Hitachi Energy demonstrates fuel cell generator on Rotterdam site

Hitachi Energy has partnered with hydrogen supplier Air Products and contractor Dura Vermeer to test the use of its HyFlex hydrogen fuel cell generator to recharge an electric excavator on a site in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

The 500 kVA genset was used to recharge an Hitachi ZE135, battery-type electric excavator as part of a demonstration of clean energy technology.

The generator produces electricity, usable heat, and water without combustion, and emits no harmful pollutants and operates almost noise-free. Compared to a conventional diesel generators, the HyFlex can reduce diesel fuel consumption by up to 800 tonnes per year, saving 2,900 tonnes of CO2 emissions, said Hitachi Energy.

To generate 1 MWh of electrical energy the HyFlex consumes approximately 70 kg of green hydrogen.

Marco Berardi, head of grid & power quality solutions and service at Hitachi Energy, said Hitachi Energy was committed to providing technologies “that inspire the next era of sustainable energy. We recognize that the entire energy ecosystem needs to move in the same direction. We are proud to have showcased HyFlex in the Netherlands, thanks to a unique collaboration with key industry players.”

The Hitechi Energy hydrogen genset at the Rotterdam site. (Image: Hitachi Energy)

Caroline Stancell, vice president marketing and growth programmes, Europe and Africa, at Air Products, said it was proud to have supported the initiative towards zero-emission construction; “This demonstration proves that hydrogen-powered solutions are not just viable, they’re ready to perform in real-world conditions.

“Collaborations like this bring the energy transition to life, showing how hydrogen can decarbonize even the most challenging sectors.”

Hitachi Energy said the construction sector alone accounts for over a third of global energy-related CO2 emissions.

The company said policy momentum was playing a key role in the shift towards sustainable construction, and cited regulations and incentives such as the EU’s revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, Oslo’s climate and environmental requirements for construction sites, and the Netherlands’ roadmap for zero-emission construction equipment.

Hitachi Energy has a range of technologies for green hydrogen, including hydrogen-to-power and power-to-hydrogen (grid-to-stack) for electrolyzer systems.

It highlighted applications such as construction sites, noise-and pollution-sensitive areas, mining machinery, critical facilities that require an off-grid supply of power or heat, and shore-to-ship power at ports.