Is a major shake-up coming to the hydrogen production industry? The latest innovation in hydrogen generation is set to hit the market in 2026, with British renewable energy company AFC Energy leading the charge. Their new device could change the sector forever as costs are slashed and scalability is sent into overdrive. With the capsule’s launch date fast approaching, here’s what to look out for.
Hydrogen is coming home
AFC Energy has just launched a portable hydrogen generation module that will undoubtedly shake up the market once it’s available in 2026. The technology will be released through AFC Energy’s Hyamtec brand, known for its modular ammonia cracking technology, which sets the device apart from its competitors.
The module will be able to produce around 500kg of hydrogen on a daily basis, and it’s going to be containerised and portable. To break down some of the science, the hydrogen produced by the device will reportedly have a purity greater than 99.9% at ISO14687 Grade D.
It will also have less than 0.1% ppm of ammonia in the feed stream, which makes it compatible with more fuel cell generators. Low-cost hydrogen generation of this quality, available on-site, is a mouth-watering prospect for several industries.
John Wilson, the recently appointed CEO for AFC Energy, stated:
“Lack of infrastructure and the high cost of hydrogen production are seen as the biggest challenges to scaling the hydrogen industry. With the launch of Hy-5, AFC Energy has removed these, launching on-site supply at a market disruptive price point.”
Hy-5s all around!
From hydrogen refueling stations to industrial applications, the introduction of the Hy-5 is a major win for hydrogen production. It’s the industry equivalent of upgrading from a landline phone to a mobile cellular device. The device could remove the headaches caused by the necessity for environmental permits.
It will also reduce the time needed to plan and install the device when compared to electrolyzers. The device has been billed as a “plug and play”, making it an industry first in terms of efficiency and ease of use. Additionally, the cost of producing electricity is just £10 (or roughly $13) per kilogram, which is very competitive.
One must consider the fact that the installation costs are slashed, and no extra funds are needed to secure permits. The Hy-5 doesn’t require material capex or grid connection. As a British company, AFC Energy may also be easing concerns that the country is falling behind in the industry.
In 2023, Matthew Knight, Head of Market and Government Affairs, Siemens Energy, said:
“We wrote to the UK government last week with a very stark message saying ‘you are missing the boat’. We have seen hydrogen business models slip about six months in the last year.”
Is the Hy-5 considered green?
Hydrogen generation is not always green, but AFC Energy does have a focus on renewable energy. If the Hy-5 uses green ammonia, which is produced using electrolysis, then the Hy-5 can be considered a carbon-neutral innovation.
The vision section of AFC Energy’s website states:
“We want to create a world where power no longer comes from using fossil fuels. A world full of green technology, including electric vehicles, renewable generation, battery storage, and of course, hydrogen fuel cells.”
AFC Energy has potentially caught lightning in a bottle with their latest product, and with a 2026 launch year, the future of hydrogen production is in sight. It will be interesting to see how successful the Hy-5 will be once it hits the market. With a long list of potential applications, there will be no shortage of prospective clients. If they launch without a hitch, AFC Energy will solidify itself as a hydrogen industry leader.