900 fuel cell refueling stations by that time via its Strategic Road Map for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells.

South Korea, for its part and a major expansion venue for Plug as highlighted above, aims to up hydrogen fuel cell cars present in the country to 30,000 by 2030, also building 70 hydrogen fueling stations nationwide by that time. The country offers financial incentives for fuel cells via its Clean Hydrogen Portfolio Standard.

Within South Korea, Plug intends to build another PEM hydrogen fuel cells gigafactory by 2023 to continue to scale hydrogen fuel cells in a $1.6 billion joint venture with SK Group, announced in February 2021. At that gigafactory, Plug will produce and sell products spanning the hydrogen economy value chain, including but not limited to our GenSure stationary power fuel cells and ProGen fuel cell engines.

China, as the world’s top hydrogen consumer according to the World Economic Forum, also has a policy goal of deploying over one million hydrogen-powered vehicles to market by 2030.

These countries’ energy policy pushes demonstrate the importance of offering market certainty to fuel cell manufacturers and implementers via financial and tax incentives. Such incentives supply seed funding to foment fuel cells’ climb into prominence, helping businesses green their energy procurement packages. 

Thanks for your interest in the myriad fuel cell applications! If this piqued your interest and you’re ready to explore Plug’s fuel cell products in more depth, please contact us.

The post Fuel Cell Applications 101: Where Are Fuel Cells Used Today? first appeared on Plug Power.

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If you ask Laura Lachell about her best day as a Plug employee, she’ll tell you about the first purchase order she completed. Lachell, who joined Plug in June 2014, said her first fuel cell purchase order was “only” a couple units, but it was a highlight for her.

“I printed out the PO and hung it proudly in my cubicle,” Lachell said. “It is humbling to look back on that moment now that I’ve added a new customer, expanded existing fleets, and converted sites to Plug hydrogen infrastructure.”

Today, Lachell is the Senior Manager for Key Accounts where she works with new and existing customers to analyze business cases and manage commercial programs, focused on material handling and pedestal accounts. She has worn several different hats since joining Plug more than eight years ago, but still ends the day knowing the impact she made in each customer’s life.

“I am most excited when my customers’ operations are improved by hydrogen and fuel cells,” Lachell said. “They are moving more products, making sustainable choices for their businesses, and operating more efficiently. When my customers say things like ‘I made the right decision partnering with Plug,’ it makes me proud to work in this industry and for Plug.”

Aside from helping customers decarbonize their operations while saving money, Lachell said she enjoys working for Plug because of the entrepreneurial spirit the team shares.

“Plug encourages creative thinking and solutions,” she said. “In a customer facing role, I am frequently tasked with finding creative win-win solutions. As a manager of the pedestal account team, we have a roundtable meeting every Monday to share best practices and brainstorm on how we can improve our processes and customer relationships.”

If you’re interested in joining Lachell at Plug, check out our job openings here: plugpower.com/about-us/careers.

The post GreenH2@Work Employee Spotlight: Laura Lachell first appeared on Plug Power.

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As green hydrogen fuel cells become both increasingly viable and vital as an energy choice in the age of climate change, those in sectors ranging from automobile, retail, electric utilities, and agriculture — among others — have all shown increased efforts to green their portfolios and play a part in catapulting climate solutions.

With recent U.S. Congressional action accelerating tax incentives for fuel cell applications, and multiple countries aiming to emulate an energy strategy backing fuel cells’ growth, fuel cells remain top-of-mind for many business leaders and policymakers.

What is a fuel cell anyway? How does a fuel cell work in a car and other power applications? Further, what are the various fuel cell types? And what’s the difference between a battery and a fuel cell?

These questions and their answers speak directly to the core of Plug’s business model and customer offerings in the fuel cells space. Further, they touch upon the inherent advantages in our proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells technology, offering us a sector-wide advantage due to their wide utility in both stationary and mobility power generation.

Here are some answers to often-pondered questions about fuel cell technology.

What is a Fuel Cell?

A fuel cell is an electrochemical power generator. Fuel cells combine hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity with water and heat generated as byproducts. Fuel cells, like a battery, create energy via an electrochemical process and not combustion. But like an internal combustion engine, fuel cells also intake fuel sources and generate a chemical reaction to produce power, yielding energy in an array of use cases. That fuel resource, in Plug’s case, is hydrogen.

How Do Fuel Cells Work?

Fuel cells, summed up, consist of three main components: An anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte membrane, working akin to batteries in that they don’t need charging. Instead, operating continuously provided fuel is supplied into the mechanism. Those three components interact, in turn, intaking and through putting energy.

Plug’s PEM fuel cells function by passing hydrogen through the anode side of the mechanism mentioned above. Oxygen, from the air around us, is passed through the cathode side. Hydrogen molecules then split into electrons and protons on the anode side. Protons next pass through an electrolyte membrane (hence PEM). From there, electrons move through a circuit, generating current and excess heat. At the cathode side, the protons, electrons, and oxygen combine to produce water.

This video shows how the process works:

For Earth Day 2020, Plug released a more in-depth presentation about fuel cells, how they work, and how they’re used – you can check it out here:

What Are Fuel Cells Used For?

In a 2017 report titled “The Business Case for Fuel Cells,” the Argonne National Laboratory concluded that fuel cells can provide “power to retail stores, data centers, production sites and other company facilities, greatly reducing emissions and doing so at a cost that can be competitive with the local electric grid in some states.”

For Plug, our hydrogen fuel cell fleet is on the rise and on the march — demonstrating clearly the benefits of fuel cells, their growth prospects, and a hunger for greater deployment, having recently passed 1 billion hours of operation in commercial applications. Plug’s hydrogen and fuel cell solutions aren’t limited to American companies. In fact, global companies have adopted Plug’s fuel cell technology. To cater to customer demands, Plug is working rapidly to build its offerings. In South Korea, for example, Plug intends to build a second PEM hydrogen fuel cells gigafactory by 2023 to continue to scale hydrogen fuel cells in a $1.6 billion joint venture with SK Group, announced in February 2021. At that gigafactory, Plug will produce and sell products spanning the hydrogen economy value chain, including but not limited to our GenSure stationary power fuel cells and ProGen fuel cell engines.

At large, Plug has deployed several tens of thousands of fuel cell systems, and the number grows every month, as countries around the world cash in on plans to increase business efficiency and curtail greenhouse gas budgets.

What Are the Fuel Cell Types?

Though Plug uses PEM fuel cells, there are a handful of other fuel cell types, as well. Each one has different use cases. Speaking to that, five main types of fuel cells exist including the PEM genre, detailed in here:

• Proton Exchange Membrane or Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells are mainly used for mobility purposes, such as micro-mobility vis-a-vis forklifts and other materials handling machinery of the sort, the marquee market for Plug’s PEM fuel cells. They are also used in e-mobility and stationary power applications.

PEM fuel cells require a low operational temperature, making them the most sensible for vehicles needing short periods of time between ignition and start-up. A PEM fuel cell generally operates at a temperature of 80°C (176°F). This low temperature, the U.S. Department of Energy notes, also “results in less wear on system components, resulting in better durability.”

• Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs), more traditional for stationary primary power usages, require a temperature of 1000°C (1,830°F) for usage and energy production. Unlike a PEM fuel cell, SOFCs utilize a solid electrolyte (most times a ceramic) sitting between an anode and cathode. Fuel, generally natural gas, gets delivered to the anode. Oxidant, generally air, gets delivered to the cathode. Combined, this creates a chemical interaction releasing electrons through a circuit producing electricity.

Because of their higher startup temperature, SOFCs exist mostly for energy needed on a longer-lasting basis, often as a source of backup power generation.

• Alkaline Fuel Cells are widely used for outer space voyages, utilizing a potassium hydroxide solution in water as the electrolyte. Several types of metals, in turn, can serve as the catalyst at the anode and cathode. They operate at a temperature of 60-80°C (140-176°F).

• Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cells (PAFCs), operational at 200°C (392°F), utilize liquid phosphoric acid as their electrolyte and electrodes, containing a platinum catalyst material. They are typically used in “hotels, hospitals, grocery stores, and office buildings, where waste heat can also be used,” the U.S. Department of Energy notes.

• Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells, which operate at a temperature of 600°–700°C (1112°F-1292°F), are similar to SOFCs in that they are most useful for stationary purposes due to their mandated high ignition temperature. They primarily function today as a combined heat and power source within natural gas- and coal-based power plants for electricity-generating functionality. Different from the other fuel cell types and due to their high operational temperature, external fuel is not needed as an input and hydrogen can still be yielded as an output via a process called internal reforming.

To read more on all of these fuel cell types, see the U.S. Department of Energy’s explainer on the different types of fuel cells and how they work.

How Do Fuel Cells Work in Cars?

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, known as FCEVs or fuel cell electric vehicles, utilize hydrogen within a PEM fuel cell stack webbed into electric vehicles, supplanting standard internal combustion engines or the aforementioned battery-powered engines currently powering electric vehicles. Unlike the internal combustion engine and analogous with electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles do not emit pollutants or greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere and instead only emit water vapor and heat, making them beneficial for combating climate change.

Unlike a battery-powered vehicle, which takes an overnight or whole workday to fully charge, fuel cell vehicles can be fueled up within a matter of minutes at fueling station.

Among its other advantages, a hydrogen fuel cell’s light weight also plays an auspicious role within heavy-duty vehicles compared to their battery-powered competitors traveling a similar number of miles.

“A battery-powered, relatively light-weight family sedan may boast a range of around 400-500 kilometres before it must recharge, however a heavy-duty truck would be lucky to get half that range,” Reuters reported in November 2022. “A larger battery, for longer range, would be bulky, taking away precious cargo space and means an extra payload of as much as five tons for an already heavy, fully loaded vehicle.”

Reuters further points out that some FCEVs, in heavy-duty vehicles, enjoy a range of up to 1,000 kilometers (621 miles). At-large, hydrogen cell vehicles average 300 to 400 miles of range, according to the California Air Resources Board.

On the other end of the continuum of vehicular size, Plug’s PEM hydrogen fuel technology can bolster warehouse productivity by up to 15% in utilizing fuel cell forklifts for materials handling. Outside of material handling, Plug and Renault have launched Hyvia to commercialize fleet vehicles — or delivery vans — powered by hydrogen.

The Hydrogen Fuel Cell Partnership, a trade association of which Plug is a part, points out that “many automakers of passenger cars aim for a fuel cell stack lifespan of at least 5,000 hours or approximately 150,000-200,000 miles.” Additively, the Partnership further elucidates that “the heavy-duty category, many bus fuel cell stacks (power plant) have reached lifetimes of 20,000 hours and more, with a goal of 30,000 hours by 2030.”

California, a state on the cutting edge of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles policy, has committed $20 million per year to develop hydrogen fueling stations statewide with a goal of having 200 stations by 2025. And China, one of the world’s largest economies, has a policy goal of deploying over one million FCEVs to market by 2030, as pointed out by the German trade association National Organization Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology.

What Are the Advantages of Fuel Cells?

The advantages of fuel cells, which create energy via an electrochemical process and not combustion, are many compared to combustion engines.

Most importantly from a climate change perspective, fuel cells are non-emitting and can have a nearly nil greenhouse gas footprint when utilizing green hydrogen — or hydrogen made from renewable energy resources — which is the central focus for Plug as an industry leader.

In particular, PEM fuel cells have unique advantages over other fuel cell types due to the fact the power production market is currently more focused on growth in renewable energy over fossil fuel-using ones utilized by the other fuel cell types. Other fuel cell types, as of now, maintain a heavy dependence on fossil fuels. Read more about the advantages of fuel cells here.

How Do Batteries Differ from Fuel Cells?

Batteries compare to fuel cells in the way that cousins relate to one another: Similar in their metaphorical genetic makeup, but also far different in terms of their final mechanism for providing power and thus how they end up looking and functioning overall.

On the similar side of the ledger, both rely on electrochemical reactions and not combustion to induce energy, involving an anode and cathode. But the differences are also fundamental: while a battery stores electricity charged into it (think of purchased mini batteries for home appliances or a car), fuel cells create their own electricity via the electrochemical process used by the fuel cells to create electricity.

This means a fuel cell system, by definition, is an open power production loop that can be fed as long as fuel exists to do so, much like a traditional power generator. Battery systems, by contrast, are closed loops in need of either intermittent recharging sessions or eventual discarding. Because of that, as of now, fuel cells have a greater usage longevity.

In a 2019 research paper with lead researchers from the University of Waterloo, it was concluded that PEM hydrogen fuel cells could stand to become even more of a force to be reckoned with going forward from a longevity vantage point. The paper concluded that, with some spelled out tinkering, the ability exists to manifest a “new fuel cell that lasts at least 10 times longer than current technology, an improvement that would make them economically practical, if mass-produced, to power vehicles.”

Further, circling back to an earlier point and as Plug has pointed out before, while batteries contain toxic chemicals in need of disposal after their use, hydrogen fuel cells produce only warm water as their by-product. Relatedly, while hydrogen is among the world’s most abundant natural resources, batteries rely on lithium, a natural resource on the decline and currently subject to global discussions over the rare earth mineral’s depletion.

Looking at the big picture, the Argonne National Laboratory pointed out in the previously cited report titled “The Business Case for Fuel Cells” that “companies [are] finding value in improved operational efficiency and cost savings using fuel cells in forklifts and other vehicles over battery units – eliminating the need for, and space dedicated to, battery charging and swapping.”

Additionally, the report posits that “Fuel cells also allow for quicker refueling, which saves time, and full power operation throughout the shift, without any voltage sag or challenges when operating in refrigerated warehouse environments.”

Thanks for your interest in the fundamentals of hydrogen fuel cells. And if you’re ready to explore Plug’s fuel cell products, please contact us!

The post Fuel Cells: What They Are and How They Work first appeared on Plug Power.

The post Fuel Cells: What They Are and How They Work appeared first on Plug Power.

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

Although we’re big fans of actor Daniel Craig, we’d have to say the new film he stars in, “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,” is not helping the world’s efforts to fight climate change with clean and safe hydrogen. Unlike most reviews you’ll read, we’re not here to talk about the all-star cast, twisted plot and flashy storytelling. But we’ll give you our take on some important facts about hydrogen that are misportrayed in “Glass Onion” before the hit movie comes to Netflix.

In this murder mystery sequel to “Knives Out,” billionaire tech entrepreneur Miles Bron invents Klear – a clean hydrogen energy source he plans to launch to revolutionize the way people fuel their homes, despite caution from members of his company that it is unsafe. At the end of the movie, a crystal-like isotope of Klear is tossed into a fire and Bron’s entire mansion, possessions and credibility are destroyed in an explosion that seems to prove that Klear is too dangerous for public use.

While we appreciate that Hollywood is giving hydrogen the attention of a major motion picture, the plot of “Glass Onion” raises several far-fetched misconceptions about hydrogen safety that need to be debunked.  

Does Anything Like Klear Hydrogen Exist?

Miles Bron was on to something with his business venture idea. Hydrogen can in fact be used as a climate-friendly fuel, by either running it through a fuel cell or by directly burning it. Once produced, hydrogen is stored as a compressed gas or cryogenic liquid.

However, a solid version of hydrogen like Bron’s invention is not commercially-viable today due to technical and cost hurdles. Bottom line, storing hydrogen as the kind of crystal you can stick in your pocket in “Glass Onion” is pure fiction.

Is Hydrogen Flammable?

Like all fuel sources, hydrogen is flammable. The movie insinuates that Klear’s high flammability potential makes it uniquely dangerous. However, if ignited, hydrogen burns out far faster than comparably sized oil or gas fires, and it will burn up and away much more quickly. As the heat from a hydrogen flame is not as hot as a hydrocarbon flame, the risk of a secondary fire is lower.

The movie also refers to the 1937 Hindenburg disaster as evidence that hydrogen is dangerously flammable, though hydrogen’s role in that tragedy has not been conclusive. Among the half-dozen current working theories on what caused the disaster, none of them point to hydrogen. By repeating earlier unconfirmed reports about hydrogen as the cause, “Glass Onion” loses points in our book for reinforcing this myth.

Can Hydrogen Leak?

The filmmakers unfortunately didn’t hold back from catastrophizing hydrogen with other false claims. Several characters perpetuate the misconception that hydrogen leaks more easily than other fuels. While hydrogen is a much smaller molecule than the methane in natural gas, studies have shown that it leaks from pipes at about the same rate. When it does leak, it escapes into the air and floats away, while natural gas pools near the leak, causing an explosion hazard.

Most hydrogen leaks are so small that they provide no hazard to human health or safety in any way. Larger leaks are exceptionally rare simply because they are so easy to identify using safety equipment.  How often do you see gaping holes in a natural gas or propane pipe?  The leakage rate in that scenario is the least of your worries.

Because hydrogen is much lighter than air, any leak would dissipate incredibly quickly, greatly reducing the severity of any type of serious fire or damage. By following appropriate codes and standards and using well-maintained equipment, hydrogen is incredibly safe and has far less chance for any type of event that would harm a human being, particularly when compared with fossil fuels. Hydrogen was clearly miscast here.

Hydrogen Is Essential to Decarbonizing the Global Economy  

The need to reduce the world’s carbon footprint and transition to emissions-free renewable energy sources has never been more urgent than it is today. Green hydrogen alone cannot address the world’s emissions concerns, but we cannot fully decarbonize the economy without it. By providing a zero-carbon renewable energy that can be stored and transported over long distances and operated continually, green hydrogen solves the intermittency issues of solar, wind and batteries – making it possible to power forklifts, commercial trucks, airplanes, data centers, back-up power generation, industrial manufacturing and more.

That’s why we give this movie a five-star Pinocchio review. While sometimes there is truth in fiction, “Glass Onion” tells a fiction without the truth.

Have more questions about hydrogen safety? Contact us today.

The post Shattering Hydrogen Myths in ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’ first appeared on Plug Power.

The post Shattering Hydrogen Myths in ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’ appeared first on Plug Power.

With climate change driving an unprecedented drought in the Western United States, it is critical that the transition to renewable energy make the most efficient use of water possible. That is the case in Mendota, California where Plug is building a green hydrogen plant that will produce hydrogen from treated sewage.

As part of building the green hydrogen production plant in Mendota, Plug is building a tertiary water treatment plant for the city. The plant will take treated sewage effluent or secondary treated water, currently being disposed of in evaporation ponds, and produce recycled or “purple pipe” water that can be used for industrial purposes such as green hydrogen production. Recycled water cannot be used for human consumption or for food crop irrigation, but can be used for irrigation of sports fields, parks, other city landscaping needs, and non-food agricultural uses.

Because of the soil geology in this part of California, Mendota has had to use extensive evaporation ponds to dispose of the secondary treated water. When completed, the new tertiary water treatment plant the city can reduce the land needed for evaporation ponds and has a new source of water.

 “The project is a huge win for the City of Mendota, and we are very happy to see this significant investment in clean energy in our community,” said Mendota Mayor Rolando Castro in a 2021 press release announcing the green hydrogen production plant. “This green-hydrogen plant will provide full time high-paying jobs for our people. The city will also get a new wastewater treatment plant to provide recycled water for the city and all the needs of the hydrogen plant.”

The tertiary water treatment plant, which is expected to be complete by 2025, will produce 1.2 million gallons of recycled water per day. About 120,000 gallons of that water will be used at Plug’s green hydrogen production plant. In turn, about 30 metric tons per day of liquid green hydrogen will be produced using a 300-megawatt zero-carbon solar farm to power 120 megawatts of Plug’s state-of-the-art PEM electrolyzers, which split water into hydrogen and oxygen through an electro-chemical process.

When construction is finished, the tertiary water treatment plant will be given to the City of Mendota to own and operate, and the hydrogen plant will purchase the recycled water it needs at normal commercial rates. Beyond the benefits of additional water supply, securing this long-term water source for hydrogen production was fundamental to creating up to 50 high-paying and long-term jobs for members of the community in an economically disadvantaged area.

“This project showcases what can happen when market pull, innovation and public policy intersect – privately financed, large scale, zero-carbon hydrogen transportation fuel that creates jobs in a key region: Fresno County,” said Dee Dee Myers, Senior Advisor to Governor Newsom and Director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. “We commend Plug for investing in a clean, sustainable future in California and beyond.”

