The future of clean energy looks like is getting closer and closer, with AFC Energy and it’s new invention. The British company presented the Hy-5: this new system, developed under the brand Hyamtec, is a small portable hydrogen generation plant capable of producing 500 kilograms of hydrogen per day. It will be officially launched in 2026 and it promises to change completely the way people, industries and communities access to clean energy.
The Hy-5 represente one bug steps to energy independence because it allows to produce renewable hydrogen at home, or in any other place really, without depending on electrical grids or big installations.
This technology offer a huge solution to a world that’s constantly looking to achieve a net-zero transition.
How the Hy-5 works and why it is different from other plants?
The Hy-5 doesn’t need huge solar panels or wind turbines to work. Is an ammonia cracking system, which means that it turns ammonia (NH₃) into pure hydrogen (H₂). This process produces gas (with 99,9% purity) that is ready to be use in motors, fabrics or electrical systems.
Unlike other methods, the Hy-5 is an equipment type “plug and play”: once connected, it turns up and starts working.
The hydrogen it produces costs about £10 per kilogram, so using it every day is actually practical and not that expensive. And because it doesn’t need special infrastructure or long permits, companies or communities can set up its own system without a big hassle.
The whole system fits in a container: the purification modules, control and storage it’s inside. That means it can be installed practically anywhere.
Practical applications of the Hy-5
The compact design of this equipment is useful in many ways for example:
- Hydrogen refueling of buses, trucks and vans.
- Refueling construction and mining equipment.
- Power electric generators in off-grid power places.
- Industrial processes that can require high heat, like steel, cement or chemical manufacturing.
- Easier the transportation, distribution and energy storage.
And since ammonia is commercialized globally, the supply is easy to get in nearly every country. This means that transition from local ammonia to hydrogen is fast, safe and accesible. In logistic terms, the Hy-5 can provide clean energy to your company or even your house, wihthout needing big electrical grids.
Why the Hy-5 makes a real difference
The project fits perfectly with the AFC Energy mission: to reduce the use of fossil fuel in polluting industries and bring carbon neutrality. The goal is to produce energy without putting the planet in danger.
The Hy-5 also offers freedom. Because it’s a portable system, it can take electricity to remote areas or rural communities that otherwise wouldn’t be able to have power. In the abscence of an energy grid, this project provides the possibility to help countries and industries to have access to a cleaner power and depend less on fossil fuels.
Transforming power toward a cleaner energy future
With the Hy-5, AFC Energy demonstrates that green technology does not have to be complicated.
The majority of countries are looking for energy independence, and according to AFC Energy’s project, this small plant could be the start of a new era. Where energy not only is cheaper but local, and cleaner.
Today, we have so many options; solar panels, wind turbines, tidal power.. we are even able to put back CO₂ into the soil. Although the bigger though is to use less fossil fuel, the idea is not to depend on one single type of power.
Seen like this, the Hy-5 is a clear sign of a world that’s taking care of it’s planet and continue to give more option on fuels so there’s always have a source of power available no matter the weather conditions or off-grid areas.