Electriq, a specialist in innovative hydrogen storage, and Zenith Energy Terminals, which stores and processes fuel and energy carriers, will build the world's first hydrogen powder plant. The Electriq Powder production facility will be located in the Port of Amsterdam.
Electriq Powder is a form of hydrogen that simplifies its storage, transport and use in last mile, off-grid and back-up applications. Compared to conventional hydrogen in gas or liquid form, Electriq Powder offers superior safety and energy density. The hydrogen powder can be converted into electricity using patented compact generators.
Letter of intent for hydrogen powder plant
Both partners have signed a letter of intent to build the world's first hydrogen powder plant. It will be located at Zenith Energy's terminal in the port of Amsterdam. The powder production will be based on green hydrogen. Energy for this will come from wind turbines of Zenith Energy.
Scoop
"This plant is the first of its kind in the world. It will serve our customers in the Benelux market." So says Baruch Halpert. He is Executive Chairman and CEO of Electriq. "The Netherlands is an early adopter of hydrogen as the fuel of the 21st century. We see the Electriq Powder plant as an enabling link to exploit this in an innovative, safe and industrial way," said Halpert.
Strong foundation
"This project will further pave the way for Europe's transition to clean, sustainable energy. Here, we are leveraging the power of our Amsterdam storage terminal. We are laying a strong foundation for the new energy industries with the hydrogen powder plant. And we are contributing locally to the creation of new jobs," said Jeff Armstrong, CEO of Zenith Energy.
Sustainable fuel hub
"The Electriq Powder plant is a great example of the ongoing energy transition taking place at our port, where we are working towards achieving a sustainable fuel hub." Says Koen Overtoom, CEO of Port of Amsterdam. "We are happy to welcome emerging technologies that operate in line with this transition - such as this plant. In doing so, we facilitate a more intensive use of our location and collaborations between different parties operating in the port area," Overtoom said.
International
Electriq is currently working to further expand its powder production capacity by setting up similar collaborations.
Application with hydrogen powder
The first application to utilise the benefits of Electriq Global’s hydrogen powder is the Joshua. This is the world’s first generator capable of converting the patented powder into electricity. The generator operates in a similar way to standard diesel generators. It is powered by water and capsules containing the hydrogen powder, rather than diesel. The Joshua has a capacity of 8 kW/80 kWh. This means it can operate at full capacity for up to 10 hours on 5 kilograms of hydrogen.
Hydrogen powder: how does it work?
Hydrogen powder is made using a chemical process. Hydrogen molecules bind to elements that are widely available. When mixing this high-energy powder with water, not only the hydrogen molecules are released from the powder. It also splits the added water. 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. It can then be converted into the original hydrogen powder. As a result, this becomes a fully recyclable solution.
