World's first generator powered by hydrogen powder

About 11.2% of all energy used by the Netherlands in 2021 was generated in a sustainable way (source: CBS). National regulations dictate that this must be at least 27% by 2030. Renewable energy, such as from sun or wind, is for the most part generated independently of where and when it eventually finds its application. To transport green energy, conversion to hydrogen is an option. However, this is a volatile and highly flammable gas.

Hydrogen has huge potential in the transition to sustainable energy use. At the same time, there are also challenges in its use. To use hydrogen gas on a large scale, strict safety measures apply and a complex infrastructure is required. Hydrogen gas is transported under high pressure via gas cylinders, fuel tanks and pipeline systems. For sectors such as construction, these infrastructural implications and the risk of accidents create additional challenges. In addition, regulations are becoming stricter. Phasing out diesel generators will also become more common. Consider, for example, construction sites in the Amsterdam area.

Electriq Global's hydrogen powder provides a solution to these challenges. "The powder can be transported in cardboard boxes and stored for years without energy loss. After use, the powder can also be 'recharged' again, allowing for endless reuse. No external energy, heat or pressure is needed to extract the hydrogen from the powder and convert it into electricity," the company reports.

The first application to use the benefits of Electriq Global's hydrogen powder is the Joshua. This is the world's first generator that can convert the patented powder into electricity. The generator works in a similar way to regular diesel generators. Propulsion is via water and capsules with the hydrogen powder instead of diesel. The Joshua has a power output of 8kW/80kWh. That means it can operate on 5 kilograms of hydrogen for up to 10 hours at full capacity.

Hydrogen powder is made using a chemical process in which hydrogen molecules are bound to elements that are widely available. When this high-energy powder is mixed with water, not only are the hydrogen molecules released from the powder, but the added water is also split. Ultimately, this releases twice as much hydrogen as was originally present in the powder. The Joshua generator also contains a fuel cell that converts the released hydrogen gas from the powder and water mixture into electricity. After the hydrogen is released, the residue can be recharged and converted back into the original hydrogen powder. As a result, this becomes a fully recyclable solution.

In early September, Electriq Global demonstrated how the aggregate can be used in construction. A mobile crane developed in cooperation with RKB and ECS in Ridderkerk powered by the special generator. The Joshua can also be used in other applications. Think of boats, festivals or other locations not connected to the regular power grid.

Erwin Bruintjes, CEO at ECS: "We are proud to have teamed up with Electriq Global to demonstrate this hydrogen-powered mobile crane. ECS is committed to emission-free construction sites. We help the construction industry comply with increasingly stringent regulations on emissions and environmental impact. This emission-free hydrogen-powered crane shows the potential and marks a huge step in this direction."

Baruch Halpert, executive chairman and CEO at Electriq Global: "The Joshua can be used in any environment. This makes it an ideal, green-powered replacement for diesel generators in daily use on construction sites. By introducing this first ready-to-use application, we are taking a huge step in supporting the global energy transition. And creating clean energy from hydrogen powder."

Photo: Maike Schwarz Photography