The project is currently in the process of completing an Environmental Impact Review under California’s CEQA law of the entire project including the water treatment plant, solar farm and hydrogen plant. After the EIR is completed, Plug will apply for the standard construction permits to move forward with the project.

The California green hydrogen plant joins the company’s growing national network of plants in New York, Tennessee, and Georgia that will supply 500 tons per day of liquid green hydrogen by 2025, offsetting 4.3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, and 1,000 tons per day globally by 2028.

When fully built, the network of plants in the U.S. will offer transportation fuel to customers that is price-competitive with diesel. Plug’s investment in green hydrogen production will contribute to decarbonizing light-duty vehicles, freight-transportation, and logistics operations, and supports California’s leading role in developing hydrogen as a zero-emission fuel.

The post Plug’s California Green Hydrogen Plant Saves Water, Creates New Energy Source first appeared on Plug Power.

The post Plug’s California Green Hydrogen Plant Saves Water, Creates New Energy Source appeared first on Plug Power.

Thibault Murcia likes to reference science fiction author Jules Verne when talking about the power of green hydrogen. More than 100 years ago, Verne wrote in his book “The Mysterious Island,” that “water will one day be employed as fuel, that hydrogen and oxygen which constitute it, used singly or together, will furnish an inexhaustible source of heat and light, of an intensity of which coal is not capable.”

Today, Murcia likes to tell people that Plug made that vision — green hydrogen — a reality.

Murcia, the Sales Area Manager of Southern Europe for Plug’s electrolyzer business unit, said he jumped at the opportunity to join the company two years ago.

“This is a new and exciting market, and it’s allowing us to do something real for the climate,” he said. “I am the father of two daughters and I wanted to be part of this energy transition.”

As a regional sales manager, Murcia is tasked with supporting European customers in the electrolyzer business unit. An engineer by trade, Murcia also has the unique background of being able to explain complex solutions in a simple way.

So far, he’s had many great days at Plug, including the technical support for contract closing of the first three electrolyzers that will be commissioned in Europe this year. Another great day was the inauguration of the world’s first green hydrogen production site at sea.

“This is the kind of project that makes me proud to work at Plug,” Murcia said. “The team is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate. Plug is the top green hydrogen leader that is changing the world.”

The post GreenH2@Work Employee Spotlight: Thibault Murcia first appeared on Plug Power.

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Congressional climate legislation passed in recent years could serve as a catalyst for the growth of the U.S. renewable energy market, including hydrogen, the core component utilized in Plug’s global energy products. The 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act ushered in $7 billion in federal dollars for regional hydrogen hubs throughout the U.S. Furthermore, the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act also will expand the hydrogen market within the U.S. by giving federal tax credits toward the production of green, climate friendly hydrogen.

While many technologies will play a critical role in helping the world to achieve the global consensus “net zero” greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, hydrogen is poised to play a pivotal role in realizing this target. It can be produced in a climate-friendly manner, can be safely and stably stored for long durations, and is versatile in that it can be utilized in a variety of decarbonization methods and industries.

But that begs several questions. What exactly is hydrogen? How is hydrogen produced? What are the different types of hydrogen? What applications is Plug targeting for green hydrogen deployment? And how safe is it?

Answers to these frequently asked questions will not only offer an overview of the basics, but also depict what Plug has to offer as a long-time industry leader that has pioneered green hydrogen’s growth.

What is Hydrogen?

Hydrogen, one of the 118 known elements, is prolific throughout Earth and the rest of the Universe. Hydrogen atoms can be found within other compounds and are even more abundant throughout the atmosphere at-large. Beyond Earth, hydrogen molecules are “also the most abundant element in the universe,” according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, composing ~75% of the mass of the Universe.

Known by scientists as its chemical element symbol H in its atomic form, bonded hydrogen molecules exist in an incredibly large number of compounds and chemical, ranging from water and ammonia to plants, animals, and even people. It is literally all around (and in) us. Without hydrogen, life as we know it would not exist.

Hydrogen also happens to possess an excellent amount of stored energy. “The energy in 2.2 pounds of hydrogen gas is about the same as the energy in 1 gallon of gasoline,” the U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center details in laying out the basics of hydrogen’s potential as a fuel. This energy can be realized by running the hydrogen through a fuel cell or by directly burning it, both mature technologies.

Here is the challenge. Although hydrogen is incredibly prevalent and around us every day, it is not naturally occurring on Earth. It is generally only present in a compound form with other elements forming gases, liquids, and solids (i.e., water – H₂O). Therefore, in order to utilize the hydrogen it must first be extracted. This means that hydrogen can effectively be used as an energy storage medium. Energy is “put in” by extracting the hydrogen which can then be stored (analogous to a battery). When needed, the hydrogen can then be consumed in a fuel cell or combustion application to “release” the energy stored.

How is Hydrogen Produced?

As stated, hydrogen is a critical ingredient to a range of compounds and chemicals, which are produced globally (i.e., ammonia – NH₃). What this means is that a hydrogen economy already exists, producing large volumes every year. However, the majority of this supply is made via methods with significant emissions as a byproduct. It is important then to understand the various methods through which hydrogen can be produced and how climate friendly they each are.  

The two most common modes of hydrogen production are steam-methane reforming and electrolysis. In brief, steam-methane reforming involves separating hydrogen molecules from natural gas or splitting the carbon atom from the hydrogen molecules. Water electrolysis uses water as its electricity current to produce hydrogen and therefore can be non-fossil fuel based. At the moment, the majority of hydrogen produced is via steam methane reforming so there are significant emissions associated with its production. This is often referred to as “gray hydrogen.” In contrast, hydrogen produced using electrolysis and renewable energy is referred to as “green hydrogen” since there are no associated emissions.

Utilizing hydrogen, particularly green hydrogen obtained via water electrolysis, is increasingly seen by policymakers and climate advocates as a key means to help migrate away from fossil fuels. In particular, green hydrogen’s growth is seen as a vital part of the global consensus goal of achieving “net zero” greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The International Renewable Energy Agency forecasts that up to 12 percent of global energy use by 2050 will come from hydrogen in a “net zero” scenario.

The International Energy Agency noted in summarizing its Global Hydrogen Review 2022 report that the hydrogen industry is “expected [to undergo a] sixfold increase by 2025 in global manufacturing capacity of electrolysers” and could elevate its production from 290 gigawatts in 2030 compared to the 0.5 gigawatts it produced in 2021.

What Are the Hydrogen “Colors”?

It is important to note that there are more “colors” of hydrogen than just green and gray. Depending upon the production technique and the associated emissions, a range of colors can be assigned.

Green Hydrogen: The gold standard from a climate change mitigation standpoint, green hydrogen is created by using renewable energy (i.e., solar, wind, hydro) to run electrolyzers. PEM-Electrolyzers (the type that Plug focuses on) use that energy to split a water molecule, separating the H₂ and the O. This results in a stream of gaseous hydrogen (H₂) and a stream of gaseous oxygen (O₂). Other methods of electrolysis do exist, namely, alkaline, AEM, and solid oxide. Each of these technologies has advantages and disadvantages and has a defined use case that it is most suitable for. Plug has chosen to focus on PEM technologies because we believe it is the most cost-effective, scalable, and versatile electrolytic production technique.

Our PEM electrolyzer technology will be used to construct North America’s first end-to-end green hydrogen production network, with an estimated 565 megawatts of product being installed across this network today at plants in Georgia, New York and Texas. More capacity looms in future phases. Globally, by 2025, Plug will have electrolyzer projects ranging from 1 megawatt to 1 gigawatt deployed across five continents.

For its progress in developing PEM hydrogen electrolyzers thus far, Plug received the top ranking from the consultancy Guidehouse Insights for hydrogen electrolyzer vendors in 2022.

Experts believe that green hydrogen is capable of powering at least 20% of the world. Driven by that belief, we are actively working to market our green hydrogen products to a wide range of customers worldwide.

The World Bank explained in June 2022 that globally there is an uptick in interest in green hydrogen “across multiple sectors including power generation, manufacturing processes in industries such as steelmaking and cement production, fuel cells for electric vehicles, heavy transport such as shipping, green ammonia production for fertilizers, cleaning products, refrigeration, and electricity grid stabilization.”

Plug can play a key role across multiple sectors because of the versatility of hydrogen and its unique position as a key decarbonization enabler in a wide range of industries. This breadth of application makes it easy to understand why there is a growing recognition about the future of green hydrogen.

Investment houses such as Goldman Sachs are also intrigued by the future potential of green hydrogen (and its ability to supplant grey hydrogen given falling prices), writing in a February 2022 equity research report that “Affordability is rapidly improving with green hydrogen likely to be at cost parity with grey in advantageous regions by 2025 and hydrogen cost parity with diesel in long-haul heavy road transport likely as early as 2027.”

Grey Hydrogen: By contrast, grey hydrogen is 72% of the global hydrogen production energy portfolio, according to WoodMackenzie. It is produced primarily via natural gas reforming (also known as steam reformation). It is the dominant form of hydrogen energy production today. The U.S. Energy Department notes that 95% of current global hydrogen energy production comes via this process which, simply put, involves cracking a natural gas/water mixture into hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide.

Blue Hydrogen: Similar to grey hydrogen, blue hydrogen also utilizes natural gas as its feedstock in producing hydrogen via the steam reformation process. Unlike grey hydrogen, however, production units come equipped with carbon capture devices to reduce atmospheric methane or other greenhouse gas emissions. Blue hydrogen currently consists of 6% of global hydrogen production volumes, according to a study published by the academic journal “Energy Science & Engineering.” A key challenge with blue hydrogen production is what is done with the captured emissions. Generally speaking, sequestration projects have been demonstrated on a large scale with limited success.

Pink Hydrogen – Coming from neither renewable energy reserves nor fossil fuels, pink hydrogen is produced via nuclear energy as its input. It is also sometimes called purple hydrogen or red hydrogen.

What Are Plug’s Hydrogen Applications?

As the leader of the end-to-end green hydrogen ecosystem, Plug is capable of supporting customers from several industries. Plug’s customers include Amazon, BMW, The Southern Company, Carrefour, and Walmart. We have more than 180 hydrogen refueling stations deployed across the country today and more than 60,000 fuel cells in service with more than 1 billion operating hours in material handling.

However, Plug is very aware of the evolution of the hydrogen economy is well positioned to play a key role as a critical enabler. Plug’s green hydrogen portfolio and the application of Plug’s hydrogen touches aspects of the economy ranging from electricity production, hydrogen storage and transportation to market, on/off road mobility, green petrochemical manufacturing, and backup power generation.

As a case in point, Plus has installed hydrogen fuel cells at nearly 3,000 locations in 46 states within the U.S., as well as 34 countries on five continents.

Plug has several production plants in the works throughout North America. By 2025, we expect to produce 500 tons of green hydrogen. The number is expected to double by 2028 with an announced target of 1,000 tons.

Is Hydrogen Safe?

While some have noted hydrogen’s safety issues, nothing to be taken lightly, in reality hydrogen is no more dangerous than any fossil fuel used today.

The environmental advocacy group Natural Resources Defense Council, for example, points out that green hydrogen in particular “has been shown to be safer than conventional fuels in a multitude of aspects.” NRDC concludes this is the case because hydrogen spills or leaks do not pose a risk of environmental contamination ala fossil fuels for a number of reasons: differences in their gaseous forms; due to elemental lightness highlighted above, hydrogen rises and disperses more rapidly than fossil fuels such as gasoline and propane, which lowers the risk of harmful fires; and because gasoline has a higher explosivity risk than hydrogen when mixed in environments with oxygen.

The U.S. Department of Energy, for its part, agrees. The DOE’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Technologies Office states that “a number of hydrogen’s properties make it safer to handle and use than the fuels commonly used today,” including gasoline, natural gas, uranium, jet fuel, and diesel.

Hydrogen also has no higher of a leak risk to that of natural gas when placed in a pipeline, a 2020 study by University of California-Irvine researchers concluded.

Plug is an active member of the Center for Hydrogen Safety and has 25 years of experience in the hydrogen industry, carrying an excellent safety record. Our facilities are designed and built to the highest safety standards with automated leak and fire detection, isolation and shutoff with multiple redundant points of control, and we conduct several external-expert safety reviews of the design during the design-build process.

It is prudent to question the safety and toxicity of any fuel, not just hydrogen. The science says the contrary, as pointed out by both the U.S. Department of Energy and various scientific papers.

For more discussion on hydrogen safety issues, see our myth-busting article covering Hydrogen Safety 101. And if you’re ready to explore Plug’s global-leading hydrogen solutions, contact us!

The post Hydrogen Basics: Fuel of the Future Explained first appeared on Plug Power.

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For the last 15 years, Sejal Patel has made an impact on the world we live in. As a principal mechanical engineer at Plug, she is responsible for designing and developing metal plate fuel cell stacks for stationary power, on-road, and aerospace applications. She also leads advanced technology and cost reduction initiatives within the stack team. 

“I joined Plug because it is a leader in PEM fuel cells, and their vision aligned with my personal passion for sustainability,” Patel said. “Plug provided me opportunities to drive innovation and develop creative green engineering solutions to help shape a clean, sustainable future by leveraging my education and past experiences.” 

How important is Patel and Plug’s role in the world we live in? Very important. In fact, world energy usage is expected to increase by nearly 50% by 2050, according to U.S. Energy Information Administration.  

“Fossil fuels are limited, and they produce carbon dioxide and other harmful emissions, which result in global warming and climate change,” Patel said. “This must be addressed with broad global scale initiatives. As the world drives deeper with alternate energy options, I believe the development of the larger hydrogen economy and fuel cells will play a critical role in the global movement toward decarbonization by driving secure, sustainable, and resilient power solutions for variety of applications.” 

Because of her passion for creating a more sustainable world, Patel said it has been an honor to work at Plug. “It has been a humbling journey to be a part of small percentage of female engineers associated in the fuel cell industry developing commercially and environmentally sound energy solutions for global businesses when it comes to improving their productivity and carbon footprint,” she said.  

When she is not working at Plug, you can find Patel occasionally educating others as a guest speaker at Albany Society of Professional Engineers and taking guest lectures at SUNY Polytechnic Institute and University of South Florida. She also enjoys spreading the good word about Plug.  

“Plug continues to be a leader and remains focused on building a global hydrogen ecosystem,” she said. “Having worked here for 15 years, I have seen plenty of talented colleagues embrace opportunities to innovate, deliver, learn, grow, and have a fulfilling career while making a positive impact for the environment, and having fun along the journey.”  

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Plug hosted its fourth annual Symposium this week at the Plug Innovation Center and Gigafactory in Rochester N.Y. where thousands of global attendees tuned in to learn about the company’s strides in making the adoption of green hydrogen easy and affordable. 

Joining Plug executives at the 2022 Symposium were global customers and thought leaders committed to decarbonizing the economy with green hydrogen solutions, including FreezPak co-CEOs and founders, Dave and Michael Saoud. During the Symposium, leaders announced an expanded agreement with FreezPak to offer Plug’s hydrogen and fuel cell solutions at nine additional sites. Read the press release here.  

Plug also announced the launch of a joint venture with the Olin Corporation, beginning with a 15-ton-per-day green hydrogen production plant in Louisiana. Read the press release here.  

The Symposium was held from the world’s first PEM electrolyzer gigafactory. With a production capacity of more than 1 gigawatt, it is one of the largest fuel cell and electrolyzer manufacturing facilities in the world. A virtual tour of the gigafactory can be viewed here. 

Watch the complete 2022 Symposium here.  

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The event, hosted by CEO Andy Marsh, will give in-person and virtual attendees the opportunity to witness green hydrogen at work at a $125 million center that is on target to produce an estimated 7 million MEAs/plates, 60,000 stacks, and 500 megawatts of electrolyzers per year.  

The event, which will be held on Oct. 18 and Oct. 19, will also feature several high-profile speakers, including: 

• Sanjay Shrestha, Chief Strategy Officer and General Manager of Energy Solutions, and Ole Hoefelmann, General Manager of Electrolyzers, who discuss how Plug’s integrated solutions are working today and the economics of green hydrogen globally.  
• Jose Luis Crespo, General Manager of Applications and Global Key Accounts, who will discuss the global adoption of green hydrogen in material handling and other niche markets and the role of green hydrogen in stationary power applications.  
• Benjamin Haycraft, Executive Vice President of EMEA Region, Erin Lane, Vice President of Public Affairs, and Preeti Pande, CMO, who will discuss the continued progress of joint ventures and applications, and what the recently signed Inflation Reduction Act means for green hydrogen.  
• Paul Middleton, CFO, who will offer details of Plug’s financial roadmap.  
• David and Michael Saoud, FreezPak co-CEOs and co-founders, who will discuss how hydrogen and fuel cells helped their company boost productivity and scale.  

The event is virtually open to the public. Attendees can register here.  

The post Find Out What’s New in Green Hydrogen at Plug Symposium 2022  first appeared on Plug Power.

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National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day is observed each year on Oct. 8 (10.08) in recognition of the atomic weight of hydrogen (1.008).  Hydrogen is increasingly being recognized as a component critical to reaching our nation’s decarbonization goals across power, transportation, and industrial uses, all while helping build a next-generation clean energy economy. 

Today, the hydrogen and fuel cell sector is already making an impact for a long list of customers in power and transportation industries, as well as building a foothold in several emerging hard-to-abate market sectors including long-haul trucking, seasonal energy storage, aviation, marine propulsion, and industrial applications like decarbonized steel, cement, and ammonia.   

At Plug, our employees are honored to support customers around the world with our end-to-end green hydrogen ecosystem that addresses every step of operations from production to transportation to storage and handling to dispensing and using. Plug is committed to supporting global customers as they work to decarbonize their operations.  

The “Road Map to a U.S. Hydrogen Economy” report projects that continued investment in hydrogen will support more than 3 million jobs and $750 billion in revenue by 2050, meeting 14% of total U.S. energy demand and reducing total carbon dioxide emissions by 16%. In the transportation sector alone, hydrogen energy can provide 33% of fuel for heavy trucks and aviation globally and 60% of fuel for marine shipping, helping to reduce U.S. transportation system emissions by 30%. Along with economic and emissions benefits, hydrogen increases the resilience and reliability of the energy sector, at a time when extreme weather-induced power outages are increasingly impacting communities.  

Join Plug in recognizing National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day by sharing these facts on social media. Be sure to tag #NationalHydrogenDay.  

• The atomic weight of #hydrogen is 1.008 – Join us and celebrate National Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Day today on 10.08! Find out more at www.hydrogenandfuelcellday.org  
• Did you know that #fuelcells helped NASA go to the moon? Find out more at www.hydrogenandfuelcellday.org  
• Did you know that by 2050, #hydrogen could create up to 3.4 million jobs and generate $750 billion in annual revenue? Find out more at www.hydrogenandfuelcellday.org 
• Hydrogen fuel cells are replacing carbon-intensive fuels in the transportation, power, and industrial sectors. By 2050, hydrogen could cut 16% of all U.S. CO2 emissions!  

For more information on National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day, please visit www.hydrogenfuelcellday.org.  

If you want to learn more about what Plug is doing, register for Plug Symposium from Oct. 18 to Oct. 19.

The post Plug Celebrates National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day  first appeared on Plug Power.

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Leading the industry in finding environmentally friendly alternatives is Irving Oil, a Canada-based international energy company, that recently selected Plug to produce green hydrogen at one of its refineries using a 5-megawatt PEM electrolyzer, marking a significant milestone for the 100-year-old family operation. 

Irving Oil, which has long been a producer of grey hydrogen, uses its Saint John refinery to produce 7% of all the hydrogen produced in Canada today. By shifting to green hydrogen, the refinery has the capability to produce 2 tons per day and ultimately reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions. The company has committed to working with Plug and other stakeholders to continue a shift to low-carbon hydrogen with the Plug electrolyzer as the first step. With grey hydrogen producing nine to 10 kilograms of carbon emissions per kilogram of hydrogen, the transition to up to 2 tons per day of green hydrogen can eliminate up to 6,500 tons of carbon emissions per year. 

The steps taken by Irving Oil can easily be replicated by other leading refineries as Plug’s PEM electrolyzer team, which has nearly five decades of operational experience, has created systems that can be customized to meet individual customer needs.  

