Hitachi Energy's Pioneers HyFlex Hydrogen-Powered Generator With Shore Power System For Ships At Berth

• The two-week test at the Majnabbe terminal for Stena Line’s Germany traffic demonstrated Hitachi Energy’s hydrogen-powered generator as a viable energy source for clean power in ports
• HyFlex is an emission-free alternative to diesel generators, providing clean electricity for ships at berth
• Collaboration with Stena Line, Power Cell Group, Linde Gas, and the Port of Gothenburg accelerates sustainable solutions for port operations

Hitachi Energy has successfully demonstrated HyFlex, an innovative energy supply system based on zero-emission hydrogen-powered fuel cell technology, in collaboration with Stena Line, Power Cell Group, Linde Gas, and the Port of Gothenburg. In a two-week test, HyFlex generated electricity using green hydrogen as fuel while connected to the existing shore power system for ships on one of Stena Line’s ferry vessels.

HyFlex is a cutting-edge, emission-free system that produces electricity, heat, and water. It is flexible, scalable, and designed as a portable plug-and-play unit, making it easy to transport and use immediately. This innovative solution effectively addresses challenges such as locally constrained grids or remote power needs. Compared to conventional diesel power generators running continuously, a 1 (megavolt-amperes) MVA HyFlex can mitigate up to 1,600 tons of diesel fuel per year, translating into 5,800 tons of CO₂ saved.

The initiative at the Port of Gothenburg has taken a significant step forward by connecting HyFlex directly to the local power grid to demonstrate its grid-supporting capabilities. The valuable field data collected will enhance the solution that is currently under development, showcasing the potential of hydrogen as an energy carrier and the technical viability of fuel cell technology in port environments.

Importantly, this collaboration on hydrogen-powered generators has become particularly relevant in light of the new EU regulations in 2030, requiring ships over 5,000 gross tonnages to use an onshore power supply (OPS) or zero-emission technology in ports¹.

This successful demonstration of HyFlex builds on Hitachi Energy’s previous innovative efforts, such as the project to decarbonize a construction site in the Port of Gothenburg. In that initiative, the islanded hydrogen-powered generator supplied clean power for an electric excavator, marking the first demonstration at a customer site. Furthermore, it shows the scalability and versatility of HyFlex in various applications, reinforcing its potential to drive sustainable energy solutions across different sectors.

For Stena Line, it is natural to collaborate in testing new technology aimed at reducing emissions from our industry. This project demonstrates that there are alternative paths for ports lacking adequate infrastructure for electricity connection.
Anders Peterson, Group Head of Port Development & Engineering at Stena Line

We are delighted with the results of the most recent collaboration with Stena Line, Power Cell Group, Linde Gas, and the Port of Gothenburg. We appreciate working with these relevant industry players to continue exploring new application areas for HyFlex and demonstrate its broad potential, from construction sitesto ship terminals, to accelerate the energy transition.
Tobias Hansson, CountryManaging Director at Hitachi Energy in Sweden

¹ Regulation (EU) 2023/1805 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 September 2023 on the use of renewable and low-carbon fuels in maritime transport, and amending Directive 2009/16/EC. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/1805/oj/engRegulation (EU) 2023/1805 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 September 2023 on the use of renewable and low-carbon fuels in maritime transport, and amending Directive 2009/16/EC. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/1805/oj/eng