Hydrogen-Powered Energy Generators
The Hitachi HyFlex Received Two Awards for its Innovation
Colin Smith — July 18, 2025
Hitachi Energy’s HyFlex™ Hydrogen Power Generator is a fully emission-free, modular power solution designed for both temporary and permanent installations where grid connections are impractical. Developed in collaboration with PowerCell Group, the system integrates fuel-cell power modules with Hitachi Energy’s expertise in power electronics, cooling, intelligent controls and energy storage. The medium-power variant delivers 400–600 kVA, while the high-power version provides 1 MVA or more per unit and can be deployed in parallel to meet higher demands. In operation, HyFlex produces only alternating-current power, usable heat and water, eliminating CO₂ and particulate emissions associated with diesel generators.
A two-week trial at the Port of Gothenburg demonstrated HyFlex’s capability to power one of Stena Line’s ferries via shore-to-ship connection, operating seamlessly alongside the existing grid infrastructure. During the test, a single 1 MVA unit replaced approximately 1,600 tons of annual diesel consumption—equating to a reduction of nearly 5,800 tons of CO₂—and supplied both electricity and heat to the vessel. This real-world deployment highlighted HyFlex’s rapid plug-and-play setup and its potential to meet forthcoming EU regulations mandating zero-emission onshore power for ships at berth, underscoring its role in decarbonizing hard-to-abate maritime and industrial applications.