Plug is a leading provider of turnkey hydrogen solutions for the global green hydrogen economy as business and government leaders work to decarbonize the planet. Aside from having a PEM electrolyzer team with nearly 50 years of industry experience, Plug can transport, store and dispense green hydrogen – and also produces products that allow industry to use that hydrogen. Andy Marsh, CEO for Plug, noted the Irving Oil commitment is the first step for the oil industry.  

“Demand for green hydrogen is growing because companies that have relied on other forms of hydrogen are recognizing the viability of turning to green hydrogen to achieve net-zero carbon emissions,” Marsh said. “Driven by our leading electrolyzer technology and unparalleled manufacturing capacity, we are honored that Irving Oil has chosen Plug to support its initial investment in carbon-free hydrogen production and look forward to expanding the partnership.” 

While grey hydrogen is produced from non-sustainable sources that release carbon emissions, green hydrogen is produced from renewable sources and only releases harmless oxygen. Entry into the green hydrogen industry establishes a commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening decarbonization efforts and making an even more sustainable impact. 

The green hydrogen that will be produced using Plug’s innovative PEM technology will power a number of industries, including mobility, and the refinery itself. Irving Oil also has plans to become the first hydrogen fueling infrastructure in Canada, while unlocking availability for regional customers, offering hydrogen for light- and heavy-duty vehicles as well as to tube trailers for delivery to customers. Investment in Plug’s electrolyzer technology is an important first step to any company expecting to shift its hydrogen production to low-carbon hydrogen over time. 

“We are proud to build on our hydrogen production at our Saint John refinery, and work to develop new hydrogen production capabilities and grow a customer market,” Sarah Irving, Irving Oil Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer, said. “Staying true to the values that have guided our company for nearly 100 years, we are committed to taking concrete steps to evolve our business for the future, while providing the safe and reliable energy that people need.” 

Plug’s 5-megawatt electrolyzer systems, including the one for the Saint John, New Brunswick refinery, are manufactured at Plug’s gigafactory in Rochester, N.Y., the world’s first and largest fuel cell and electrolyzer manufacturing gigafactory.   

Want more details about Plug’s PEM team and technology? Let’s start the conversation today.  

The post From Grey to Green: How Refineries Can Turn to Plug for a Green Transition  first appeared on Plug Power.

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Since joining Plug six months ago, Koshu Takatsuji has had many career highlights. As a market strategy analyst, Takatsuji is tasked with identifying markets where hydrogen can be used to decarbonize operations, while also examining the technology and costs needed for success.

“What excites me about hydrogen and fuel cells is their ability to decarbonize hard-to abate sectors such as heavy duty transportation, ammonia for fertilizer, and potentially as marine transportation fuel,” Takatsuji said.

So far in his Plug career, Takatsuji is helping government entities build out successful hydrogen ecosystem plans. Working with groups across the U.S., he said he’s proud to work with other highly-driven individuals to make a positive impact on the world.

“Plug is at an ideal location within the hydrogen ecosystem as the company has the ability to talk to end-users to understand their needs, while being a hydrogen solutions provider,” Takatsuji said. “It’s great that the company works directly with customers to understand the challenges, and how to address them.”

As far as his best green hydrogen day so far? Takatsuji said any day he’s acknowledged for the work he does is a great day. Of course, that acknowledgement is often!

Interested in joining Takatsuji at Plug? Check out our Careers page here.

The post GreenH2@Work Employee Spotlight: Koshu Takatsuji first appeared on Plug Power.

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Source: SK E&S press release

SK Plug Hyverse, Coupang and Kendall Square have teamed up to build the first eco-friendly hydrogen logistics center in Korea.

SK Plug Hyverse, a joint venture formed by SK E&S and Plug (NASDAQ: PLUG) for hydrogen business cooperation, announced on September 1^st that it has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for construction and operation of eco-friendly hydrogen fulfillment centers with Coupang Fulfillment Services (CFS) and Kendall Square Asset Management.   

CFS is a subsidiary of Coupang, the leading e-commerce business of Korea with more than 100 logistics facilities in over 30 locations throughout the country. Kendal Square is a leading asset management company in the country specializing in fulfillment centers and operates 42 logistics centers.

The MOU sets out intentions to cooperate for building the first eco-friendly hydrogen fulfillment center in Korea by introducing hydrogen fuel cell-powered forklifts and building hydrogen fueling and storage infrastructure at the Mokcheon Coupang Fulfillment Center, located in South Chungcheong Province of Korea. The Fulfilment Center is 148,000㎡ in size and is owned by Kendall Square and rented by Coupang.

As the first stage of the project, Coupang will start converting its battery-powered forklift fleet to  hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles in the second half of 2023. SK Plug Hyverse will enable a hydrogen fuel cell-powered forklift fleet, build hydrogen refueling stations and provide hydrogen fuel. Kendall Square will support the project by providing the pad, necessary permissions and licenses for the refueling stations.

As the project moves forward, the companies will explore the potential for expanding the “Eco-friendly Hydrogen Fulfillment Center” model to other fulfillment centers.

The MOU is especially note-worthy in that SK E&S, the leading hydrogen company in Korea, Coupang, the biggest e-commerce company and Plug who owns leading technology through whole hydrogen value chain, join forces to enhance the environmental-friendliness of the logistics industry.

The logistics industry has recently joined the trend to reduce carbon emissions, addressing the environmental risks  caused by diesel-fueled forklifts. Battery-based electric vehicles eliminate noise and fume concerns, but have limitations related to short operating time and lengthy recharging time,  spanning as long as 6 hours.  

The hydrogen fuel cell-powered forklift fleet can run 8 hours at maximum power on a single fuel, and be refuled in 3 to 5 minutes, making them improve productivity. Using Plug’s fuel cell power solution eliminates the costs associated with handling and storing toxic materials found in battery operations and results in a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by eliminating battery charging. Heat and water are the only byproducts of energy generation.

SK Plug Hyverse is highly competitive in providing hydrogen solution to distribution centers as it adopts fuel cell technology developed and manufactured by Plug, holders of 95% market share for hydrogen fuel cells in the material handling market.  In creating the first commercially viable market for hydrogen fuel cell technology, the company has deployed more than 60,000 fuel cell systems and over 165 fueling stations,  with companies in the US and Europe such as Amazon, Walmart, and Home Depot. Plug’s fuel cells are drop-in power solutions for existing electric Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 material handling electric truck fleets. GenDrive, a fuel cell system made by Plug is an all-in-one fuel cell package can be simply installed to the battery box of the existing electric forklifts, meaning that it can be applied to more than 100 types of electric forklift models worldwide.  

Currently, SK Plug Hyverse plans to build Giga-factory, a hub for producing and researching hydrogen equipment in Incheon, Korea and intends to begin production by the end of 2023 with the cooperation of major forklift manufacturers such as Doosan Bobcat, and Clark.

Ji Young Lee, CEO of SK Plug Hyverse and Head of Global Hydrogen Business of SK E&S, said during the ceremony, “The MOU is a significant step, as it laid the cornerstone for building the “Eco-friendly Hydrogen Fulfillment Center” for the first time in the country.” She added, “SK Plug Hyverse will continue to make contributions for accelerating establishment of hydrogen ecosystems by providing a comprehensive solution from hydrogen production to refueling infrastructure and supply of fuel cells for vehicles and generations with the support of SK E&S and Plug.”

The post SK Plug Hyverse, Coupang, and Kendall Square are Set to Build South Korea’s First ‘Eco-friendly Hydrogen Fulfillment Centers’ first appeared on Plug Power.

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By Dr. Luke Wentlent

It is no surprise that in recent years eyes have turned to green hydrogen as a core component of helping the world reach net zero. Hydrogen is an energy carrier, which can be produced in a zero-emission, environmentally responsible way using clean, renewable energy.  Furthermore, it does not have the same kind of health and safety concerns most fossil fuels have as hydrogen is non-toxic and dissipates rapidly. Not only is green hydrogen sustainable, but hydrogen safety standards are also developed, mature, and effective, according to the Department of Energy.

Experts and regulators agree when handled appropriately, hydrogen is a far safer fuel than those currently in use today, according to Washington State University professor Dr. Jacob Leachman. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Technologies Office stated “a number of hydrogen’s properties make it safer to handle and use than the fuels commonly used today,” including gasoline, natural gas, uranium, jet fuel, and diesel.

Aside from green hydrogen being produced solely from sustainable energy and only emitting harmless water as a by-product when used in a fuel cell, there are an abundance of hydrogen safety features which ensure production, distribution, storage, and utilization is as safe as possible. The safety regulations, summarized here by the Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Administration, are managed by governments, and regulated in accordance with third-party international hydrogen safety standards – making hydrogen a decarbonization solution with a safe, developed technical foundation.  These include codes and standards around hydrogen infrastructure, on-road and fueling, first responder practices, fuel cell design, use in marine and aviation applications, and even for use in a fuel cell-powered bicycle.

Despite this reality and the advances which have been made with hydrogen, there are still myths which plague our efforts to decarbonize using a sensible and safe energy carrier like green hydrogen. Let us debunk those fallacies on hydrogen safety with real evidence here.

The Myth: Hydrogen leaks too much.

The Truth:

There is a misconception because hydrogen is the lightest and smallest element, it will leak more than other fuels – but leakage of hydrogen is in fact no different than leakage of natural gas. A 2020 study performed by Mejia, Brouwer, and MacKinnon at the University of California Irvine showed hydrogen leaks from pipes at the same rate as 100% natural gas from a typical low-pressure natural gas distribution pipeline (45 psi gauge pressure).  They explained in real world, realistic equipment and scenarios there was no statistical difference in the leakage of pure natural gas, pure hydrogen, or a 90/10 blend of natural gas and hydrogen (respectively).

The Myth: A hydrogen leak is always dangerous.

The Truth:

As the HyResponse consortium explained in their 2013 report, hydrogen is a colorless, odorless, nontoxic and non-poisonous gas – unlike methane and gasoline or diesel – if a leak does happen, it would fortunately not threaten human or environmental health. Other fuel gases, such as propane and gasoline, are heavier than air, allowing leaks to creep along the ground to find a spark. Hydrogen is so light by comparison – 14.4 times lighter than air –it dissipates much more quickly when released.  Hydrogen rises in the surrounding air at a speed of 20 meters/second, allowing for rapid dispersion of the fuel in the event of a leak and making it unlikely to remain near the ground where people are in case of fire.  This behavior was understood and studied as far back as 1957 by Shapiro and Moffette while working at Westinghouse Electric Corp. In fact, hydrogen is the most diffusive fuel available today, according to HyResponse.  If hydrogen is ignited somehow, not only will the fire burn out far faster than an oil or gas fire, but it will also burn up and away.  This is one of the built-in safety features of hydrogen, it does not hang around outside of a container, see Figure 1.

The United States Army studied hydrogen fueled vehicles for use on the battlefield and went as far as to strap C4 to the side of the tank to get a full tank explosion.  Their report concluded “Storing the hydrogen at pressure will not cause any more significant safety issues than liquid fuel in the event of a ballistic penetration or explosion due to the inherently safe design of the storage systems,” according to Dr. Leachman.

The Myth: Hydrogen safety is not compatible with current infrastructure.

The Truth:

As the industry prioritizes a decarbonization roadmap which is cost-effective for all, there is financial incentive to repurpose the existing natural gas pipelines to transport hydrogen. One concern which is often expressed is compatibility of hydrogen with our existing natural gas pipelines, particularly regarding embrittlement and leakage. However, there are different ways to mitigate these concerns – coating the metal to prevent hydrogen permeation and embrittlement is one example – and researchers are actively looking into innovative solutions. Researchers at the National Fuel Cell Research Center and various commercial companies have identified commercially available coatings which can be applied to existing pipes and reduce leakage rates to effectively zero.

While it is true hydrogen can embrittle various metals it is important to understand this is not a binary phenomenon.  While ductility may be reduced, it is not taken to zero and completely lost.  Embrittlement itself it not a failure mechanism.  Rather, it can contribute to and enable failure mechanisms (i.e., crack initiation and propagation) to occur with greater ease.  For a material to fatigue and fail, there needs to be some type of cyclically applied load.  In a conventional pipeline, cycling applied load occurs via pressure changes in the contents.  Baek et al. have shown that in typical pipeline operations, it would take almost 30 years for fatigue cracks from pressure cycling to create a failure.

It should also be noted the safety concerns which do exist for hydrogen are markedly fewer than those of natural gas.  Hydrogen is non-toxic, non-poisonous, and significantly lighter than air, unlike natural gas. The bar for a safe, effective, efficient operation is significantly lower than those for natural gas. Finally, there are safety concerns and degradation of our natural gas pipeline system already at present date. Regardless of injecting hydrogen into them, these assets must be repaired and upgraded to operate effectively.

The Myth: Hydrogen is too difficult to safely store and distribute.

The Truth:

It is a fair assessment to say transporting and distributing hydrogen as a liquid or gas is challenging and must be done with careful safety considerations.  However, transportation issues are true of every energy carrier modern society uses today. Natural gas, oil, gasoline, diesel, LNG — all are challenging to transport and distribute, possessing numerous safety risks (arguably greater than hydrogen), according to S&P Global.

The reality is the world has been doing this for over a century. There is a wealth of knowledge with safe transportation and storage of cryogenic liquids and the safe, effective handling of pressurized gas tanks. NASA has used and stored millions of gallons of liquid hydrogen since the inception of the space program over 60 years ago.  The practices and safety methods are incredibly well established. Pressurized gases are used in an incredibly large number of industries and settings, the world is well versed in safe handling practices given over a century of experience.

Finally, given the non-toxic, non-poisonous nature of hydrogen, the safety concerns in the event of a leak or failure are dramatically lower than for conventional fossil fuels. How often have you read the news only to hear of another oil tanker running aground, leaking, and contaminating a wide area? All of this is backed up by decades of research and real-world experience. Hydrogen is not any more difficult to store than any other energy carrier and does not possess the same toxicity concerns.  It can be produced safely, stored safely, distributed safely, and utilized safely.

Plug Leads in Hydrogen Safety

As an active member of the Center for Hydrogen Safety, Plug has 25 years of experience in the hydrogen industry with an excellent safety record. Our facilities are designed and built to the highest safety standards with automated leak and fire detection, isolation and shutoff with multiple redundant points of control, and we conduct several external-expert safety reviews of the design during the design-build process.

Plug also is proactive in conducting research programs led by industry experts who study the behavior of hydrogen and advances in technology and science which will enable even safer and more effective utilization. For instance, as hydrogen adoption accelerates, Plug is actively investigating new applications which may require updated or refined codes and standards. When an area of concern has been identified (i.e., a customer seeking to store hydrogen in some unsafe way), Plug has not been afraid to stop the project until an appropriate safety assessment can be conducted and a safe, well-engineered resolution identified.

All energy carriers pose some safety risk if handled improperly, it is the nature of trying to store energy. It is important to look at the big picture and net benefit when assessing safety concerns since there is no perfect solution to replacing natural gas and diesel. When strictly following the fire codes, industry standards and best practices have already been developed, hydrogen is safer than other fuels the world heavily relies on.

By taking safety and pipeline integrity issues into proper consideration, hydrogen can also be managed safely. Contact us to learn more about how Plug can help you transition to green hydrogen.

Follow Plug on LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook for more myth-busting content in the future.

References

1. Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Safety, Codes, and Standards Fact Sheet. s.l. : Department of Energy, 2011.

2. Leachman, Jacob. So Just How Dangerous is Hydrogen Fuel. Hydrogen Properties for Energy Research Laboratory. [Online] Washington State University, 3 17, 2017. [Cited: 8 9, 22.] https://hydrogen.wsu.edu/2017/03/17/so-just-how-dangerous-is-hydrogen-fuel/.

3. Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Safe Use of Hydrogen. Department of Energy. [Online] [Cited: 8 9, 2022.] https://www.energy.gov/eere/fuelcells/safe-use-hydrogen.

4. Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Administration. Hydrogen/Fuel Cell Codes and Standards. Fuel Cell Standards. [Online] Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Administration. [Cited: 8 9, 2022.] http://fuelcellstandards.com/.

5. Hydrogen Leaks at the Same Rate as Natural Gas in Typical Low-Pressure Gas Infrastructure. Mejia, A.H., Brouwer, J. and Mac Kinnon, M. s.l. : International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 2020, Vol. 45.

6. Shapiro, Z.M. and Moffette, T.R. Hydrogen Flammability Data and Application to PWR Loss-Of-Coolant Accident. Pittsburgh, PA : U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, 1957.

7. Tretsiakova-McNally, S. Hydrogen Properties Relevant to Safety. s.l. : HyResponse, 2013.

8. Flamberg, S., Rose, S. and Stephens, D. Analysis of Published Hydrogen Vehicle Safety Research. Columbus, Ohio : National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2010.

9. Baek, U.B., et al. Compatibility and Suitability of Existing Steel Pipelines for Transport of Hydrogen-Natural Gas Blends. Hamburg, Germany : International Conference on Hydrogen Safety, 2017.

10. S&P Global. ESG Industry Report Card: Oil and Gas. s.l. : S&P Global, 2019.

11. NASA. Space Applications for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells. NASA.gov. [Online] 5 27, 2021. [Cited: 8 9, 2022.] https://www.nasa.gov/content/space-applications-of-hydrogen-and-fuel-cells.

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Source: SK E&S press release

SK E&S and SK Plug Hyverse will work with Korea Southeast Power Generation (KOEN) to cooperate with green hydrogen and green ammonia projects based on renewable energy resources at home and abroad.

SK E&S stated on the 18th that it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with SK Plug Hyverse and KOEN regarding cooperation for carbon neutrality and the production of green hydrogen and green ammonia which will be consumed for co-firing at KOEN’s natural gas and coal based thermal power plants, by using electrolyzers to be produced in Korea by SK Plug Hyverse. Green hydrogen and green ammonia co-firing is gaining attention as an eco-friendly and relatively low cost solutions for existing thermal power plants that can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

SK Plug Hyverse is a joint venture (JV) formed in January of this year by SK E&S and Plug Power (hereafter “Plug”, NASDAQ: PLUG), a leading provider of turnkey hydrogen solutions for the global green hydrogen economy, to pursue integrated solution businesses throughout the clean hydrogen value chain in Asia, including electolyzers. An electrolyzer uses water (H2O) to generate ‘green hydrogen (H2),’ which does not emit carbon during manufacture and combustion, and ‘green ammonia (NH3) synthesized with nitrogen (N). The company plans to build a ‘Giga-factory’ in Incheon, a hydrogen manufacturing facility and research center.

According to the company, the significance of this MOU lies in the fact that SK Plug Hyverse, which is collaborating with Plug, a global hydrogen company, and Korea South-East Power, a public power company that accounts for approximately 10% of the total electricity supply in Korea, have joined forces in the green hydrogen and ammonia business, which is garnering attention as one of the future’s most important energy sources.

PEM electrolyzers that SK Plug Hyverse plans to supply is the only commercially proven technology with a quicker start-up time than the alkaline electrolyzers and superior load response capability, which enables it to work more effectively with the intermittently produced renewable energy to produce green hydrogen. In addition, PEM electrolyzers are known for high energy density and moderate cost of maintenance.

Based on 40 years of experience in PEM electrolyzer technologies and track records of supplying to NASA and US Navy, Plug is the leader in the global PEM electrolyzer markets. Recent announcements of supply agreements include 1GW in Denmark, 250MW in Australia and 120MW in the US. Plug is also targeting to produce 180,000 tones of green hydrogen annually themselves in the US by using its own PEM electrolyzers (which usually requires 1GW or more electrolyzer capacity)

South-East Power plans to complete the construction of a carbon-neutral ecosystem by establishing a green hydrogen and ammonia power production business. South-East Power Co is pursuing the objective of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 48% by 2034 through expanding low-carbon LNG conversion and developing CCUS technology.

This MOU is expected to serve as a cornerstone for the global trade era of clean hydrogen. According to the ‘First Basic Plan for the Implementation of the Hydrogen Economy’ released by the government last year, the supply of hydrogen is expected to increase from 220,000 tons in 2020 to 3.9 million tons in 2030 and 27.9 million tons in 2050 as the demand for hydrogen cars and fuel cells increases. To meet the exploding domestic demand for hydrogen and expand the use of clean hydrogen, in addition to locally produced blue hydrogen, green hydrogen to be produced at locations with abundant and competitive renewable energy resources and be synthesized it into green ammonia or converted to liquid hydrogen, which are advantageous for large-scale long-distance transportation, and brought into Korea is being considered.

