Hitachi Energy´s hydrogen power generator premiered in Finland – electricity from hydrogen wherever it is needed

  • At the Finnish premiere, Hitachi Energy’s hydrogen power generator, HyFlex™ produced electricity from hydrogen at Ramirent´s equipment rental site in Helsinki.
  • HyFlex is the clean alternative to diesel generators, enabling construction sites, remote events, or data centers to sustainably meet their electrification needs
  • Compared to conventional diesel power generators running continuously, a 1 MVA HyFlex can mitigate up to 1,600 tons of diesel fuel per year which translates into 5,800 tons of CO2 saved¹ – the equivalent to 10,000 passenger flights in Europe².

Helsinki, Finland, Sep. 18, 2024 – Hitachi Energy premiered its HyFlex™ hydrogen power generator in Helsinki with Ramirent, the leading equipment rental company in Finland. In the demonstration, the HyFlex unit produced electricity from hydrogen. HyFlex is one of the most powerful hydrogen power generators that has been demonstrated in Finland.

Hydrogen powered generators are sustainable alternatives to diesel generators that are widely used at construction sites, events, mines, data centers and wind power construction sites. Additionally, a hydrogen powered generator can charge electric vehicles in areas where grid power is not available and can also serve as a power and heat source for ships or buildings.

HyFlex is Hitachi Energy’s hydrogen-to-power solution that produces electricity, usable heat and water. To generate one megawatt hour (MWh) of electrical energy, HyFlex consumes approximately 70 kilograms of hydrogen. Electricity is generated in the fuel cells, provided by Hitachi Energy’s technology partner, PowerCell Group, through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. Since there is no combustion of any kind, HyFlex does not emit any harmful pollutants and operates close to noise-free. HyFlex is highly scalable and relies on high-efficiency fuel cells and advanced power electronics, and a smart control system.

“Our technology demonstration with Ramirent is an excellent example of the importance of collaboration, technology development and innovation. The journey toward a carbon-neutral energy future is made through cooperation and we are very happy to have the opportunity to present our HyFlex option for electrification for the first time in Finland. Technology opens up completely new opportunities for many industries, where connecting to the power grid is difficult and often even impossible. Working with companies like Ramirent will play a key role in scaling our technology,” says Matti Vaattovaara, Managing Director of Hitachi Energy in Finland. 

“We are proud to host the first appearance of Hitachi Energy’s new HyFlex hydrogen power generator on Finnish soil. Ramirent is a trendsetter in the machine rental industry in terms of responsibility, as we are the only operator to have achieved the prestigious SBTi validation. We want to stay ahead of the curve and explore new, future solutions at an early stage, so that we can offer our broad customer base increasingly responsible and competitive alternatives. This collaboration with Hitachi Energy is a strong demonstration of our commitment to sustainable development and the promotion of innovative solutions,” says Mikael Kämpe, Managing Director of Ramirent Finland.

Hitachi Energy has a comprehensive portfolio of solutions for the entire green hydrogen value chain. In addition to hydrogen-to-power solutions, the company supplies power-to-hydrogen (grid-to-stack) solutions for electrolyzer systems that optimize the entire power supply system from the high-voltage grid connection down to the electrolyzer stack terminals.

Hitachi Energy has already delivered a grid-to-stack solution for a 20 MW electrolyzer in Sweden and a grid connection solution to P2X Solutions 20 MW hydrogen plant in Finland, ensuring the highest efficiency, reliability and power quality. Skanska has utilized the HyFlex™ in the Port of Gothenburg in Sweden to produce electricity for a construction site’s charging station.

¹In comparison, 1 MVA diesel generator consumes about 225 kg of diesel at full load and produces 720 kg of CO2 emissions per hour.

²https://www.openco2.net/en/co2-converter

About Hitachi Energy

Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader that is advancing a sustainable energy future for all. We are advancing the world’s energy system to be more sustainable, flexible and secure and we collaborate with customers and partners to enable a sustainable energy future – for today’s generations and those to come. Hitachi Energy has a proven track record and unparalleled installed base in more than 140 countries, serving customers in utility, industry, transportation, data centers and infrastructure sectors. With innovative technologies and services including the integration of more than 150 gigawatts of HVDC links into the power system, we help make the energy value chain more efficient, making electricity more accessible to all. Together with stakeholders across sectors and geographies, we enable the digital transformation required to accelerate the energy transition towards a carbon-neutral future. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ around 45,000 people in 90 countries and generate business volumes of around $13 billion USD.

https://www.hitachienergy.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/hitachienergy
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About Hitachi, Ltd.

Hitachi drives Social Innovation Business, creating a sustainable society through the use of data and technology. We solve customers’ and society’s challenges with Lumada solutions leveraging IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products. Hitachi operates under the 3 business sectors of “Digital Systems & Services” – supporting our customers’ digital transformation; “Green Energy & Mobility” – contributing to a decarbonized society through energy and railway systems, and “Connective Industries” – connecting products through digital technology to provide solutions in various industries. Driven by Digital, Green, and Innovation, we aim for growth through co-creation with our customers. The company’s revenues as 3 sectors for fiscal year 2023 (ended March 31, 2024) totaled 8,564.3 billion yen, with 573 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 270,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company’s website at https://www.hitachi.com.

Ramirent

Ramirent is a leading service company offering equipment rental, scaffolding and weather protection for construction, industry, and events. Related services of equipment rental, such as planning, installation and logistics services, are one of Ramirent’s strengths. Our mission is to help our customers gear up on safety and efficiency by delivering great equipment and smooth service with a smile. Ramirent Group employs 3,000 people in nine Nordic and Eastern European countries. There are 550 Ramirent employees in Finland. Ramirent is part of the Loxam Group, which is the world’s fourth largest company in the machine and equipment rental sector. www.ramirent.com, www.ramirent.fi

Media Contact:

Jaana Nikkari, Communications

jaana.nikkari@hitachienergy.com

Tel. +358 (0)50 3344 627

Minna Oksanen

Head of Communications and Marketing, Ramirent Group

minna.oksanen@ramirent.com

Tel. +358 (0)50 5828 134