The Future of Green Hydrogen: ABB and Hystar Collaborate on Revolutionary Project
Introduction
Green hydrogen is rapidly gaining traction as a clean and sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. In a groundbreaking collaboration, global technology leader ABB and Norwegian company Hystar are spearheading a pilot project to demonstrate the production of green hydrogen at scale.
This project, known as HyPilot, aims to showcase the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of Hystar’s patented Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzers, with critical power technology supplied by ABB.
Through this partnership, both companies are paving the way for the widespread adoption of green hydrogen as a viable energy solution.
The HyPilot Project: ABB and Hystar Team Up for Success
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The HyPilot project marks a significant milestone in the green hydrogen industry, bringing together industry leaders Equinor, Yara, Gassco, and now ABB. Hystar’s one-megawatt (MW) containerized PEM electrolyzers will be deployed at the Kårstø Gas Processing Plant in Rogaland, Norway, to validate their performance under realistic field conditions.
ABB’s expertise in power technology will play a crucial role in regulating the supply of electricity to the electrolyzers, ensuring precise voltage and current control.By participating in the HyPilot project, ABB aims to demonstrate the potential of green hydrogen production on an industrial scale.
Through the use of renewable energy sources, such as wind power, the project aims to overcome the intermittent nature of renewables and showcase the cost-effectiveness and reliability of green hydrogen production.
Data collected during the 10,000-hour trial will provide valuable insights into the efficiency and long-term commercial viability of Hystar’s electrolyzers.
ABB’s low-harmonic insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) rectifiers and DC-DC converters are at the heart of the HyPilot project.These market-leading power components enable precise voltage and current control, ensuring optimal performance of the electrolyzers.
By minimizing harmonic content and maximizing efficiency and power factor, ABB’s power technology helps drive down the levelized cost of green hydrogen production.This reduction in cost is a key factor in accelerating the widespread adoption of green hydrogen as a clean energy solution.
Chris Poynter, Division President of ABB System Drives, highlights the significance of ABB’s contribution to the HyPilot project. He emphasizes how ABB’s electrolyser power system not only optimizes efficiency but also minimizes the network’s harmonic content and footprint.
This demonstrates ABB’s commitment to productivity in a low-carbon world, as the company actively works with Hystar and other stakeholders to build a sustainable hydrogen ecosystem.
Hystar’s Breakthrough Technology: Pioneering the Green Hydrogen Revolution
Hystar, a Norwegian company with a strong focus on decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors, is the driving force behind the HyPilot project. With its highly efficient PEM electrolyzers, Hystar aims to become a global leader in the electrolyzer market. The company’s patented technology has the potential to revolutionize the production of green hydrogen, making it a commercially viable and scalable solution.
As a spin-off from SINTEF, one of Europe’s leading research organizations, Hystar has over 15 years of research experience in PEM technology. This expertise, combined with Hystar’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, positions the company as a key player in the green hydrogen industry.
By joining forces with ABB and other industry leaders, Hystar aims to accelerate the adoption of large-scale green hydrogen production and contribute to the global transition towards a low-carbon future.
The Impact of the HyPilot Project: Reducing Costs and Driving Innovation
The success of the HyPilot project has far-reaching implications for the green hydrogen industry. By demonstrating the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of Hystar’s electrolyzers, the project aims to reduce the production cost of green hydrogen on an industrial scale.
The data collected during the trial will provide valuable insights into the performance of the electrolyzers under various operating regimes, validating their long-term commercial viability. Fredrik Mowill, CEO of Hystar, emphasizes the significance of the project in uniting industry players behind Hystar’s breakthrough technology.
The collaboration with ABB and other stakeholders enables rigorous testing of the electrolyzers under real-world conditions, paving the way for the widespread adoption of large-scale green hydrogen production.
The HyPilot project represents a crucial step towards decarbonizing the global energy sector and achieving ambitious climate targets.
Expanding Horizons: Hystar’s Future Plans for Growth
Hystar is not content with resting on its laurels. The company has ambitious expansion plans to meet the surging demand for its innovative electrolyzers. It has announced the construction of a fully automated 4 GW electrolyzer factory in Høvik, Norway, scheduled for completion in 2025.
This state-of-the-art facility will enable Hystar to significantly scale up its production capacity and further establish itself as a global leader in the electrolyzer market. In addition to its plans in Norway, Hystar is expanding into North America. The company aims to establish a presence in the region by 2024, with discussions underway to establish its first GW factory on the continent.
Hystar recognizes the immense potential of the North American market and expects its commercial operations in the region to surpass its European plans within the next decade. The company remains open to further investments in GW factories to meet the growing demand for green hydrogen.
Conclusion
A Bright Future for Green Hydrogen,The collaboration between ABB and Hystar in the HyPilot project is a testament to the increasing importance of green hydrogen as a clean and sustainable energy solution. By leveraging Hystar’s breakthrough PEM electrolyzers and ABB’s power technology, the project aims to demonstrate the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and reliability of green hydrogen production at scale.
The HyPilot project serves as a steppingstone towards a low-carbon future, where green hydrogen plays a pivotal role in decarbonizing the energy sector. Through continuous innovation, expansion, and collaboration, Hystar and ABB are driving the adoption of green hydrogen and contributing to a more sustainable and resilient global energy system.
As the world transitions away from fossil fuels, green hydrogen offers a promising alternative, enabling the decarbonization of sectors that are otherwise challenging to abate. With companies like Hystar and ABB at the forefront, the future of green hydrogen looks bright, with the potential to revolutionize the way we meet our energy needs while mitigating climate change.
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