Ji Young Lee, CEO of SK Plug Hyverse and Head of Global Hydrogen Business of SK E&S, stated that “We are thrilled to join forces with KOEN for endeavors to lead the transition of Korea into a carbon-neutral era. We are proactively developing opportunities throughout the clean hydrogen value chain to help building a competitive hydrogen portfolio for Korea and establishing a world leading clean hydrogen ecosystem in the country”

Sang-pyo Eun, vice president and head of South-East Power’s new business division, stated, “Utilization of hydrogen and ammonia is crucial for achieving national carbon neutrality and delaying the stranded capitalization of thermal power producing facilities. Given the local production capability of hydrogen and ammonia, it is vital to establish a hydrogen and ammonia supply chain from abroad. Using this MOU as an opportunity, we will reliably generate hydrogen and ammonia overseas with SK E&S, a leading firm in the hydrogen economy, and introduce it into Korea to become an energy company leading the national carbon neutrality and the hydrogen economy.”

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Supporting businesses as they transition to hydrogen energy may seem daunting for some, but for Victoria Armstrong — it’s her daily motivation.  

Armstrong is Plug’s project controls manager. She joined Plug in January 2022 as an employee of Joule Processing, which was acquired by Plug. As the project controls manager, Armstrong and her team are responsible for services such as cost control, scheduling, change order management, percent of completion tracking, KPI reporting and document control.  

Since the acquisition earlier this year, Armstrong and the rest of the Joule team have been working full steam ahead as members of Plug.  

“I have only been with Plug for less than a year, but I was privileged to visit some of our biggest equipment suppliers in France and Switzerland and see their fabrication process and how their packages will fit into our plant,” Armstrong said. “Hydrogen technology is truly international with people all over the globe making strides on developing new solutions and collaborating.” 

Armstrong, whose background is in the automotive industry, said she’s most excited to see how hydrogen can power cars. Plug and the Renault group launched HYVIA in 2021 to create an ecosystem that includes light commercial vehicles with fuel cells, hydrogen refueling stations, supply of carbon-free hydrogen, services for financing and maintenance of fleets. 

“I learned about fuel cells as part of my degree and subsequently while working in the automotive industry,” Armstrong said. “At the time, fuel cells seemed like a distant technology that was not yet mainstream — however, now I can see a path forward for it and am excited about the automotive market taking on this new technology.” 

That excitement is why Armstrong would encourage any applicant to consider joining Plug.  

“Plug is truly at the forefront of the technology that can change the world in more than one way,” Armstrong said. “As well as reducing the emissions and making our environment better for future generations, it will also make the world safer as countries would become less dependent on hydrocarbon rich nations.” 

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President Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act today, marking a critical moment in the history of the U.S. CEO Andy Marsh comments on this moment in the video below.

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“This is a monumental day for the American people as lawmakers come together to make a significant investment in clean energy and job creation. The House’s passage of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 represents our country’s commitment to creating a cleaner future with green hydrogen. We are thrilled to see the bill through the House and on its way to the White House.”  Andy Marsh, CEO

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by Dr. Thomas I. Valdez, Principal Engineer for Office of the Chief Technology Officer 

Energy which does not emit carbon, and is independent of the electrical grid seems far-fetched. This is possible with hydrogen. However, some people question if hydrogen production is an effective use of our water, particularly in drought-stricken parts of the world.

If we want to help the world combat climate change, hydrogen production is an effective use of water. Water is life; as such, making sure communities have access to water for drinking and living is paramount. Water is used by many different industries – to grow food, to produce gasoline, to make steel, and to manufacture other products. The process we use to make hydrogen, called electrolysis, occurs in an electrolyzer, and does use water.  However, electrolyzers do not add to our water usage, they displace other technologies which may use more water in the long run.

What is an Electrolyzer and How Does it Work?

An electrolyzer is an electrochemical device, which converts water into hydrogen and oxygen gas. Water and electricity are fed to an electrolyzer, and depending on the type of electrolyzer used, water is then converted to protons, hydroxide ions or oxygen ions through electrochemical reactions. As the protons, hydroxide ions, or oxygen ions, complete their respective electrochemical reactions, they liberate hydrogen and oxygen gas from water. Water electrolysis uses no chemicals, only water and electricity. When using renewable power, no carbon dioxide or particulate matter is emitted to produce hydrogen and oxygen gas through electrolysis.

As shown in Figure 1, hydrogen is captured, transported, and stored for use by any industry looking to decrease their carbon footprint. The oxygen produced is released into the air. It is projected electrolyzers will soon supply giga-tons of green hydrogen as we transition from fossil to renewable fuels.

Where Does the Water Come From?

The electrolysis process can use different water sources to produce hydrogen. Industrial water, which can include municipal water or groundwater, is the most common source of water used in electrolysis. Different from drinking water, industrial water is used in many different industries including smelting facilities, petroleum refineries, and industries producing food, paper, and chemicals, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Prior to being used in the electrolysis process, the industrial water goes through several phases of filtration to ensure maximum purity. Imagine a Brita® water filter you may use at home to clean your tap water. The water filtration process is like a complex Brita® water filter where the water is purified in several stages — removing ions such as calcium, magnesium and other minerals that cannot be used during electrolysis. A schematic for such a water filter is shown in Figure 2.

“The water we use to produce hydrogen needs to be as pure as possible,” said Tim Cortes, Chief Technology Officer for Plug. “After hydrogen is produced, any excess water is then recycled to be used for other needs — ensuring the electrolysis process consumes the least amount of water as possible.”

Following the Water

Every nine liters (2.4 gallons) of water contains one kilogram of hydrogen and eight kilograms of oxygen. When you include purifying the water and some water vapor lost with oxygen release, the actual amount is about 12 liters (3 gallons) of water for every kilogram of hydrogen generated through electrolysis.

Water Usage in an Electrolysis Plant

Plug’s Woodbine, Georgia Green Hydrogen Production Plant produces approximately 15,000 kilograms of hydrogen per day. It uses about 240,000 liters (63,400 gallons) of water to produce this amount of hydrogen. On the hottest days of the year, the electrolysis process also uses water for cooling. A hydrogen production plant such as the one in Georgia will use an average of 43,000 extra liters (11,000 gallons) of water per day on the hottest days of the year. Thus, the maximum daily water usage at Plug’s Woodbine, Georgia Plant would be 283,000 liters (74,300 gallons). This is about half the water a large dairy farm could use, and much less than other agricultural uses such as alfalfa and almond production. Typical industrial water usage is shown in Figure 3.

Water Usage in Power Plants

Compared to other power plants, a hydrogen-fed power plant uses less water. A nuclear power plant, for instance, uses 4.2 liters (1.1 gallons) of water for every kilowatt hour of energy produced. Similarly, a coal power plant would use 3.8 liters (1 gallon) of water for every kilowatt hour of energy produced. A hydrogen-fed power plant, however, would use 0.97 liters (0.225 gallons) to provide the same energy, according to the Monarch Partnership, an energy consultancy firm. See Figure 4 below to compare the water usage at various power plants.

Water Usage in Consumer Vehicles

Water is also used by the oil and gas industry to refine petroleum products.  To refine three billion liters (800 million gallons) of petroleum products every day in the United States, we use 3.8 to 7.6 billion liters (1 to 2 billion gallons) of water, as estimated by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Petroleum products such as gasoline can take up to 22.7 L (6 gallons) of water to produce 3.8 liters (1 gallon) of fuel. Best case, 3.8 liters (1 gallon) of water would be required to produce sufficient gasoline to allow you to drive:

• 7 miles in a typical SUV
• 10.7 miles in a typical passenger vehicle
• 18 miles in the most efficient hybrid vehicles

On the other hand, 3.8 liters (1 gallon) of water could produce sufficient hydrogen for a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle to drive 23.2 miles. This highlights the greater efficiency of fuel cell electric vehicles over traditional gasoline vehicles. Fuel cell electric vehicles can extract more energy from hydrogen than gasoline vehicles can extract from gasoline. Also, it takes less water to make hydrogen than to make gasoline of the equivalent energy. Thus, fuel cell vehicles make better use of water as a resource. The use of water to produce fuel used in consumer vehicles is best highlighted in Figure 5.

Plug CTO Cortes and other experts also agree the upswing in hydrogen availability would mean industries such as steel and cement manufacturers could reduce their carbon footprint.

However, most of the hydrogen used today is produced by a process called steam methane reforming.  In steam methane reforming, steam is used to convert natural gas to hydrogen and carbon dioxide. A 2020 study by the German Energy Agency reported steam methane reforming has a cradle-to-grave water consumption of 6 to 13 liters (1.6 to 3.4 gallons) of water for every kilogram of hydrogen generated. This is similar to the water required for electrolysis. However, a steam methane reforming plant would also release approximately 9 kilograms of carbon dioxide for every kilogram of hydrogen generated per the Department of Energy (GREET Model). Thus, Plug’s Woodbine, Georgia Green Hydrogen Production Site could keep over 135,000 kilograms of carbon dioxide from escaping into our atmosphere every day.

“The electrolysis pathway has been proven to be the more environmentally-friendly route to producing hydrogen when using renewable energy,” Cortes said.

Plug’s Commitment

Plug is actively pursuing methods of reducing water consumption in hydrogen production. These include dry cooling methods, higher-efficiency water treatment technologies, and building water treatment facilities like the water treatment facility Plug is building in California. Plug is focused on building an end-to-end green hydrogen ecosystem to help businesses decarbonize their operations, reducing both their carbon and water footprint. Electrolyzers are a critical component of that ecosystem and understanding water usage is key to their benefit.

updated July 24, 2024

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By John Roach

Latham, New York – Hydrogen fuel cells packed into a pair of 40-foot-long shipping containers here ramped up on an overcast day early this June as engineers gathered around laptops displaying data on the state, health and power output of the cells in this first-of-a-kind hydrogen generator.

“This is it, it’s running at three megawatts right now,” exclaimed Mark Monroe, a principal infrastructure engineer on Microsoft’s team for datacenter advanced development.

A round of applause and shouts of joy from engineers at Plug, who built the fuel cell system, pierced the white noise from fans atop the shipping containers and pipes venting steam. The moment was the latest milestone on Microsoft’s quest to find a zero-carbon emissions replacement for the backup diesel-powered generators that support continuous operations in the event of power outages and other service disruptions.

“What we just witnessed was, for the datacenter industry, a moon landing moment,” said Sean James, Microsoft’s director of datacenter research. “We have a generator that produces no emissions. It’s mind-blowing.”

Datacenters are the physical infrastructure behind the veil of cloud computing. They are where cat videos and vacation photos are stored, where remote workers gather for virtual meetings and gamers converge to build worlds, race cars and blast away foes. They enable the digital transformation of businesses around the world, allowing them to quickly and securely respond to customers’ needs and manage supply chain logistics.

At the core, datacenters are intentionally nondescript warehouses packed with tens of thousands of computer servers and the equipment needed to keep the servers running and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This includes machines that keep the servers at t-shirt weather temperatures, as well as batteries and generators that maintain an uninterrupted power supply even during power grid outages.

“What makes a datacenter a datacenter is that it can operate even though the grid is not,” James said. “When there’s a blackout, the servers stay up. That’s the difference between a datacenter and a warehouse chock full of computers.”

Next-generation generator

Microsoft strives to provide datacenter customers “five-nines” of service availability, which means that the datacenter is operational 99.999% of the time. To do that, datacenter operators rely in part on the batteries in what’s called the uninterruptible power supply, or UPS, to kick on the moment a power outage occurs and provide power to the servers while backup generators are fired up.

To make sure the generators are ready at a moment’s notice, Microsoft tests them periodically, and performs what are called load tests to make sure the electrical load from the servers and other datacenter equipment can be reliably transferred to the generators.

While the backup generators are used infrequently, they are critical if there is a power outage. That’s because they maintain uninterrupted power to the datacenter, and thus service to customers.

When the backup generators do run, they typically burn fossil fuel, though Microsoft has been pioneering sustainable fuel alternatives. Microsoft has committed to eliminate diesel fuel as part of the company’s pledge to be carbon negative by 2030. To meet this goal, Microsoft is exploring short-and long-term alternatives.

For example, in November 2021, Microsoft launched its sustainable datacenter region in Sweden that uses Swedish fuel provider Preem’s Evolution Diesel Plus for generator fuel. This diesel contains at least 50% renewable raw material and nearly an equivalent reduction in net carbon dioxide emissions compared with standard fossil diesel blends.

Long term, proton exchange membrane, or PEM, fuel cell technology could be a viable solution for no carbon emissions, according to Lucas Joppa, Microsoft’s chief environmental officer. PEM fuel cells combine hydrogen and oxygen in a chemical reaction that generates electricity, heat and water – no combustion, no particulate matter and no carbon emissions.

The PEM fuel cell test in Latham demonstrated the viability of this technology at three megawatts, the first time at the scale of a backup generator at a datacenter. Once green hydrogen is available and economically viable, this type of stationary backup power could be implemented across industries, from datacenters to commercial buildings and hospitals.

“Three megawatts is super interesting because that’s the size of the diesel generators that we use right now,” Joppa said.

‘We built a vision’

Microsoft started to explore fuel cell technology in 2013 with the National Fuel Cell Research Center at the University of California, Irvine, where they tested the idea of powering racks of computer servers with solid oxide fuel cells, or SOFCs, which are fueled by natural gas. The technology shows promise for baseload power, though it is currently prohibitively expensive.

Microsoft turned to PEM fuel cells as a potential solution to the backup diesel generator challenge in 2018. PEM fuel cells are commonly used in the automotive industry because, like diesel engines, they are quick to turn on and off, and can follow a load up and down. That fast reaction and load following capability is well suited for backup power at datacenters, Monroe noted.

“We started looking at the projections of the costs and the availability of hydrogen and we started to really believe that this might be a solution. And, so, we built a vision. It took us from a rack to a row to a room to a datacenter,” he said.

In 2018, Microsoft collaborated with engineers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado, to power a rack of computers with a 65-kilowatt PEM fuel cell generator. Then, in 2020, the team hired Power Innovations in Salt Lake City, Utah, to build and test a system that could power 10 racks – a row – of datacenter servers for 48 consecutive hours with a 250-kilowatt hydrogen fuel cell system.

After that successful proof-of-concept demonstration, the team set out to prove the viability of a three-megawatt system, which is of sufficient size to replace a diesel generator at a datacenter.

The problem, Monroe noted, was that nobody made PEM fuel cell systems that large – three megawatts is more than 10 times bigger than the system the company tested in Utah. Three megawatts is enough energy to power about 10,000 computer servers or 600 homes.

‘The coolest thing’

The challenge to build a three-megawatt fuel cell system resonated with engineers at Latham-based Plug, a pioneer in the commercial development of fuel cell and green hydrogen technologies. Today, the company offers solutions throughout the green hydrogen ecosystem — from production and transportation to storage, handling and dispensing.

“Drawing it on the whiteboard and saying, ‘Okay, we know we can do this, we know we can do this,’ was a lot of fun,” said Scott Spink, the director of engineering for Plug. “The real challenge for this project was that we didn’t get to rely on one proven technology. Every piece of that fuel cell system came through a team that was at the forefront of what they were doing.”

The 125-kilowatt fuel cells – 18 of which are packed into each shipping container – are the largest the company has ever made, and the three-megawatt fuel cell system is Plug’s biggest application. Because the system is larger than anything built before, so too are all the components, from compressors and heat exchangers to grid-scale inverters and the pipes for hydrogen delivery.

The system was assembled piecemeal on a concrete pad adjacent to a parking lot behind the company’s headquarters for research and development and manufacturing of its ProGen line of fuel cells. Exposed wires and tubes go this way and that and the hat of radiator fans overhangs the containers giving the system the appearance of a first-iteration prototype.

The engineers that Spink assembled to build the system were unfazed by the motley appearance.

“This is the coolest thing I’ve ever done,” said Hannah Baldwin, a next-generation electrical engineer for the high-power stationary group at Plug, who was hired to work on the project. “I don’t know how I’m going to top this in my career. There’re just so many pieces of the puzzle that have to come together. And seeing them all coming together and working well and stable is rewarding.”

Backup power

After the fuel cell generator hit the three-megawatt milestone, Microsoft’s James jumpstarted the testing to prove it could perform in real-world conditions.

“I’ve asked two questions,” he said. “My first one’s been answered: Can this technology all integrated together produce the power that I need? My second question is can it perform like a diesel? A diesel engine can produce a lot of power very quickly. That’s the key. So, we’re going to start simulating a datacenter duty cycle and one of those is a power outage.”

When a power outage occurs, batteries in the UPS can keep the datacenter running for several minutes, which is more than sufficient to ramp up a diesel – or hydrogen – generator. Once ramped up, backup generators, in theory, can keep the datacenter running indefinitely, as long as they have a fuel supply.

Starting that June day in Latham and for the next several weeks, Spink’s team ran the three-megawatt hydrogen fuel cell system through the tests Microsoft uses to qualify diesel generators to prove it could function reliably, including simulated power outages and hours-long runs.

“I’m just tickled,” Monroe said. “This is a continuation of the journey that we started back in 2018. And in 2020, when we announced the work that were doing on the smaller tests, we alluded to the fact that we were going to run a three-megawatt test sometime in the future. The future is now.”

With the prototype testing complete and concept proven, Plug is focused on rolling out an optimized commercial version of high-power stationary fuel cell systems that have a smaller footprint and a more streamlined and polished aesthetic than the one on the pad adjacent to the parking lot in Latham.

Microsoft will install one of these second-generation fuel cell systems at a research datacenter where engineers will learn how to work with and deploy the new technology, including the development of hydrogen safety protocols. The date of first deployment at a live datacenter is unknown, though it will likely occur at a new datacenter in a location where air quality standards prohibit diesel generators, James noted.

“I’m going to turn around when the excitement dies down and start to ask, ‘Okay, we did one, where can I get 1,000?’” he said. “We’ve got a commitment to be completely diesel free, and that supply chain has got to be robust – we’ve got to talk about scale across the entire hydrogen industry.”

Hydrogen economy

Hydrogen is the lightest and most abundant element in the universe. It’s long been eyed on Earth for its clean energy potential. A challenge is that while stars such as the sun consist mostly of hydrogen, on Earth hydrogen only naturally occurs in compound form with other elements – think water or hydrocarbons such as natural gas and petroleum.

The high cost and technology required to separate hydrogen from these natural compounds, store it, transport it and wring power from it at scale have limited its use. Over the past decade, that calculus has begun to change, according to Darin Painter, a vice president of sales and product management for stationary power at Plug.

The change is driven by advances across the hydrogen ecosystem coupled with a growing interest in and commitment to sustainability, he said.

For example, abundant and inexpensive wind and solar energy is enabling the cost-efficient generation of so-called green hydrogen with machines called electrolyzers. These machines operate like a fuel cell in reverse – they use energy to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. If the energy used to run the electrolyzer is from renewables, then the hydrogen produced is considered green.

The hydrogen used during the Latham test was a low-carbon “blue” hydrogen obtained as a byproduct in the industrial production of chlorine and sodium hydroxide. Plug is in the process of scaling up green hydrogen production at facilities throughout the US and Europe to meet the growing demand, Painter said. Microsoft plans to use only green hydrogen in production datacenters.

At the other end of the hydrogen ecosystem, technological advances have led to denser and more efficient fuel cell stacks that combine hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity, heat and water.

“All of that has to happen before you can get to a viable solution at scale,” Painter said. “If we would have tried to build this three-megawatt system 10 or 15 years ago, I don’t think we could have.”

Monroe and his colleagues saw this change in the calculus when they ran the numbers at the start of their hydrogen fuel cell project in 2018. On a per-watt basis, Monroe said, power produced from hydrogen fuel cells is well on the way to becoming competitive with power from other sources such as diesel generators.

To accelerate breakthroughs in clean energy solutions, the US Department of Energy announced the first Energy Earthshot – Hydrogen Shot – in June 2021, with a goal to reduce the cost of clean hydrogen by 80% to US $1 for 1 kilogram within 1 decade. A kilogram of hydrogen has roughly the same energy content as a gallon of gasoline, Monroe noted.

What’s needed, he added, is a catalyst to scale up the production of green hydrogen and fuel cells, which will drive down costs and increase adoption of the technology.

