AFC Energy Unveils Game-Changing Hy-5 Hydrogen Solution in UK
Key Ideas
- AFC Energy introduces the world's first portable ammonia cracking module, Hy-5, offering grey hydrogen at a competitive price of £10/kg.
- Hy-5 is set to revolutionize the hydrogen market by providing cost-effective, on-site hydrogen production without the need for grid power or renewables.
- The company's revenue spiked in 2024, driven by H-Power Generator sales, with plans to achieve price parity with diesel generators and address industry challenges.
- AFC Energy's innovative solution aims to cater to heavy transport, off-grid EV charging, and industrial applications in steel, glass, and chemicals sectors.
AFC Energy, a UK-based company, has unveiled a groundbreaking hydrogen solution, the Hy-5, described as the 'world's first' portable ammonia cracking module. This innovation is capable of producing grey hydrogen at a competitive price of £10/kg, significantly undercutting the costs of non-low carbon and green hydrogen production in the UK. The Hy-5, scheduled for availability in 2026, is designed as a plug-and-play solution under a 'fuel as a service' model. AFC Energy's pricing strategy indicates a potential breakthrough in mitigating ammonia reconversion costs, which could otherwise inflate hydrogen prices. The company anticipates the Hy-5 unit to be able to produce up to 500kg of hydrogen per day. Notably, the hydrogen output from Hy-5 boasts 99.9% purity, positioning it as a viable resource for AFC Energy's fuel cell generator products, with low power consumption per kilogram of hydrogen produced. The Hy-5 innovation eliminates the need for traditional energy sources like grid power or renewables, streamlining production and reducing associated costs. AFC Energy envisions the Hy-5's application in diverse sectors, including hydrogen refueling for heavy transport, off-grid EV charging, and industrial processes in steel, glass, and chemicals. The company's CEO, John Wilson, highlighted the challenges of the UK's hydrogen infrastructure and production costs, emphasizing the market-disruptive potential of the Hy-5. AFC Energy aims to drive scale in construction, off-grid operations, and heavy industries through its cost-competitive hydrogen solutions. The company's financial performance in 2024 showed significant growth in revenue, primarily attributed to H-Power Generator sales, with plans to target price parity with diesel generators. Despite continued investments in commercialization, AFC Energy maintains a healthy cash reserve expected to sustain operations until March 2026.