AFC Energy unveils game-changing portable hydrogen production with Hy-5 launch

A leading provider of hydrogen power generation technologies has announced the launch of the world's first containerised, portable, cracking module capable of producing up to 500kg/day.

In 2026, AFC Energy will launch "Hy-5" through its Hyamtec brand, where it will be offered as a "plug and play" under a "fuel as a service" (FaaS), with the headline cost of hydrogen, on-site, charged at £10/kg*. 

This is substantially below prevailing market rates, including those attracting government subsidies.

Together with ammonia supply vessels, Hy-5 provides a highly compact, self-contained footprint for hydrogen generation

Hy-5 will provide hydrogen purity >99.9 per cent to ISO14687 grade D with <0.1 per cent ppm of ammonia in the feed stream, making this compatible with AFC Energy S and S+ series hydrogen fuel cell generators, with a power consumption <9.5kWh/kg.

This provides market opportunities across multiple verticals:

·       H2 fuel for off-grid power (e.g. fuel cell generators)

·       H2 refuelling stations for fuel cell/H2 combustion engines (e.g. buses, trucks, vans)

·       H2 refuelling for construction equipment (e.g. excavators and mining trucks)

·       Off-grid EV charging (with a fuel cell generator)

·       Industrial burners (for heat used in industrial applications)

·       Industrial manufacturing facilities (e.g. refining, steel, cement, ceramics, glass, chemicals production, e-fuels production)

·       H2 supply for hydrogen fuel logistics companies.

Ammonia is currently used and transported at scale around the world, providing Hy-5 with global opportunities.

Together with ammonia supply vessels, Hy-5 provides a highly compact, self-contained footprint for hydrogen generation.

It does not require a grid supply or renewable energy power source, as is required for the supply of energy to electrolysers, which, if built from scratch, would likely require land, planning consent, grid connection, additional environmental permits, potentially requiring material capex and relatively lengthy timescales.

John Wilson, Chief Executive of AFC Energy, said: "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."  

*delivery, training, minimum term and take or pay provisions apply

For more information visit www.afcenergy.com.