Microsoft and other players in the datacenter industry are uniquely positioned to be that catalyst, according to Joppa, who in addition to his role as chief environmental officer is Microsoft’s representative on the Hydrogen Council, a global initiative of leading energy, transport and industry companies that was formed to promote hydrogen’s role in the clean energy transition.

Microsoft’s business and sustainability needs for fuel cells and green hydrogen send a demand signal into the marketplace, Joppa noted. What’s more, if Microsoft invests in hydrogen technology and the technology works, other companies will feel more confident investing in hydrogen too, he added.

“So, if we feel confident in using these to ensure continuity of our datacenter services, that’s a big measure of faith,” Joppa said.

City-scale solutions

A robust green hydrogen economy could also help cities transition to 100% renewable energy, noted James. That’s because excess energy produced by wind and solar farms can be used to run electrolyzers, in effect storing this excess energy in hydrogen. Then, when the sun is not shining and the wind is not blowing, this green hydrogen can power fuel cells without generating any carbon emissions.

“We want to power our cloud off the sun – free clean energy,” he said. “Well, practically, how do you do that? You have to get really good at storing energy, and hydrogen is a great way to do that.”

James envisions a future where datacenters are outfitted with hydrogen fuel cells, hydrogen storage tanks and electrolyzers to convert water molecules into hydrogen with excess renewable energy. During periods of high energy demand or when the sun stops shining and the wind stops blowing, Microsoft can ramp up the fuel cells, taking the datacenter load off the grid, freeing up grid power for others to use.

The challenges of bringing a version of this vision to reality is what compels the next-generation electrical engineer Baldwin to stick with a career in the hydrogen economy, a career path, she admits, that was not top of mind before she worked on the fuel cell project.

“I’m excited about the idea of working on something that can make a difference in the world, and hydrogen has a ton of potential to be a huge game changer,” she said. “When a lot of people think of renewable energy, they think of wind turbines and solar panels, and they don’t necessarily think of hydrogen. I know I didn’t. I think that will definitely change.”

The post Hydrogen Fuel Cells Could Provide Emission Free Backup Power at Datacenters, Microsoft Says first appeared on Plug Power.

The post Hydrogen Fuel Cells Could Provide Emission Free Backup Power at Datacenters, Microsoft Says appeared first on Plug Power.

For years, lead-acid batteries were trusted to power material handling operations around the world, but better technology has delivered better options. Fuel cells, an area Plug has long-dominated, is quickly becoming the go-to solution for global companies that want to save money while reducing their carbon footprint.

Over the last 25 years, Plug has witnessed customers save money, reduce emissions and gain more options simply by switching from lead-acid batteries to fuel cells.

Dive deep into the comparison between lead-acid batteries and fuel cells in this white paper, “Leading the Charge.”

Interested in Learning More?

Webinar: Elevate Your Warehouse Performance

When: Tuesday, August 16, 2022

Description: Learn about the benefits of green hydrogen fuel cells over lead acid batteries, and their impact on forklift fleet performance as it relates to productivity, costs, warehouse space and the environment. You’ll also hear case studies by application, fleet size, and industry.

The post How Do Billion-Dollar Warehouses Save Money? Fuel Cells. first appeared on Plug Power.

The post How Do Billion-Dollar Warehouses Save Money? Fuel Cells. appeared first on Plug Power.

The hydrogen economy is growing rapidly, but the federal government can accelerate the clean energy transition, Plug CEO Andy Marsh told the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources at a Tuesday hearing where lawmakers discussed federal regulations on hydrogen infrastructure.

In a written testimony to the Committee, chaired by Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Marsh wrote that “hydrogen fuel cell technologies and green hydrogen offer distinct and focused benefits for these communities. In many cases, green hydrogen and fuel cell technologies are the best replacement for diesel.”

“The hydrogen economy can help ensure that disadvantaged communities are prioritized in the clean energy transition,” Marsh said. “Environmental justice is a fundamental tenet within Plug’s overall strategy. For too long, disadvantaged communities have faced disproportionate environmental injustices, suffered the brunt of climate change, toxic pollution, adverse health effects, and endured underinvestment in critical infrastructure and services.”

With hydrogen poised to generate $140 billion per year in revenue and support 700,000 jobs across the hydrogen value chain by 2030, according to consultancy firm McKinsey & Company, Marsh told the Committee, “Hydrogen may be the only viable pathway to reduce emissions for difficult-to-decarbonize sectors, such as rail and long-haul truck transportation, marine vessels, steel, cement, and ammonia.”

Committee members asked Marsh for his thoughts on several points related to hydrogen, including how hydrogen may play a role in powering homes, how it could support different industries, and “the best thing Congress can do” to buildout the hydrogen economy.

“Production tax credit of $3 per kilo and a sliding scale for blue hydrogen will make us the leader around the world for green hydrogen production,” Marsh replied. “When I think about where the federal government can help, the production tax credit for both green and blue hydrogen would be incredibly beneficial to accelerate the economy, create jobs and provide independence. That will make the biggest difference and we can leverage what’s best about our economy and allow companies like Plug to raise money on wall street and provide certainty for the long-term.”

By building out the green hydrogen economy, every American would see the benefits. In his written testimony, Marsh said, “The green hydrogen economy will benefit disadvantaged communities through job creation, regional infrastructure improvements such as investment into renewable wind and solar infrastructure, and community-driven programs implementing green hydrogen solutions.”

As the leader in the global green hydrogen economy, Plug is playing an “integral to ensuring the long-term energy security of the United States and our international allies,” Marsh said.

“Plug believes the federal government can accelerate the clean energy transition through frameworks such as a Clean Hydrogen Production tax credit and the Investment Tax Credit, as shown by the success of these incentives in other markets,” he said. “Plug stands ready to continue working in partnership with you to develop and expand the national hydrogen ecosystem.”

Read Marsh’s full testimony here.

The post U.S. Government Can Accelerate Clean Energy Use, Plug CEO Tells Senate first appeared on Plug Power.

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If you’re one of the millions of Americans planning a road trip this summer, electric vehicles may seem like the easy solution to saving a few dollars from record-breaking gas prices. After all, you can just stop by an EV charging station to power your car in as little as 30 minutes. In fact, Americans are reportedly more interested in buying a Tesla or other electric vehicle than ever before.

There is just one problem: The grid we have today was not built to support this rapid growth in electric vehicles — not yet anyway. But if the grid had the support of green hydrogen, which could easily store large volumes of energy and instantly generate the power to charge hundreds of electric vehicles at once, we could power more EV charging stations. And, together, put more electric vehicles on the road without adding unnecessary infrastructure costs or delayed deployment.

The EV Problem

Electric vehicles are being quickly adopted in the U.S. A study conducted by the Brattle Group, an international consultancy focused on economics, finance and regulation, predicts EVs will increase from 1.5 million in 2020 up to 35 million by 2030.

Sounds great for the environment, right? Not so fast.

Researchers in the same study claimed that 20 million EVs will add “60–95 TWh of annual electricity demand and 10–20 GW of peak load, requiring 12–18 GW of renewable generation capacity and over 1 million public chargers.”

“While EVs and chargers are becoming more common in our everyday lives, the industry is really just seeing the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the impact that EVs will have on the grid,” stated Michael Hagerty, a Brattle associate and study coauthor. “System planners across the electricity supply chain need to better understand and prepare for the impacts of EVs.

In order to power the millions of EVs on the road, the researchers estimate that a $30 to $50 billion investment will be needed just for generation and storage of additional electricity, another $15 to $25 billion investment for transmission and distribution upgrades, and a $30 to $50 billion investment for EV chargers and customer-facing infrastructure. With all these added infrastructure upgrades comes delays due to lengthy build times – distribution system upgrades in certain areas can take over five to seven years to complete. What’s even more worrisome is some of the places where EV charging is needed most happen to be where the grid is the most difficult and most expensive to upgrade.

Making these long-term investments will take time — especially in remote or congested areas — but Americans can’t wait. In fact, in another study by car retailer CarGurus, researchers found 40% of drivers planned to own an EV car within the next five years.

The Hydrogen Solution

To power the growing number of EVs on the road, we first need to accept that the grid was not designed with EV charging in mind. But what if you could install EV chargers and not need a new electric feeder line right away? Luckily, green hydrogen and fuel cells can be deployed today to meet the rapid load growth the grid is being forced to undergo to support electric vehicle charging. Not only can it meet the load growth, but it can easily do it at scale – Plug’s standard 18,000-gallon liquid hydrogen tank combined with Plug’s fuel cell power products can provide over 80 MWh of instantaneous charging energy – that’s enough to fully charge over 1,000 EVs (assuming 15 kWh / kg). Avoiding costly and timely grid delays by leveraging green hydrogen and fuel cells enables the deployment of EV charging while often improving emissions associated with a charge.  Because hydrogen is independent from the grid, EV charging station developers could place them where drivers need them. And drivers in remote or congested areas would be able to easily access the charging stations. Government employees responding to emergency situations could also easily charge their vehicles without relying on the grid, which can be unreliable in disasters.

Finally, if Americans are looking to buy EVs to truly make a positive impact on the world we live in and reduce their carbon footprint — green hydrogen and fuel cell power is a step in the right direction because it can often reduce emissions associated with a charging event. Whereas, putting more pressure on the grid simply draws out our climate problems without addressing them head-on.

How Plug Can Help

Plug’s experienced team has worked with hundreds of customers across several industries to deliver reliable, stationary power. So far, our cost-effective GenSure hydrogen fuel cells have been installed at more than 3,000 locations in 46 United States and 34 countries on five continents. But we’re ready for the challenge to deliver more power — especially if it means helping Americans travel in smarter and safer ways.

The post Hydrogen for EV Charging Stations Will Get More EVs on the Road first appeared on Plug Power.

The post Hydrogen for EV Charging Stations Will Get More EVs on the Road appeared first on Plug Power.

If you look at Carlos Beltrán’s accomplishments at Plug, you may be surprised he’s only been with the company for a little more than a year. Since joining Plug as the director of product management for the material handling business unit, Beltrán has built a high-performing team committed to spreading the good word about green hydrogen.

Tasked with leading the product strategy and portfolio with the objective to mass adopt green hydrogen as the main source of energy in the supply chain, Beltrán has a lot on his plate, but he’s excited about the big goals.

“Plug has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to improve the world we will leave to future generations by making possible the mass adoption of clean energy with green hydrogen, and using it to power our world,” Beltrán said.

He said he’s excited about transitioning as many customers as possible to hydrogen and fuel cells for many reasons.

“Nothing gets better than a high energy density renewable fuel that powers electrified vehicles with water as a by-product,” Beltrán said. “I’ve worked in electrification of vehicles and tools for 15-plus years, and we are at a turning point in human history with green hydrogen adoption. Green hydrogen is a reality today at Plug, with exponential growth.”

Helping customers transition to sustainable energy is great, but working with a first-class team makes it better.

“When you work with highly talented people who have a common goal, you are always learning and growing as an individual and as a leader,” Beltrán said.

 So, what does it take to have a career in product management? And, do you need technical experience?

Beltrán said the most important quality for a product manager is the ability to learn and understand customers.

“Product managers need to be able to listen and understand customers’ needs, communicate stories across multiple stakeholders, and be able to define business opportunities for the company,” he said. “You don’t need a technical background as great product management is a combination of skills that can be acquired through multiple experiences. The most important one is a passion to solve problems for our customers, and the ability to work with cross functional teams on the solutions to those problems.”

Interested in joining Beltrán at Plug? Check out the company’s careers page for a list of openings.

The post GreenH2@Work Employee Spotlight: Carlos Beltrán on Leading Product Management in Plug’s Material Handling Unit first appeared on Plug Power.

The post GreenH2@Work Employee Spotlight: Carlos Beltrán on Leading Product Management in Plug’s Material Handling Unit appeared first on Plug Power.

Many corporations and governments have committed to decarbonizing the processes that use grey hydrogen (sourced from fossil fuels) – like oil refining, or ammonia and methanol production – which are all spiking in demand as population increases and developing countries industrialize. The demand for increased electrolyzer capacity in the immediate term will come from easily decarbonizing these emissions-intensive processes with drop-in green hydrogen supply.

However, it can be difficult to determine what type of electrolyzer is best to power your business operations — especially with the rapid advancement in technology.

The two predominant electrolysis stack technologies today are a PEM electrolyzer (proton exchange membrane) and an alkaline electrolyzer. Although Plug believes both have a space in the hydrogen economy, this blog will clarify the economic impact when using a PEM electrolyzer compared to an alkaline electrolyzer, including the initial investment and the cost of maintenance over time.

Here’s how the stacks compare to each other.

Between a PEM Electrolyzer and an Alkaline Electrolyzer

Alkaline electrolyzers may seem like the most affordable option — after all, alkaline has been around for decades longer than PEM. However, progressions in PEM technology have changed its cost.

An analysis of both types of electrolyzers shows that the stack cost of an alkaline electrolyzer is lower than PEM. But when it comes to the complexity and cost of balance of plant (BOP) as the system size increases, PEM is lower, according to the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE. In fact, the total cost of ownership of a PEM electrolyzer is lower than alkaline with forecasters estimating that PEM service costs are one-third of alkaline.

When scaling an electrolyzer, PEM has significant cost advantages in balance of plant economics. On a per-kilowatt basis, the capital expenditure associated with an alkaline electrolyzer increases significantly as the system scales. With PEM, there are options for streamlining BOP to minimize upfront cost in larger systems above 10 megawatts.

When considering output pressure, standard alkaline electrolyzers deliver output at a low pressure of 1 to 10 bar, which is a nearly ambient pressure. For most applications, hydrogen must be further compressed for transport, storage, or consumption. On the flip side, Plug’s PEM electrolyzers have an output of 40 bar — that’s 4 to 40 times of a typical alkaline system.

Pressure is generated by the electrochemical process in the stack, meaning PEM avoids first stage compression to bring it up to 40 bar, and bypasses the energy costs associated with compressor operation.

Alkaline’s caustic electrolyte solution can also ratchet up its hefty price tag. For example, a 10 to 20-year-project means a long term need to replace parts such as pumps and valves, or the removal of potassium hydroxide from the hydrogen or oxygen streams. The 3.5 ton per megawatt requirement for highly-corrosive potassium hydroxide in alkaline systems typically incur significant space requirements – often two to three times the space of Plug’s PEM system for a similar output. Any losses in space can lead to losses in revenue.

Finally, the cost of safety is another measurement businesses should consider. Increased safety concerns with alkaline electrolyzers lead to more required safety equipment, labor, permitting, and compliance costs for businesses, and worst of all, putting worker well–being at risk. With PEM electrolyzers, technicians and operators only deal with one “chemical” while working on PEM systems – water.

This is just the beginning of the cost differences. However, analysts believe that technology will only improve the costs of PEM electrolyzers while alkaline technology has already achieved most of its potential cost reductions.

Market Growth for Electrolyzers

Global electrolyzer capacity is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 78% over the next decade, rising from 0.5 gigawatts (GW) of installed capacity in 2022 to 84.7 gigawatts in 2031, according to a March 2022 report from Guidehouse Insights, a marketplace advisory firm that covers the energy industry.

The International Renewable Energy Agency noted in 2020 that the post-2020 generation of electrolyzer projects are expected to move from niche to mainstream and escalate from megawatt to gigawatt in scale. Industry’s goals are to reach lower cost, higher durability, and higher efficiency for electrolyzers over time, which will require scaled production, more manufacturing power, and research-driven technological advancements.

Plug is Paving the Way with PEM Electrolyzer Technology

Plug is utilizing its own PEM electrolyzer technology to build out North America’s first end-to-end green hydrogen production network, with an estimated 565 megawatts of product being installed across this network today at plants in Georgia, New York and Texas, and more capacity to come into the network in future phases.

Looking more broadly across the globe, by 2025, Plug will have electrolyzer projects ranging from 1 megawatt to 1 gigawatt deployed across five continents helping to decarbonize a multitude of applications, including refineries, chemical and fertilizer production, manufacturing and heavy industry, heating homes and buildings, and powering fuel-cell electric vehicles. That’s right – 1 gigawatt.

Some of the biggest electrolyzer projects Plug is working on include an order for a 1 gigawatt PEM electrolyzer with H2 Energy to produce 432 tons per day of green hydrogen using offshore wind in Denmark. In partnership with Fertiglobe’s Green Hydrogen Consortium, Plug is also the technology provider for a 100 megawatt PEM electrolyzer project in Egypt to produce green ammonia.

This is just the tip of the iceberg as more business and government leaders look for clean energy solutions that can be produced locally and independently from the grid. Plug is proud to the lead the way.

 Interested in exploring how Plug can help your company improve operations with our best-in-class green hydrogen electrolyzer products? Contact us today.

The post Between Two Stacks: How a PEM Electrolyzer is More Cost-Effective Than an Alkaline Electrolyzer first appeared on Plug Power.

The post Between Two Stacks: How a PEM Electrolyzer is More Cost-Effective Than an Alkaline Electrolyzer appeared first on Plug Power.

“He told us about the expectations of the new company and what Plug Power was going to be,” Migirditch said. “We were all very excited to be a part of this adventure. From that room, we could see that the future was going to be bright.”

Plug was created in 1997 as a joint venture between MTI and Detroit Edison. MTI, a research and development company, moved 22 employees to Plug to advance the work on fuel cell applications.

Today, Migirditch is the longest-term employee at Plug. He’s the lead buyer for the company, where he’s responsible for purchasing quality components, supplies and services at a fair cost and delivering them on time to meet manufacturing requirements.

Migirditch said one of his biggest career highlights was being a part of the team that developed a fuel cell power generating system for residential use back in 1998.

“Within the first year of starting Plug, we introduced a fuel cell power generating system for residential use,” he said. “We installed it in a house adjacent to the Latham facility and we turned it on during a rollout ceremony — and it worked! It was very exciting.”

From there, Plug installed the units into employee houses before offering them to businesses.

Another career highlight for him? Attending an Albany Business Review event where Plug was recognized the “Best Workplace in the Capital Region.”

“Plug Power has achieved this award numerous times,” Migirditch said. “I attribute this to the strong desire, determination, commitment, and compassion of every employee. We all work together as a close-knit family.”

In fact, the team at Plug is why Migirditch has stayed with the company for so long.

“In working with other companies in the past, I never felt that family-oriented environment that I feel at Plug,” he said. “Plug really shows they care for their employees. I know my contributions matter, not because it’s my job, but because the company makes me feel appreciated.”

On top of that, Migirditch said he knows he’s working with a team that’s helping to decarbonize the world.

“The positive impact (hydrogen and fuel cells) will have on the future of our earth’s environment is what excites me about Plug,” he said. “It’s been a great pleasure to be a part of this company.”

The post GreenH2@Work: Plug’s Longest-Term Employee Gregory Migirditch Reflects on Time at Plug first appeared on Plug Power.

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With that understanding, Plug has the strictest safety standards in place to ensure forklift operators are always safe while doing Plug work and our customers are working with the most dependable products on the market. Plug’s team works closely with customers to ensure all operators and safety and health officers are properly trained using Plug’s fuel cell equipment.

The highest safety standards for our products are crucial. Why? Just look at these statistics:

• 70% of all industrial accidents are caused by operator error, according to the National Safety Council
• Effective training may reduce accident rates by up to 30%, according to Occupational Safety and Health Administration
• Operator performance scores can improve by 61% following operator training, according to OSHA

In honor of Forklift Safety Day, we want to highlight how Plug products are safer than anything else on the market.

No more heavy lifting: Forklift batteries are very heavy, weighing 2,000 pounds or more, making lead-acid battery changes incredibly dangerous. With GenDrive fuel cells, employees no longer need to swap heavy batteries each shift — in fact, the fuel cells don’t have to be swapped at all. They are refueled in just minutes from a hydrogen dispenser and then it’s back to work.

No more battery acid: Traditional lead-acid batteries contain caustic battery acid that can cause severe chemical burns if it encounters skin. In addition, inhalation can cause difficulty with breathing, ingestion may lead to internal burns of the mouth and throat, and contact with eyes can cause blurred vision and can lead to blindness. With hydrogen fuel cells, employees simply refuel the fuel cell without touching a battery. On top of that, you do not need to maintain an acid spill kit and employees do not need to wear any PPE when handling or refueling GenDrive fuel cells.

