Horizon Fuel Cell Group, renowned for its high power-density proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, is making waves in the world of sustainable energy. While their reputation is firmly established in applications like heavy vehicles, particularly within China’s booming fuel cell commercial vehicle market, a recent development has taken their capabilities to new heights.
The company has delivered its largest system yet, a 2MW Combined Heat and Power (CHP) system, marking a significant step towards harnessing green hydrogen for large-scale power generation.
This 2MW CHP system is not just another addition to Horizon’s portfolio; it represents a groundbreaking advancement. Unlike its predecessors, this system utilizes waste hydrogen from an industrial process to produce both electricity and heat, achieving a remarkable system efficiency exceeding 90%.
In the past, Horizon’s containerized fuel cell powerplants primarily found their way to chemical companies and manufacturing parks, where waste hydrogen served as a cost-effective feedstock. Previously considered a nuisance, these hydrogen streams were often incinerated. However, with a shifting perspective on hydrogen as a vital energy carrier, these waste streams are now being recognized for their potential to drive cleaner, greener energy solutions.
As the world increasingly pivots towards decarbonization in industry, transport, and power sectors, Horizon envisions a future where MW-scale integrated green hydrogen powerplants replace diesel generators and complement renewable power generation. Given the growing mandates to reduce carbon emissions, stationary power systems will inevitably need to operate with zero emissions. This is precisely where PEM fuel cell technology shines, thanks to its ability to operate “on-demand” with rapid startup and ramp-up characteristics.
Having initially focused on establishing a strong market presence with smaller PEM fuel cells, Horizon has successfully transformed itself into a global leader in high-powered fuel cells for demanding applications, such as commercial vehicles and MW-scale backup power. The company’s deep expertise in PEM fuel cell manufacturing, coupled with industry-leading power density characteristics, enables them to produce single stacks capable of generating over 250kW continuously.
Horizon’s vision doesn’t stop at 2MW; the company is set to deploy integrated green power solutions of up to 100MW. These solutions will incorporate electrolysers, hydrogen storage, fuel cells, and batteries to deliver zero-emission independent power. Importantly, they’ll play a crucial role in stabilizing power grids grappling with the surges of renewable energy generation and the challenges of balancing generation with demand.
As Horizon Fuel Cell Group takes this monumental leap into the realm of 2MW CHP systems and envisions a future of even greater green power generation, the world of sustainable energy production is witnessing a remarkable transformation, fueled by the potential of green hydrogen.
