Fuel cell | HDF | Game-changing hydrogen power

Zero-emission solutions to decarbonize power production for public electric grids and heavy mobility

power for electric grids

HDF Energy’s fuel cells are a strategic element in our hydrogen power plants.
They are designed to generate zero-emission baseload or on demand power.

see our main
worldwide projects
railway

HDF Energy’s fuel cells are one of the key solutions to decarbonize rail transport by replacing diesel engines of freight and shunting locomotives. Our fuel cells offer a tailor-made zero-emission solution for freight operators.
maritime

HDF Energy's high-power fuel cells are also at the forefront of a transformative journey towards decarbonizing maritime transport. Our fuel cells offer a game-changing solution, extending from providing clean electricity to vessels at dockside to supporting auxiliary operations and driving ship propulsion systems.

At HDF Energy, we are leading in the development of cutting-edge energy solutions and our multi-MW fuel cells are key to unlocking a more sustainable future. These advanced fuel cells convert hydrogen into clean electricity, making them a strategic element in our hydrogen power plants.

The fuel cells are economically competitive and tailored to meet the rigorous demands of our diverse markets.

2017

Launch of the Cleargen project, the world’s first installation of a 1 MW PEM fuel cell for an industrial application

2021

Commissioning of Cleargen: produces electricity from refinery by-product hydrogen in Martinique

2023

First two multi-MW fuel cells successfully tested for CEOG

2024

Launch of HDF’s factory in France to produce multi-MW fuel cells

2025

Launch of the on-site technical fuel cell testing center

There are various fuel cell technologies. HDF has chosen PEM (proton exchange membrane) technology because it offers the best ratio between electrical power output, lifetime and cost.

A PEM fuel cell uses an electrochemical reaction to convert green hydrogen combined with oxygen from the air into carbon-free electricity and water.

Its architecture resembles that of a Russian doll: a cell containing electrodes and a membrane forms the base. Several of these cells are assembled in a stack, which is the heart of the fuel cell. The stacks are in turn integrated into ‘strings’.

To operate, the fuel cell requires three supply circuits: hydrogen, oxygen and cooling water.

The electrical energy produced by the electrochemical reaction is then processed to suit the final application.

PEM fuel cells stand out for their remarkable performance at lower temperatures, enabling swift start-up and immediate responses to fluctuations in power demand—a feature that makes them ideally suited for both mobile and stationary applications.

Hydrogen is injected at the anode.
Oxygen is injected at the cathode.
A catalyst causes a chemical reaction which separates the hydrogen molecules into hydrogen ions and electrons.
The membrane allows only hydrogen ions to pass through. By placing a conductor between the anode and cathode, electrons can flow towards the cathode, creating an electric current and generating electricity.
The hydrogen and oxygen recombine to form water as a byproduct.

key features

high efficiency

(> 50%)

25+ years

lifetime

modular

system

easy

maintenance

emission

free

low operating

costs

minimal noise

pollution

made

en Francia

quick start-up & immediate response

to fluctuations in power demand

safety
certified

Combustion-Free: our fuel cell technology converts fuels into electricity through an electrochemical reaction between H2 and O2, avoiding combustion and reducing the potential for fires.
Low-Pressure Operation: hydrogen is supplied at normal pressure, greatly minimizing the risk of explosions, as there's no need for high-pressure storage.
Advanced Safety Features: our systems are equipped with safety devices, including anti-leakage mechanisms and leakage detectors, to prevent hazardous incidents.
Compliance with International Standards: we adhere to rigorous international design and engineering standards, ensuring our products meet the highest safety criteria. Our systems are also CE certified.

The HDF FC1500 is a high-power PEM fuel cell developed in partnership with Ballard Power Systems to meet the demanding requirements of energy-intensive applications. Powered by hydrogen, it delivers up to 1.5 MW of clean, zero-emission electricity.

Two units are installed at the CEOG hydrogen power plant in French Guiana, demonstrating the technology at utility scale.

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technical sheet

Captrain SNCF

Strategic partnership with CAPTRAIN, a subsidiary of the French railway company SNCF, for the retrofit of diesel to zero-emission hydrogen-powered shunting locomotives
First project under development: “Hyshunt”, combining CAPTRAIN‘s locomotives and HDF’s fuel cells, at the Chemesis industrial site in Saint-Avold (France)

Digas

Strategic partnership with European locomotive retrofit expert Digas to jointly design and develop hydrogen freight locomotives and offer a true alternative to polluting diesel-powered locomotives.
Minority stake in DIGAS’ capital
DIGAS is a Latvian based company bringing its 15 years of proven engineering, certification and commissioning experience in retrofitting all kind of high horsepower vehicles. It is the first company in the European Union that has managed to certify a retrofitted gaseous fuel locomotive

ABB

Strategic alliance with ABB Marine & Ports to jointly develop a scalable high-power maritime fuel cell system for propulsion and auxiliary power of vessels.

HDF Energy is leading overall design, certification, mechanical integration, manufacturing, testing and commercialisation of the high-power fuel cell.
ABB is leading the system integration, ensuring compatibility with ship power systems, and leverage its global sales network to promote and commercialise the jointly developed solution.

The world’s first production plant
for multi-MW PEM fuel cells

HDF Energy’s 7,000 m² manufacturing plant was launched in the spring of 2024. Situated in Blanquefort, near Bordeaux in France, it is dedicated to the development and production of multi-MW PEM hydrogen fuel cells serving the heavy maritime and rail mobility sectors as well as electricity production for public electric grids.

The site also features a unique technical testing center. Operating autonomously thanks to a remote-control system, it replicates real-world operating conditions to ensure comprehensive validation of every fuel cell system before delivery to customers. The center also includes a modular R&D test bench capable of simulating a wide range of operating profiles for power grid and heavy-duty mobility applications, supporting both product development and performance optimization.

HDF Energy's industrial project is financed by the French government through “France 2030” and is part of the “Hy2Move” wave of the European IPCEI Hydrogen (Important Projects of Common European Interest) programme.

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