No more battery disposal concerns: Lead-acid and lithium batteries are made of hazardous materials and toxic chemicals and therefore must be disposed of appropriately to prevent exposure of these elements into the environment. When batteries are at the end of their useful life, employees and their companies must deal with the logistics, cost and time-consuming activities that are required to dispose of the batteries.  However, fuel cells can be refurbished and put back into use without the environmental issues associated with batteries.

Aside from hydrogen fuel cells being safer for individual workers, they are better for our environment. When companies adopt hydrogen fuel cells, replacing the batteries they formerly used in material handling equipment, they eliminate the costs associated with handling and storing toxic materials, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%. When it comes to decarbonization, customers turn to Plug to provide a full ecosystem of products.

Ready to learn more about Plug’s safety standards and our products? Contact us.

The post Forklift Safety Day: How Plug Leads in Safety Standards first appeared on Plug Power.

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In a June 12 report by Evercore ISI, analysts detailed Plug’s 30-year concession agreement with the Belgian port to build a 100-megawatt green hydrogen plant using the company’s leading PEM electrolyzers. The plant will produce up to 12,500 tons per year of liquid and gaseous green hydrogen for the European market.

With the port being home to 1,400 companies and handling 289 million tons of maritime freight, 24 million tons of rail freight, and 108.5 million tons of barge freight per year, Evercore said the agreement is key to the future of hydrogen.

“We are firm believers that ports and port operations are perfect industrial complexes for the use of hydrogen and these will play a key role in the creation of a hydrogen economy,” the report said.
“Plug is leading the charge and is favorite way to invest in hydrogen. We remain Outperform on PLUG.”

Plug will build in the port’s NextGen District, an area dedicated to companies supporting the circular economy. In fact, the port is within 300 miles of 60% of Europe’s purchasing power.

“The strategic location of the port near a large chemical industry cluster and close to the North Sea is well suited for the anticipated buildout of wind power in Europe,” the Evercore report said. “The countries on the North Sea are all expected to be major producers of wind power and have committed to grow capacity to 65 GW by 2030 and 150 GW by 2050 (up from 15 GW today) as part of a recent agreement with Belgium, Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands.”

Construction of the plant will begin upon completion of the permitting process, which is anticipated in late 2023. Initial production of green hydrogen is expected in late 2024, and the plant will be commissioned in 2025.

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges plant joins other investments Plug has made in Europe, including the opening of a service and logistics center in Germany, the acquisition of Frames and the HYVIA joint venture with Renault.

So, yes, Evercore — this is all a really big deal!

The post Plug’s European Port Deal is ‘A Really Big Deal,’ Say Leading Analysts first appeared on Plug Power.

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Opportunities for green hydrogen to help decarbonize the world are everywhere — including in the creation of the everyday consumer goods you use. Although there is a lot of excitement about the ability to use green hydrogen to produce electricity when the sun isn’t shining, or the wind isn’t blowing — green hydrogen can be used for so much more.

Although the focus has been on applications labeled as “Power-to-Power” and “Power-to-Gas,” Power-to-X is probably the least understood application but will drive a significant portion of the demand for green hydrogen in the near term. What does the “X” represent? You guessed it —everything else that isn’t covered in other applications.

Hydrogen is already used in many processes to create everyday products like fertilizer, chemicals (ammonia and methanol), and plastics. It is even used in the process of oil refining. In all these cases, more than 95% of the hydrogen comes from fossil fuels, emitting millions of tons of CO₂ per year — a devastating reality for the world we live in. This hydrogen is commonly known as grey (which is produced from natural gas) or brown (which is produced from coal). Simply replacing the grey and brown hydrogen with green as quickly as possible will make a major positive impact on the climate.

One exciting P2X application is using hydrogen in the process of making household goods. As consumers, many of us struggle with the fact that with almost anything we buy we are growing our carbon footprint. More and more, people are paying attention to how their goods are manufactured and are even willing to pay a premium to know that they were made in sustainable ways. Raw materials such as steel, glass, concrete, and plastics are heated to their melting points so they can be molded or crafted into all kinds of products. The heat used in the process most commonly comes from burning coal, wood, or a dirty gas. Manufacturers are beginning to turn to green hydrogen as an alternative. Like the other P2X applications, these manufacturing processes often run 24-7 and use a lot of hydrogen, making onsite electrolysis the way to go vs. trucking in liquid H₂.

Promet-Plast, a manufacturer of plastic medical equipment, with the support of SBB ENERGY S.A. and Plug, is leading this early adoption effort. Promet-Plast has been working to make their operations more sustainable for years and has made significant investment in renewable energy. Today, it has Poland’s first medical equipment manufacturing plant with zero CO₂ emissions technology.

In 2021, SBB ENERGY S.A., an energy solutions provider for traditional and emerging companies, won a bid to design and construct a high-efficiency trigeneration plant to create heat, cooling, and power for a Promet-Plast manufacturing plant. Project requirements included the ability to provide up to 90 kg per hour of hydrogen that will either be compressed to 500 bar and stored or directed to a CHP (combined heat and power) engine capable of running on 100% hydrogen. In addition, the plant will deliver up to 1 MW of electricity and 1.2 MW of heat or cooling from the absorption chiller.

Having operated in the power and industrial sectors since 1992, SBB ENERGY S.A. has the knowledge and experience to execute on this forward-thinking vison for a manufacturing plant fueled by clean hydrogen. The operation requires a constant supply of hydrogen at high availability and a technology that can ramp up and down instantaneously. SBB ENERGY S.A. selected Plug to provide the 5 MW PEM electrolyzer that will keep Promet-Plast’s plant up and running not just because of the technology fit, but also Plug’s bankability and track record of putting the customer first. Only Plug has the resources for a project of this scope, having been the fastest to market with a 5 MW containerized PEM electrolyzer solution. Plug already has a 5MW PEM electrolyzer operating at its first green hydrogen production plant in Kingsland, GA in the USA. That system went from concept to in the ground in less than a year, speaking to Plug’s ability to move quickly.

The 5MW Plug electrolyzer for SBB ENERGY S.A. and Promet-Plast is currently in production and will be the first of its kind to be integrated and commissioned by the Plug Systems Solutions team in Amsterdam later this year. Plug’s team of more than 300 engineers in Europe fully dedicated into the H2 market brings the expertise to execute on projects of all scopes and sizes. Collaboration with customers like SBB ENERGY S.A. on projects like this trigeneration plant for a Power-to-X solution is what Plug is all about.

The post How Plug’s Customers Are Making Everyday Items Greener first appeared on Plug Power.

The post How Plug’s Customers Are Making Everyday Items Greener appeared first on Plug Power.

Race car drivers could soon find some real competition — at least in the sustainability category. Plug is proud to be a sponsor of Eco-Runner XII, a car a part of the Shell Eco-Marathon, a global competition focused on making mobility more efficient.

The sleek Eco-Runner XII — developed by students — is the world’s most efficient hydrogen-powered city car, which has so far driven 1,195 kilometers on just 350 grams, setting a world record. Aside from powering this modern car with hydrogen, the designers of Eco-Runner created a vehicle with less weight — acknowledging that less energy is needed when a vehicle weighs less.

Designers said that in order to limit the weight in the car, they created carbon fiber parts that are traditionally made with steel. They also developed a custom-made electrical motor with increased efficiency and optimized the powertrain system with a fuel cell.

Notably, the team that brought this vision to life included 23 students, from 10 different study backgrounds, from Delft University of Technology.

The Eco-Runner symbolizes the possibilities that can be achieved when applying innovation to existing applications. Plug is a strong believer that green hydrogen can safely provide up to 20% of the world’s energy needs. However, to reach that goal, we need to work together to change how we power existing applications through smart innovation.

Thank you to the Eco-Runner team for joining Plug in leading the charge! We’ll see you on the road!

Introducing the Eco-Runner XII! | Car Reveal

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Thanks for taking the time with us, Angelique. Could you please explain what you do for a living in 20 words or fewer?

I support many colleagues at Plug System Solutions, primarily our executive vice-president, but also senior management, sales & marketing, and legal.

Please tell us one of the most extraordinary or unusual experiences you’ve had in your career.

The creation of the Frames website was a very satisfying experience. It took quite some time and effort, but the result was amazing.

What excites you about hydrogen and fuel cells?

I’m proud to be part of a company that will help others to reduce their carbon footprint – and even more because we produce green hydrogen to make the world a better place for the next generation.

Do you have a life philosophy? What is it?

Believe you can and you’re halfway there.

What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?

My alarm clock! I’m not a morning person ?.   However, I like my job, working in an international company. It gives me great joy to work together with so many people – not only with my colleagues in the Netherlands, but also with colleagues abroad.

If you could have dinner with four people, living or deceased, who would those people be – and why?

• Freddy Mercury, because he was such a great artist. I would like to talk about his day to day life outside the spotlight.
• Natascha Kampusch, (kidnap victim). She was held captive for so long. I would like to know how it has been for her to start a new life after she escaped. Where did she find the will to go on? How did it affect her?
• Someone who worked at hospital during Covid Pandemic. Hear her/his story. How did she/he experience it? Is she/he still working in the hospital?
• Daan Roosegaarde, artist. He has accomplished amazing art projects, combining art and science. He is trying to raise awareness for the importance of the use of sustainable energy. Some of his work includes Van Gogh Path, a light-emitting bicycle path which glows at night, inspired by Starry Night, and Urban Sun, which cleans public spaces of Coronavirus.

Thank you for sharing yourself with us, Angelique – and for helping us grow into the future!

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Since World War I transformed oil into a strategic commodity, the geopolitics of oil and gas have defined our global economy for over a century. As we now witness Russia’s war in Ukraine unfold, it has never been more evident that relying on foreign sources of fossil fuels puts countries at geopolitical risk. When European Union leaders convene to discuss ways to gain independence from Russian oil and gas, green hydrogen needs to be at the forefront of the plan.

Until now, Russia has been a key provider of energy to the European Union – supplying about 40% of the EU’s natural gas imports, about 25% of oil imports and about 45% of coal imports – posing a concern to the energy security of this bloc of nations. Germany, which anchors the EU with the world’s fourth-largest economy, is so dependent on Russia for gas that its economy would be the most vulnerable to collapsing if Russia cut off gas supplies. Despite this, within a week of the Ukraine invasion, Germany took action by halting the Nord Stream 2 Pipeline that would have carried more Russian gas to Germany, committing to the construction of terminals for liquified natural gas (LNG) from allied nations, and announcing plans for national gas reserves and coal-fired power plants to remain on standby.

Germany is not alone in its response. The International Energy Agency recently unveiled a 10-point plan to cut Russian imports by over a third within one year. This was followed closely by the European Commission’s plan to reduce EU demand for Russian gas by two-thirds before the end of the year, and the UK government’s plan to phase out Russian oil by the end of the year.

Green Hydrogen is Europe’s Future

Along with solar, wind and batteries, green hydrogen is an important piece of the renewable energy infrastructure needed to decarbonize the world’s economy, and give the European people the security they need. At Plug, we’ve been investing in green hydrogen production to help the world meet its sustainability goal of reducing carbon emissions and avoid an increase in average global temperatures by no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels, a target set by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

The expansion of renewable energy is no longer simply a climate change initiative but rather an immediate national security issue for both Europe and the rest of the world. Green hydrogen has an opportunity to be a part of the solution for these reasons:

• Green hydrogen can be produced from abundant resources: Electrolysis splits water into oxygen and hydrogen, the universe’s most abundant element. The electrolyzer can be powered by renewable energy sources that most countries already have and can’t be depleted – such as wind, solar, and nuclear. I believe the energy infrastructure of the future will consist of solar, wind, batteries and green hydrogen working together to generate renewable energy that is as reliable as fossil fuels.

• Green hydrogen fosters energy independence: For countries with limited access to conventional fossil fuel sources such as those in Europe, there is value in localizing energy. As the availability of green hydrogen expands, it will be much harder for countries to wield geopolitical influence by cutting exports. This is because countries will be able to more easily generate their own substitute products or supplies, which is not something that can be done easily in today’s energy market in which natural resources are available only in certain locations.

• Green hydrogen doesn’t involve other climate trade-offs: For the IEA to meet its goal of cutting Russian imports by over a third within one year, part of the plan will involve increasing coal-fired output and using oil in currently gas-fired power plants. That’s a setback for climate goals in the short-term. We should move just as aggressively to implement the green hydrogen infrastructure necessary to convert natural gas pipelines into hydrogen pipelines. I’ve already been having conversations with natural gas producers and gas pipeline companies in Europe about how they can transition to hydrogen more rapidly – not in some distant future, but today.

While there have been other energy security crises before – like when the OPEC oil cartel slowed the tap on oil to the U.S. in the 1970s – the energy security crisis we are seeing unfold in Europe is having transformational, long-term global consequences. It’s time for private sector innovators and public sector policymakers to work together to increase the adoption of green hydrogen to create the security the European people deserve.

The post Green Hydrogen is the Security Europe Needs first appeared on Plug Power.

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As a people-first company, Plug is dedicated to providing clean energy products and executing ethical business practices that benefit the customers, investors, and communities we serve. As the leader in the green hydrogen economy, Plug recognizes the impact we can make as global citizens by addressing everything from product end of life to employee diversity to maintaining responsibility for our own environmental impact.

Our annual ESG report — which can be read in full here — highlights our efforts to maintain and grow our business as it relates to the environment, society, and governance.

A Greener Environment

Plug’s pledge to the environment isn’t just reflected in the products we offer to customers, but also through the impacts of our manufacturing processes and our products’ end-to-end lifecycles. We are committed to resource efficiency, responsible design, materials management, and recycling.

Although Plug’s products are 100% recyclable and/or reusable, we are currently working to better understand the environmental impacts of our products’ manufacturing processes and lifecycles. As part of this initiative, we began a project to quantify our carbon footprint for each of our products.

In 2021, Plug also made strides in adopting renewable energy use throughout our internal operations. As a result, we are positioned to use renewable energy at our hydrogen production sites — in New York, Texas, Georgia and California — as early as 2022.

A Community-Driven Company

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Plug is committed to building a workforce that is reflective of the community and world we serve. To support this commitment, Plug has a DEI strategy that is rooted in data and analytics to measure progress and foster accountability.

In 2021, Plug added a DEI awareness training to the learning plan for our leadership team with plans to distribute this training to all employees this year. Aside from supporting our workforce of approximately 2,250 permanent employees (as of March 31, 2022), Plug has several initiatives to support the community, including students.

Plug has a summer internship program where both graduate and undergraduate students are immersed in a 10 to 12-week experience where they can also earn an opportunity work full-time at the company. Plug also participates in co-ops and senior projects — giving students a unique opportunity to learn about the real-world industry.

In the larger community, Plug encourages its employees to give back in a way that aligns with their individual values by offering recurring and new philanthropy initiatives. We are immensely proud of our significant partnership with the United Way, which aims to advance the common good in communities across the world. In 2020, employees pledged $50,000 for 2021. We are excited to report that $53,795 was donated by Plug employees in 2021.

An Inclusive Leadership

Plug recognizes and values inclusive leadership, and increasing the diversity of our governing bodies, senior leadership team, and workforce is one of Plug’s top priorities.

In 2021, Plug added Kimberly Harriman and Kyungyeol Song, both with extensive experience in the energy sector, to the Board of Directors. In 2022, Plug added Jean A. Bua and Kavita Mahtani who bring leadership in key areas, such as M&A strategy implementation, financial planning and analysis, global financial operations, and compliance. Both will join Plug’s Audit Committee, with Ms. Bua serving as the committee chair.

Aside from the Audit Committee, Plug’s Board of Directors also includes a Compensation Committee and a Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee to exercise oversight and provide guidance related to risks within the purview of each.

Plug is a loyal, ethical, people-first company for employees, customers, shareholders, and the community, working together to build the green hydrogen economy. We are committed to excellence, providing our customers with the ability to seamlessly adopt end-to-end fuel cell and hydrogen solutions to power, fuel, and provide service for their application needs, regardless of market.

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The post In Commitment to Ethical Practices and Accountability, Plug Releases Annual ESG Report appeared first on Plug Power.

The new brand underscores Plug’s commitment to solving two connected, massive global problems: Helping companies use energy much more wisely and weaning the planet from fossil fuels while improving energy security. Plug believes green hydrogen will lead global electrification and be a major part of a clean energy future.

Plug’s leaders, including CEO Andy Marsh, CMO Preeti Pande, CSO Sanjay Shrestha and GM Material Handling and Global Key Accounts Jose Luis Crespo, walked the invited guests through the brand story, punctuated by a series of “Green Hydrogen at Work” videos featuring employees from throughout the organization.

Our guests learned that the new Plug brand delivers upon important commitments:

• Think, talk, act like a customer to reach Plug’s goals
• Make hydrogen easy to understand, accept, use and advocate
• Deliver success —commercially for customers, environmentally for the planet, and as a company for the Plug people

The Face of Green Hydrogen

Plug’s new logo, identified as the Plug promise, embodies its purpose. The face emphasizes that Plug is accountable, optimistic, and focused on human progress. The Plug logo is a promise to customers, partners, and the planet. Through design and color, the logo sends a clear signal that Plug is an integrated green hydrogen company.

Andy Marsh summed up Plug’s new brand when he said, “You have to be bold!” 

A replay of the event is available for viewing now.

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Thanks for spending a few minutes with us, Stefan. Could you please explain what you do for a living?

I work to improve the performance and durability of our air-cooled PEM (proton exchange membrane) fuel cells and build the company’s material characterization capabilities.

What excites you about working in the hydrogen and fuel cell industry?

Fuel cells are inherently a multidisciplinary field. The industry offers challenges that require you to consistently learn new things in a practical and applicable setting.

If you could go back and give your 21-year-old self a valuable piece of advice, what would you say?

Wisdom comes from making mistakes; mistakes only happen if you take risks.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

Earning my commission as an infantry officer in the US Army, and having my father swear me in.

If you could choose to do any job for a day, what would it be?

I’d be a UPS driver: they get to see all the dogs and can wear those brown shorts to work.

What three non-survival items would you take with you on a deserted island?

Chapstick, a 5-iron, and a change of socks.

Thanks for taking the time with us, Stefan – we’re so thankful to have your scientific mind working to make our products even better!

The post PowerSpot: Stefan Williams first appeared on Plug Power.

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Although supply chain disruptions remain the biggest challenge for companies today, hiring and retaining qualified workers is still a top obstacle, according to an annual report of the industry recently released by MHI and Deloitte.

The report, titled “Evolution to Revolution: Building the Supply Chains of Tomorrow,” surveyed more than 1,000 supply chain professionals from a range of companies and industries around the world. The report detailed the top challenges facing supply chain professionals today, and the technologies being used to address those challenges.

“Supply chain leaders have never been in a better position to drive impactful and lasting change for the industry,” John Paxton, CEO of MHI, said in the report. “With the white-hot media spotlight chronicling the after-effects of the pandemic, the importance of supply chain is finally coming into focus in boardrooms across the world.”

The Worker Shortage Problem

In the last nine years of the survey, hiring and retaining qualified workers remained a top concern with 54% of respondents reporting it as “extremely or very challenging” to find workers. 

“With more than half a million job openings currently available, manufacturers say it is 36% harder to find talent today than in 2018,” the report stated. “Similarly, this year’s survey results show that attracting and retaining a quality workforce remains one of the top business challenges for 2022.”

Despite the challenges, 64% of respondents said their investment in innovation was increasing as a result of the challenges.

“Of the 64% of respondents increasing investments, 66% say they will spend more than $1 million over the next two years,” the report stated. “Investments are particularly growing in the middle ranges from $5 million up to $100 million – 18% say they will spend more than $10 million, where 41% say they spend more than $5 million and 18% say they will spend more than $10 million. (Figure 2).”

Of course, investing in innovation could also revive the supply chain industry, the report said.

The Hydrogen Fuel Cells Solution

For supply chain professionals looking to modernize their operations while coping with worker shortages, the solution is hydrogen fuel cells. Studies show that companies, such as Walmart and Kroger, that upgraded to hydrogen fuel cells saw a 15% increase in productivity. Imagine the impact a company could see if its current workforce could be 15% more productive.

For high-throughput facilities, time is critical. Facility managers tell us that when a production facility is operating 24/7, any downtime means a loss in sales (as much as $7,000 per minute in profits for auto manufacturers), as they cannot get back the lost time. By replacing batteries with hydrogen fuel cells in MHE fleets, facilities can operate at increased efficiency, ultimately protecting companies from losses.

But, it isn’t just increased productivity that companies will see when upgrading to hydrogen fuel cells. Companies that convert from batteries to hydrogen fuel cells can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%. In turn, this can have a lasting impact on industries, economies and the world.

A responsible and purposeful approach to ESG that embraces the needs of all stakeholders can make a supply chain more robust and less vulnerable to ESG risk,” the MHI report stated. “Even a relatively small and focused effort to improve an organization’s contribution to society, such as investing in a more environmentally friendly water treatment process, can have significant and lasting impacts on local communities and economies.”

To read the full MHI report, go to mhi.org/publications/report.

For more information about Plug’s products for material handling, contact us at  https://www.plugpower.com/contact-us/.

The post MHI Report 2022 Says Hiring Qualified Talent Remains a Problem first appeared on Plug Power.

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Andy, tell us a few things about yourself:

1. Hawaii is one of my favorite vacation spots.
2. I am a history buff!
3. My favorite musician is Bruce Springsteen. I first heard Bruce while painting the flashing at North Willow Grove Elementary School in 1973, working with a buddy. I was making a $1.10 an hour that summer.
4. I grew up in Philadelphia and haven’t lived there for forty years, but I’m still a Philly fan through and through — Go Eagles! 
5. I’m thrilled by young, brilliant minds who are innovating our future world. I love spending time in conversations with enthusiastic students, and feel I’ve learned something with every conversation. 
6. I am one of four children, all of whom are boys!
7. I’m a graduate of Temple University.  I’m currently sitting on one of their academic boards and like to visit my alma mater when I can.
8. I like to exercise — going on a run helps to clear out my mind.

Now, can you tell us a bit about how you approach Plug and the larger ecosystem:

9. When it comes to the hydrogen ecosystem, I’m not just thinking about the next three to five years, — I’m thinking about the next 30.
10. I often think about a lesson I learned at COP26, which is the notion that “one of the biggest challenges is not the developed world, but the question of how to develop the world.”
11. I deeply and fundamentally trust the good in humanity, and I manage my teams with that in mind. 
12. Corporate culture is very important to me. The culture of our company is integral to our functioning. It’s all about the teams, the passion, the knowledge, and the creation of something new. We’ve got to dream big to do what we’ve set out to do – change the world.

Ok, that’s 12 things we didn’t know about you! Final question, Andy: who are you rooting for in the March Madness tournament?

In honor of my Philadelphian background, I have to root for the Nova Wildcats.

The post Marsh Madness: 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Me first appeared on Plug Power.

The post Marsh Madness: 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Me appeared first on Plug Power.

The calls to reduce our carbon footprint and transition to renewable energy sources have never been louder. The UN released a climate change report in March 2022 with a dire warning to decision makers that the time to act is now. And, policy makers in Europe are scrambling to find other energy sources with the invasion of Ukraine. These troubling news stories are concerning even for the extreme optimists. But the good news is that there is hope with green hydrogen.

Why? The answer is simple. Green hydrogen is produced from renewable sources like wind, water or solar. Other forms of hydrogen are produced from non-sustainable sources that release carbon emissions. Whereas green hydrogen only releases oxygen.

Plug believes that green hydrogen is capable of powering at least 20% of our planet. With that belief in mind, we are working rapidly to provide green hydrogen products to as many customers as possible. Plug has several production plants in the works with two scheduled to come online by the end of 2022. By 2025, we expect to produce 500 tons of liquid green hydrogen. The number is expected to double by 2028.

Plug’s hydrogen electrolyzer products are the key to bringing that plan to reality. So, what’s an electrolyzer and how does it work?

What’s an Electrolyzer?

An electrolyzer is a product that uses electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen — a process called electrolysis. If you are familiar with how fuel cells work, electrolyzers are essentially the reverse process. There are different types of hydrogen electrolyzers that can function in different ways, depending on the type of membrane used.

At the most basic level, water is provided to the electrolyzer stack, which looks like a multi-decker sandwich. The layers use a special membrane painted with a catalyst to separate the water into hydrogen and oxygen, using electricity to power the reaction. We then capture and store the hydrogen for a variety of end uses.

Behind the electrolyzer is the power the makes it work. This power can be provided by whatever means makes the most sense for each customer. Sometimes that is grid power, provided by the local utility. Other times, it’s renewable energy, like wind, solar or hydroelectric power.

With one of the most experienced teams in Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolysis technology, Plug understands the process intimately, having innovated the technology for decades. We were even recently named the number one hydrogen electrolyzer company by Guidehouse Insights.

What Can Electrolyzed Hydrogen be Used For?

Plug offers plug-and-play hydrogen electrolyzer products, as well as custom-engineered, built-to-order integrated solutions to meet any type of demand. Our product offering covers the entire spectrum of the ecosystem covering production, storage and handling, dispensing, delivery and more.

Here’s a breakdown of the industries we cover:

• Power to X: Refineries and chemical, steel, and fertilizer producers can reduce their carbon footprint with green hydrogen.
• Power to Mobility: Hydrogen fueling stations for fuel cell-powered buses, cars, trains, forklifts, trucks and other vehicles.
• Power to Power: Not one renewable electron should go to waste. Green hydrogen enables renewable energy to be accessed by anyone at any time.
• Power to Gas: Green hydrogen can be burned (usually blended with natural gas) to heat homes and businesses. Blending hydrogen into the natural gas pipelines is another way to reduce carbon emissions.

Where are Plug’s Products Going?

In addition to the growing number of corporate customers using Plug hydrogen, the federal administration is also relying on Plug, the leader of the green hydrogen movement, and others to help the country move toward clean energy solutions within the decade. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Earthshots Initiative has been implemented to reduce the cost of hydrogen by 80%. To achieve this goal, the DOE is funding multiple hydrogen hubs around the U.S., with the goal of making hydrogen ubiquitous. When this happens, the country can expect a five-fold increase in clean hydrogen use and a nearly 16% carbon dioxide emission reduction by 2050. Experts also estimate the investment in clean hydrogen will result in $140 billion in revenue and 700,000 jobs by 2030 in the U.S.

The company behind the Green Hydrogen Ecosystem, Plug is making hydrogen adoption simple for companies ready to improve both efficiency and sustainability of their operations.  Ready to explore Plug’s world-class hydrogen electrolyzer products? Contact us.

The post Electrolyzer 101: Growing Green Hydrogen first appeared on Plug Power.

The post Electrolyzer 101: Growing Green Hydrogen appeared first on Plug Power.

Thank you for joining us, Nadia. Could you please explain what you do for Plug?

As part of the HR team, I manage vendor and agency agreements, work on projects to streamline operations for talent acquisition, spearhead Plug’s career fairs, intern programs and more.

Tell us one of the most extraordinary or unusual experiences you’ve had in your career.

My first job out of college, I worked for an Association Management company and planned large professional events and conferences. One executive leadership meeting that I put together was in winter in Lake Placid, NY and when I had some down time during the event, I got to go dog sledding on the frozen lake.  It was incredible!

What excites you about building the hydrogen economy?

I have had a personal passion for sustainability for a long time.  When I learned about Plug Power, the opportunity to join a company making a tangible impact on creating a sustainable world was very exciting.  While I’m not able to engineer the solutions myself, the chance to help hire the talent that does motivated me to join Plug.  I believe strongly in creating a greener world and love that I get to combine my personal passion with my career.

What is your favorite movie and why is it at the top of your list?

I love a lot of different movies and tend to pick based on mood, but Under the Tuscan Sun is a classic go-to. I love the character’s story of discovering and creating an amazing life and family out of a terrible situation. Things take a turn a few times, but ultimately she finds the life she was searching for. I also love her courage to move to a new country and start a new life…it’s something I’ve thought about doing many times.

Do you have a life philosophy?  What is it?

I always try to remind myself that life never gives you more than you can handle and that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.  I’ve faced lots of obstacles personally and professionally, but they’ve made me who I am today and I’m proud of what I’ve done so far.

Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without?

Music. Like my movie tastes, my music tastes range pretty widely and I often listen to music that moves me based on the day.  I love jazz when I’m cooking, indie and folk music when I’m on a road trip, and when I need a mood booster, some old school 90s RnB or Pop does the trick.

Who is your role model/inspiration?

My mom – she’s wonder woman. She has so much incredible energy that she can run circles around me! As a single mom, she raised my brother and me, while working several jobs and finishing her education. She and I have always been very close, and she is my regular confidant when I need advice.  I get my work ethic from her, and it’s because of her support that I’ve accomplished what I have.

Thank you for sharing yourself with us, Nadia. Plug is proud to have you on our team!

The post PowerSpot: Nadia Alvarez first appeared on Plug Power.

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In a report released recently, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change made it clear: If policy makers and business leaders don’t take aggressive steps to reduce the impact of climate change, certain parts of our planet will no longer be habitable.  

“This report is a dire warning about the consequences of inaction,” Hoesung Lee, chair of the IPCC, stated. “It shows that climate change is a grave and mounting threat to our wellbeing and a healthy planet. Our actions today will shape how people adapt and nature responds to increasing climate risks.” 

The report — titled “Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability” — focuses on the interactions of ecosystems and human society, which are “the basis of emerging risks from climate change, ecosystem degradation and biodiversity loss and, at the same time, offer opportunities for the future,” the report said.  

Here are three takeaways from the report. The full report can be found here.  

1. Over the next two decades, the world is expected to reach global warming of 1.5°C (2.7°F). “Even temporarily exceeding this warming level will result in additional severe impacts, some of which will be irreversible,” researchers warned.  
2. Inaction in addressing climate change will mean increased risks to humankind, including increased heatwaves, droughts and floods, ultimately resulting in mass mortalities.  
3. The only way to address these gut-wrenching findings is to implement change. Researchers urged decision makers for climate action, including “adequate funding, technology transfer, political commitment and partnership lead to more effective climate change adaptation and emissions reductions.” 

Powering the World with Green Hydrogen 

Plug Power is passionate about providing affordable and accessible green hydrogen to customers around the world. While there are many solutions to help our world reach net-zero emission goals, we believe green hydrogen is the future to safely power 20% of our planet. To do that, Plug is building a green hydrogen ecosystem and powering commercial operations, both large and small. We have more than 50,000 fuel cells currently in operation. Customers are also supported by more than 165 hydrogen sites and more than 450 active fuel dispensers completing a hydrogen fill every 2 seconds. Aside from the benefits of using a safer form of energy, customers also tell Plug that they’ve seen increased productivity and reduced costs as a result of transitioning to green hydrogen fuel cells.  

Though other forms of hydrogen rely on fossil fuels, green hydrogen emanates from renewable energy and plays a key role in reducing the amount of carbon emissions emitted into the air, while creating a stable supply of jobs. By 2025, Plug plans to supply 500 tons per day of liquid green hydrogen to replace 4.3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions. By 2028, we intend to produce 1,000 tons of green hydrogen per day. 

Ready to power your operations with green hydrogen? Contact us here.  

The post UN Climate Change Report: 3 Things to Know first appeared on Plug Power.

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With inflation at a 39-year high, executives are searching for ways to save their companies’ bottom lines. Hydrogen may have been dubbed the “energy source of the future,” but it’s here now, and some companies have been saving millions of dollars for years thanks to it.

Plug, a leading provider of turnkey hydrogen solutions for the global green hydrogen economy, has been providing hydrogen and fuel cell solutions to material handling customers since 2010. Just a few years after entering the market, our world-class team began providing its innovative solutions to customers after Walmart executives pressed us to make adoption simple for them and other companies. With our customers in mind, our team created new solutions that are now powering a growing number of distribution center fleets for large corporations such as Amazon and Home Depot and smaller ones like FreezPak and Lipari Foods. We have more than 50,000 fuel cells currently in operation. Customers are also supported by more than 165 hydrogen sites and more than 450 active fuel dispensers completing a hydrogen fill every 2 seconds.

Powering Material Handling Industries

When it comes to material handling operations, our team understands the industry well. We understand that labor drives approximately 70% of the overall cost of doing business in a warehouse. This means that any downtime can result in thousands of dollars in losses for the company. The loss of dollars, coupled with skyrocketing prices related to the pandemic, can make or break any size company.

While Plug began with fuel cells, our team soon realized it needed to become more to fully serve our customers. Our largest customer at the time, Walmart, made it clear that adoption of new technology can be difficult for companies, and Plug would need to provide not only the fuel cell power, but hydrogen, and ongoing services as a turnkey offering. Plug stepped up to the challenge. We learned how to manage fuel shortages, price uncertainties, customer experiences, supply chains, and how to grow an industry from the ground up. Customers were thrilled with the expanded offerings that launched in 2014.

Our team also developed an unmatched portfolio of more than 100 fuel cell products utilizing customer feedback during product creation. As a result of listening to customers while developing products, our customers have seen increased productivity, lower operational costs, reduced site emissions, greater production space (no battery room or charging stations required) and significantly reduced peak power demand.

Working With Fuel Cells

Hydrogen fuel cells, electrochemical power generators that combine hydrogen and oxygen to form zero-emission energy, can power everything from forklifts and fleet vehicles to data centers and drones. Because they are a clean and reliable source of renewable energy, hydrogen fuel cells are a smarter and safer option compared to batteries, and have been designed with options to fit all forklift models.

Traditionally, electric material handling vehicles have run almost exclusively on lead-acid or lithium batteries. However, vehicles employing battery power require up to three time-consuming battery changes during each 24-hour period, greatly diminishing a driver’s productivity. Instead of a 15-minute battery swap or 60-to 90-minute fast charge multiple times per day, the fuel cell-powered forklift drives up to a hydrogen fueling station inside the warehouse for a refill that takes less than three minutes, improving facility productivity dramatically.

Whereas, battery performance degradations are amplified in cold environments – a lead acid battery rated for an eight-hour shift in 77 degree temperatures may only last four to six hours in a cold or frozen environment and a lithium-ion battery will see up to 20% degradation.  Fuel cells don’t have these issues, being able to run at full power regardless of the temperature for as long as they have fuel, and then quickly refueling, much like a car.

What about the space of battery rooms and fast charging infrastructure? Transitioning to hydrogen fuel cells means those are no longer required, giving companies much-needed warehouse space to expand operations and increase revenue.

What’s Next?

From hydrogen electrolyzers providing green hydrogen both at customer locations and for delivery, to large fuel cells that provide stationary power to offset grid outages and peak energy costs, we work with industry leaders to help them be even more successful as they plan for their future.

While the cost of batteries and electricity continue to rise, hydrogen fuel cells remain affordable. The realization that hydrogen is the energy of the future has also led state and federal governments to provide incentives to companies willing to upgrade their operations for the good of the planet. And, what’s good for the planet happens to be good for your company’s fundamental operations.

Ready to explore how we can help your business? Let’s get this conversation started. Contact us today.

The post Mitigate Inflation – Cut Material Handling Costs with Hydrogen Power first appeared on Plug Power.

The post Mitigate Inflation – Cut Material Handling Costs with Hydrogen Power appeared first on Plug Power.

We asked a few of our engineers why they love their jobs.

Suying Guo, Manufacturing and Test Engineer, Montreal, Canada

Hi! I am Suying Guo, born in China and immigrated to Canada in 2005.

I have a mechanical engineering, design and manufacturing background and attended Henan University of Science and Technology in China. I have been working in the engineering field for more than 30 years.

In 2010, I joined EnergyOr Technologies, a Canadian company located in Montreal, that developed lightweight and compact PEM fuel cell systems for drone applications, and have focused on both fuel cell stack and system level development.

I joined the Plug Power team in May 2019, when EnergyOr was acquired. Working as part of the UAV/Aerospace engineering group, I am so proud of our technical achievements, which we have spent so much of our time and energy to develop. I hope the different versions of our fuel cell technology will apply worldwide for drone and aerospace applications in the future.

Kimberly McBride, Engineering Change Manager, Latham, NY

Ever since I started at Plug, there has always been general can-do spirit. There have been times that projects and deadlines seem daunting, but the team somehow pulls together to make something awesome. There are all types of personalities, but one thing seems to be true across the board; people at Plug truly care about the products, and general quality of their work.  I am in a unique position where I get to see all of our products and get to interface with all types of engineering, and there is never a dull day. I feel lucky to be part of a team that is so dynamic, and for the fact that every day is something new and exciting.

Larry Pitts, Director of Engineering Design, Latham, NY

I have been at Plug Power for almost 24 years and continue to be inspired by the amazing people I work with. They push me every day to be better at what I do. I also love that I trust my colleagues to do their part, and our leadership to make honest decisions based on our present, our future and the well-being of our employees. That is rare, and I am grateful to be a part of it.

I could be designing something like motorcycles or guitars, but what we do every day is very needed at this point in history. Our mission and products can solve so many of the world’s problems. There are not many people outside of Plug Power who can say that.

We all have the kind of job where our grandchildren could someday brag about how we changed the world. That is why I am so Proud to work at Plug Power.

We’re proud to have such a dedicated engineering team in the Plug family!

The post Plug Celebrates National Engineers Week! first appeared on Plug Power.

The post Plug Celebrates National Engineers Week! appeared first on Plug Power.

Atif, could you please explain what you do for a living in 20 words or fewer.

My team produces the electrolyzer stacks at our Concord, Massachusetts site.

What inspires you about hydrogen and electrolyzers?

Green hydrogen revolutionizes the energy sector and will help us achieve the sustainability goals to leave this planet in a better shape for our kids.

What was one of the most extraordinary/unusual experiences you’ve had in your career.

At a previous company, one of our products was targeting the deep-sea oil pipeline market. We knew that our product could serve the customer’s needs by providing high performing insulation, but our product did not meet their infrared radiation absorption specs. I modified our product to add carbon black for IR absorption, allowing us to meet the customer specs. We won the contract with one of the major oil companies and I remember the moment when we sat in a room saying, “Now we have to build a plant, recruit the manufacturing team and execute.” It was one of the most exciting moments of my career to lead this initiative. Watching our first insulation panel coming off the assembly line was the culmination of R&D, sales, process engineering and manufacturing team working together to develop, sell and make a product that was safer, more sustainable and minimized steel consumption.

What was the first job you were paid to do? What made it interesting?

I worked at the service desk at Caldor. Servicing the customer and improving their experience at the store was very rewarding.

If you could share a meal with any 4 individuals, living or dead, who would they be?

• My grandfather, who passed away when I was very young. Everything I have read and heard from my family, makes me so proud of all he achieved in the field of metallurgical science.
• Steve Jobs, for being an exceptional innovator. He took a chance on his idea and his team and turned Apple into the best tech company in the world.
• David Ortiz, closely followed by Tom Brady. I am a huge Red Sox fan and Ortiz was an unbelievable teammate, down to earth and New England will never forget his heroics in 2004.
• Martin Luther King Jr., for his leadership for dignity, equality and respect for everyone.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

The teams I have developed and both the professional and personal success members of those teams have achieved.

Plug is proud to have Atif on our team!

The post PowerSpot: Atif Qamar first appeared on Plug Power.

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Green hydrogen will be essential to meeting the decarbonization goals of the Paris Agreement. Nearly everyone wants to take better care of the Earth, but achieving a global warming limit of below 2°C by 2050 without a broad set of zero-carbon energy sources is challenging.

The growth of renewable energy adoption, while rapid, has been hindered by intermittency – environmental, seasonal and daily cycles that can limit their use or efficiency. To close the last mile of decarbonization, these renewable energy sources need a partner when the sun isn’t shining and the wind isn’t blowing.

The top three sources of climate-warming emissions in the U.S. come from transportation, power generation and industry. Emissions from certain portions of the economy are difficult to eliminate. Green hydrogen is the only zero-carbon option that can decarbonize industries like aviation, shipping, long-distance trucking, and concrete and steel manufacturing.

Hydrogen is abundant and its supply is virtually limitless. Green hydrogen is a cost-effective source that can be “always on” and turn the tide against resource scarcity. It can be used where it is produced or transported elsewhere. Unlike batteries that are unable to store large quantities of electricity for extended periods of time, hydrogen can be produced from excess renewable energy and stored in large amounts for a long time.

Pound for pound, hydrogen contains almost three times as much energy as fossil fuels, so less of it is needed to do any work. And a particular advantage of green hydrogen is that it can be produced wherever there is water and electricity to generate more electricity or heat. Split the H2O water molecule by electrolysis and you have Hydrogen (H2) and Oxygen (O) on site and ready to go to work.

Green hydrogen can be stored in existing gas pipelines to power households. It can transport renewable energy when converted into a carrier such as ammonia, a zero-carbon fuel for shipping, for example. It can also be used with fuel cells to power anything that uses electricity, such as electric vehicles and electronic devices. And unlike batteries, hydrogen fuel cells don’t need to be recharged and won’t run down, so long as hydrogen fuel is available.

Although some industry experts predict it will be 10 years before there is widespread adoption, green hydrogen is here and ready now. A recent McKinsey study estimated that by 2030, the U.S. hydrogen economy could generate $140 billion and support 700,000 jobs, while a report by the Hydrogen Council estimates that 18% of the world energy market will consist of hydrogen by 2050.

Green hydrogen alone cannot address the world’s emissions concerns, but we cannot fully decarbonize the economy without it. We believe that green hydrogen is only one piece of the puzzle and that we must build a Integrated Renewable Energy Architecture, consisting of solar, wind, batteries, and green hydrogen. This is the energy infrastructure of the future, and it cannot be achieved without green hydrogen.

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As Plug Power’s new Vice President of Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS), Colleen Klaiber will report to David Mindnich, Plug Power’s EVP of Global Manufacturing. She will provide leadership and accountability for the development, management, and implementation of all sustainability, environmental, safety and occupational health compliance programs for domestic and international locations.

“I couldn’t be more excited about the road ahead with Plug Power,” Klaiber said. “As economies throughout the world seek to decarbonize and build a greener future, I’m thrilled to be on the front lines of the green hydrogen revolution. In this new role, I’ll work to strategically advance Plug Power’s security, safety, health and environmental sustainability as we continue to scale our infrastructure throughout North America, Europe and Asia.”

Prior to joining Plug Power, Klaiber spent the last six years at Solar Turbines (a Caterpillar company), where she served as the Global Director of Environmental, Health, and Safety overseeing more than 7,500 employees across 86 sites throughout the world. She previously worked in a similar capacity for various Caterpillar businesses and divisions, including Caterpillar Electric Power, Caterpillar Product Development, and Caterpillar Mining.

Plug Power’s new VP of Supply Chain, Warehousing and Logistics, Brandon Snyder, will also report directly to David Mindnich. Snyder will advance Plug Power’s operations and supplier management capabilities across its growing footprint of green hydrogen plants and infrastructure throughout the world. In this role, he will contribute to Plug Power’s green hydrogen generation network buildout in North America, while advancing the company’s capabilities in factory materials management globally.

“I can’t imagine a more exciting time to join Plug Power,” said Snyder. “The company is on track to deliver 500 tons per day of liquid green hydrogen by 2025 as countries, industries and businesses all over the world embrace the promise of clean, green hydrogen. Plug Power has already built a powerful hydrogen highway that extends across North America. And in the years ahead, the company will repeat this success in Europe and Asia. It’s an extraordinary time to join this visionary team.”

Prior to joining Plug Power, Snyder served as Tesla’s Director of Production Operations and On-Site Supplier Management at the company’s Gigafactories, where he led a production and materials team of 1,600 employees responsible for factory materials management, Tesla Model 3 drive train production, and supplier management operations. Previously, he worked at Honeywell International for 10 years, where he helped transform supply chain and materials management in a variety of leadership roles, including Director of Materials and Operations Execution and Senior Manager of Global Demand and Asset Planning.

Plug welcomes both of these exceptional executives as we continue to work hard to build the green hydrogen economy together.

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Thanks for taking the time with us, Erin. Could you please explain what you do for a living in 20 words or fewer.  

I provide strategic insight on government and industry affairs affecting our business and deploy resources to advocate for our priorities.  

What is one of the most extraordinary/unusual experiences you’ve had in your career.

The best day of my career, so far, was on February 9, 2018.  In my own Super Bowl moment, I was boarding a plane to Disney World when it was announced the President signed the restoration of the fuel cell tax credit into law.  Due to unfortunate circumstances two years prior, wind and solar technologies were given a five-year extension of their tax credits while fuel cells and other technologies were “orphaned,” and left at a huge disadvantage.  In response, we worked in partnership with our champions on Capitol Hill, industry and others, and fought for 2 years and 53 days to get the credit retroactively reinstated.  It was extremely challenging, but I will forever be thankful for the trust Plug Power leadership put in our government relations team and the relationships we built along the way.  In fact, the strategic partnerships we built with Members of Congress, staff, trade groups and clean energy technologies during that time paved the way for many of the exciting legislative successes we are having today. 

What excites you about hydrogen and fuel cells?

Everything.  I have been working with Plug Power in different capacities for over twenty-two years and there has never been a more exciting time.  For the first time in my career, the United States and the world truly understand that hydrogen is necessary to meet all climate and decarbonization goals.  Plug Power is absolutely leading the green hydrogen revolution, and I am proud to be part of the team. 

If you were a super-hero, what powers would you have?  

Obviously, I would want the mundane superpowers like flying, so I can skip the horrendous DC traffic, and selective mind-reading so I could sometimes know what was going through my teenagers’ minds.  But my true power would be to get Congress to be bipartisan again. 

Do you have a life philosophy? What is it? 

Everything happens for a reason and hard work is usually the reason. 

Who is your favorite author?  Why? 

That is pretty fluid but right now it is Stephen Dubner.  I am a huge fan of all things Freakonomics.  The podcast sends me down the rabbit hole of obsessing about interesting facts I had no idea I needed to know. 

What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?

Really good, strong coffee.  The best part of my day is waking up ridiculously early and plotting out my day.  I think about what I must get done immediately and how can I help make other people’s lives better – both personally and professionally.  I always ask myself what I did well the day before and what can I do better today.  I know how lucky I am to work in an industry, and for a company, that is focused on doing good so that allows me to drill down and focus what it is going to take to be successful. 

We are so glad to have Erin on our team helping Plug make a difference in the world!

The post PowerSpot: Erin Lane first appeared on Plug Power.

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Plug is currently hiring for more than 320 positions in all areas of the company. Plug is building an end-to-end green hydrogen ecosystem to help its customers meet their business goals and decarbonize the economy.

Plug CEO, Andy Marsh added, “No other company in the world is in a better position to build out the clean, green hydrogen ecosystem that will be required to shift the world to a zero carbon economy. Come join us!”

We need people who…

·         Have PASSION

·         Have energy

·         Are smart at what they do

·         Willing to roll up their sleeves every day & not afraid to work hard

·         Want to make a difference

·         Can work with their hands

·         Want to have a lot of fun at work

·          

Plug is…

·         A leading provider of hydrogen solutions for the global green hydrogen economy

·         Making a real impact on the environment

·         Growing as company and offering growth for your career

·         Full of opportunity – including flexible and remote

·         Offering a robust benefits package

·         A global organization – expanding in multiple areas of the world

·         About strong partnerships and relationships that support our customer base

·         An employee-centric culture

·         Focused on innovation

Plug is proud that our growing company, with more than 2,500 employees by year end, continues to be recognized as a great place to work. We’re excited about our future and the impact we are able to make on the world.

The post Plug Power Wins Best Places to Work for Seventh Time first appeared on Plug Power.

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Thank you, Robert, for the important work you’re doing in Europe helping Plug put hydrogen to work!

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“HYVIA is moving fast. After less than six months of existence, we unveiled three Hydrogen Light Commercial Vehicles: a Van, a Chassis Cab and a City Bus. To meet different usages, for professional fleets or territories. We also revealed our Hydrogen Refueling Station, to offer customer refueling options where hydrogen infrastructure is still in development. HYVIA is about concrete solutions to be on track to meet the challenges of green hydrogen mobility and decarbonization of transport.”

David Holderbach, HYVIA CEO

Renault Master Chassis Cab H2-TECH

• With a range of about 250km, it enables more usages for professionals to extend autonomy for high loads and intensive use.
• Tailored for conversions. The box van with its 19m3 is the first release convenient for large transport of goods and packages up to 1 000kg of payload.
• Master Chassis Cab H2-TECH is equipped with a 30kW fuel cell, a 33kWh battery and tanks containing 3kg of hydrogen (2 tanks of 1,5 kg) at 700 bars.
• The vehicle showcases the on-board hydrogen technology, enhancing the operation of the fuel cell and the hydrogen flows.

Renault Master City Bus H2-TECH

• Master City Bus H2-TECH enables a range of about 300km, it can carry up to 15 passengers (9 sitting, 6 standing) and inclusive transportation with wheelchair accessible.

• It meets the needs for businesses, municipalities, and local public services.
• Master City Bus H2-TECH is equipped with a 30kW fuel cell, a 33kWh battery and a tank containing 4,5kg of hydrogen at 350 bars.

In a nutshell: full HYVIA ecosystem to be available in 2022

In 2022, HYVIA will deploy its full ecosystem:

• Renault Master Van H2-TECH:  a large van for transporting goods and packages, with 12m3 of cargo volume and a range of up to 500km.
• Renault Master Chassis-Cab H2-TECH: for various conversions, including a box van of 19m3, with a range of 250km.
• Renault Master City Bus H2-TECH: an urban minibus that can carry up to 15 passengers, with a range of about 300km.
• HYVIA’s Hydrogen Refueling Station: for fast fueling time (5 minutes), as simple as thermic, to maximize vehicle availability.
• Made in France:
  • Renault Master is produced at Batilly plant in France.
  • Electric and hydrogen integration is realized by PVI, a Renault Group subsidiary in Gretz-Armainvilliers.
  • E-motor is produced at Cleon plant.
  • Fuel cell assembly and Hydrogen Refueling Station will begin at Flins plant.
  • And more to come.

* When driving, neither CO₂ nor other regulated air pollutants, in accordance with the WLTP certification.

The post Two More New Hydrogen Vehicles by HYVIA first appeared on Plug Power.

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In recognition of these accomplishments, the Albany Business Review, as part of its Achievers Awards Program, named Shrestha “Strategist of the Year.” The Achievers Awards, the Albany Business Review’s most prestigious honor, has celebrated the “best of the best” in the local business community for the past 37 years.

Since the start of his tenure at Plug in 2019, Shrestha has spearheaded key acquisitions, including Giner ELX and United Hydrogen, to form the foundation of Plug’s electrolyzer and hydrogen production businesses. Through these new capabilities, Plug is accelerating decarbonization around the world by helping its customers move towards net zero carbon footprints.

Always a critical and strategic thinker, Shrestha is especially adept at identifying the needs of business today while tirelessly charting an aspirational future.

Shrestha was on hand to accept the award at the Achievers Awards Dinner, which took place at the Crowne Plaza Albany – the Desmond Hotel on Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021.

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Plug Power and HevenDrones will explore providing an entire hydrogen ecosystem, including, but not limited to, hydrogen supply, infrastructure, fueling and refueling for drone applications. The companies anticipate work commencing in November 2021.

This initiative is part of Plug Power’s strategy to bring its proven hydrogen ProGen fuel cell technology to new markets through engaging leaders in industries such as commercial aviation, aerospace, and now drones. Plug Power is expanding its ProGen platform for additional aerospace applications, including drones, UAVs and aircrafts with different weight restrictions and other unique requirements. The development is an important milestone for HevenDrones as the extended flight time will dramatically improve the capabilities of its proprietary heavy lift drone systems.

Keith Schmid, who leads the Mobility and Stationary Power Solutions business unit for Plug Power, said “We believe that the combination of our leading fuel cell technology and related hydrogen infrastructure together with the impressive drone technologies being developed by HevenDrones creates exciting potential in this high growth industry.  Plug Power is focused on expanding its market leadership position and this is a natural extension of its product line. We are pleased to work with HevenDrones to develop this potential and believe there are significant benefits to our customers by working together.”

Thomas Jones, Director of UAV/Aerospace Technology at Plug Power, said “We are excited to be teaming with HevenDrones to expand our capabilities for placing hydrogen fuel cells in drones. This is an area where hydrogen can be a game changer.  We have been impressed with their capabilities and look forward to working together.”

Bentzion Levinson, CEO of HevenDrones, said “We are thrilled to work with Plug Power on this strategically important initiative.  We are pleased to join forces with a global leader in fuel cells and believe that combined with our leading edge in heavy lift drones and our unique operating system software, we can create a compelling partnership to take drone technology to the next level.  We are excited to continue our journey with a company as well regarded as Plug Power.”

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Plug Power tagged up with Airflow to start developing a hydrogen fuel cell-based propulsion system for the aerospace company’s electric Short Takeoff and Landing (eSTOL) aircraft. The Airflow Model 200 aircraft will fly up to 500 miles with nine passengers, or 2,000 pounds of cargo, without generating any carbon emissions. 

To achieve this vision, Airflow and Plug Power will integrate and test a full-scale, ground-based powertrain prototype. Following this successful ground demonstration, the teams will then retrofit the powertrain into the aircraft. 

Plug Power will also serve as Airflow’s preferred hydrogen provider by building refueling infrastructure at airports to support Airflow customers. At Albany International Airport, Plug Power’s hydrogen fuel cell solutions power ground support equipment.

Working with Airflow is a key piece of Plug Power’s ongoing strategy to bring its proven hydrogen ProGen fuel cell technology to new markets. Plug Power is significantly expanding its aerospace fuel cell system capabilities and applications with UAVs as well as aircraft with different weight restrictions and other unique requirements. Previously, Plug Power partnered with Universal Hydrogen to develop a fuel cell-based hydrogen powertrain for regional aircraft. 

“Over the last several years, we’ve been increasing our commitment to the aerospace market, from our investment in and partnership with Universal Hydrogen to our acquisition of EnergyOr,” said Plug Power President and CEO Andy Marsh. “We are committed to ensuring our ProGen solutions meet the ultralightweight and rigorous certification requirements of the aviation sector, and our partnership with Airflow helps us in establishing a complete ecosystem for the aviation market.”

“Plug Power produces and supplies affordable green hydrogen at scale to experienced aerospace companies flying a variety of missions and aircraft classes,” said Marc Ausman, CEO and co-founder, Airflow. “This initial investment from Plug Power is important to our ongoing development work, and we’re thrilled to have an industry leader in the hydrogen economy supporting our ambitious objectives. We see hydrogen fuel cell technology as a key component of our next-generation power systems, which along with Sustainable Aviation Fuel-based hybrid systems and advanced battery systems allow us to provide options to our customers looking for an aircraft that best meets their individual mission needs and sustainability goals.”

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Fun fact: National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day was created to help raise awareness of a clean energy technology that is here now. October 8th (10.08) was chosen in reference to the atomic weight of hydrogen (1.008).

Below is our list of the top hydrogen moments from 2021, including a humble brag from us.

• Tokyo Olympic Torch: A partnership between Toyota and fuel supplier Eneos created the first-ever hydrogen-fueled Olympic torch, highlighting this clean energy on the world stage.
• Energy Earthshot: The U.S. Department of Energy launched Hydrogen Shot, its first-ever Energy Earthshot, to reduce the cost of clean hydrogen by 80%.
• Hyundai Commercial Vehicles: Hyundai announced that they will be providing fuel cell versions of all commercial vehicles starting in 2028.
• Blue Origin: Blue Origin’s maiden trip with Jeff Bezos on board featured a hydrogen-powered trip to space.
• Hydrogen Helicopter: The first-ever hydrogen fuel-cell powered helicopter, Pieasecki eVTOL PA-890, was unveiled and will take flight in 2023.
• Formula One: Formula One announced that hydrogen may be the future fuel for some of the fastest vehicles in the world.
• Energy Observer’s Maiden Voyage: The Energy Observer, the first self-sufficient energy vessel with zero greenhouse gas or fine particle emissions powered by hydrogen and renewable energies, launched its trip around the world.
• Plug Power’s Green Hydrogen Network: We broke ground on a network of the world’s largest green hydrogen plants, started building the world’s first green hydrogen gigafactory, and formed new global joint ventures.

Those interested in learning more about advancements in green hydrogen can attend Plug Power’s Symposium on Oct. 14. Please register here.

The post Top Hydrogen Moments of 2021 first appeared on Plug Power.

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We recognize that blue hydrogen–defined as the use of natural gas to generate hydrogen from methane and capturing its carbon emissions—is not the long-term solution to decarbonize the U.S. economy. Carbon capture requires long-term geological storage and does not eliminate upstream emissions. Several attempts by the fossil-fuel industry to implement carbon capture have failed so we have low confidence that they will succeed. And blue hydrogen will be too expensive and emit too much carbon in the end.

Plug is fully committed to a green hydrogen future. We are investing heavily in building a green hydrogen ecosystem and are on track to build out 500 metric tons of green hydrogen production by 2025, which will replace 4.3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions. This includes the groundbreaking of a green hydrogen production plant in Camden County, Ga., where 15 tons of liquid green hydrogen will be produced per day, and North America’s largest planned green hydrogen production facility in Alabama, New York, which will produce 45 metric tons of green liquid hydrogen daily using clean New York hydropower.

The future is green hydrogen – nobody will buy blue if green is available. We believe that our green hydrogen production will outperform blue hydrogen in cost, availability, and environmental attributes.

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Event: Hydrogen Americas Summit

Date: June 8, 2021

Session: Hydrogen Applications –  Priorities in Decarbonizing Heavy Industry  

Speaker: Sanjay Shrestha, Chief Strategy Officer

The Hydrogen Americas Summit is a four-day event that gathers government representatives, hydrogen and energy stakeholders, service providers and end users to discuss hydrogen opportunities across the entire continent.

Sanjay joined panelists Maurizio Stucchi, Head of Industry of FRIEM and Dr. Maurizio Ponzetto, Senior Director Power System of Neeltran Inc., for a discussion about meeting key challenges in the built environment with clean tech innovation, led by Dr. Laura Nelson, Special Advisor of Green Hydrogen Coalition.

Sanjay highlighted the role of green hydrogen in decarbonization in transportation and industrial markets, noting that the technology already exists – it’s just a matter of executing at scale.

Key quote: “We can’t afford to do nothing. We have to leave this world better than when we got here.” 

Event: American Hydrogen Forum

Date: June 9, 2021

Session: Building the Green Hydrogen Economy 

Speaker: Andy Marsh, CEO

The American Hydrogen Forum provided a platform for relevant stakeholders from the government, research, technology and service sectors to join a clean energy debate and collaborate in searching for sustainable hydrogen economy solutions. Andy’s keynote presentation discussed the growth of the green hydrogen economy and Plug Power’s role in driving toward an estimated global annual CO2 reduction of 6GT by 2050.

Andy discussed the tailwinds driving the hydrogen economy, which include the aggressive plans of many world nations as well as a roadmap for cost-effective decarbonization. He went on to discuss Plug Power’s vision for hydrogen and how the company’s vertical integration and partnerships with world leading companies are accelerating Plug Power’s green hydrogen strategy.  

Session: Hydrogen Technologies and Solutions

Speaker: Sanjay Shrestha, CSO

Sanjay joined panelists Richard Gottwald, President & CEO, Compressed Gas Association – Moderator , Steve Beeston, Vice President, Technology Licensing, Wood, Stan Knez, SVP Process Technology, Technip Energies, and David Alonso, Regional Vice President, New Equipment Sales, Mitsubishi Power in discussing hydrogen technologies and solutions. 

Sanjay discussed the role of comprehensive solutions that help end users seamlessly transition their facilities to hydrogen and fuel cell solutions. The same platform allows Plug Power to serve multiple industries with our growing generation capability of low-cost green hydrogen.

Event: POWERGEN Plus Hydrogen Webinar

Date: June 23, 2021

Session: Hydrogen in Action – Latest advancements on H2 Infrastructure and Integration 

Speaker: Darin Painter, VP Sales, Stationary Power

Darin presented to a group of registered attendees representing utilities and corporations involved in utility-scale power production. His presentation covered the importance of sustainable power and the advancements in green hydrogen and fuel cell products developed to meet the needs of a decarbonizing world. The audience was very engaged and the  presentation was followed by a robust Q&A session, with many more questions asked than there was time to answer. 

Plug Power is leading the drive to create the green hydrogen economy through both thought leadership and action. We’re proud of the work we do every day and excited to share it as we continue to spread the news at more events this year.

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