Hydrogen is emerging as a promising alternative energy source due to its potential to produce electricity with zero emissions. As a result, many companies are investing in developing hydrogen technologies and products.
Among these companies, there are several top players who have made significant contributions to the advancement of the hydrogen industry. These companies include Plug Power, Ballard Power Systems, Air Liquide, Linde, Toyota Motor Corporation, Hyundai Motor Group, Nikola Corporation, ITM Power, Nel ASA, and Ceres Power.
These companies are focused on developing various hydrogen-related technologies, such as fuel cells, electrolyzers, and hydrogen storage systems, and have a range of products that incorporate these technologies, including hydrogen-powered vehicles, generators, and industrial applications.
Plug Power
- Founded in 1997
- Located in Latham, NY, USA
- Total funding amount: over $1 billion
- Founders: Andy Marsh, Larry Gage
- CEO: Andy Marsh
Plug Power hydrogen technology
Plug Power‘s hydrogen technology is proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell systems. The fuel cell systems include balance-of-plant components such as fuel processing, cooling, and power electronics, which help to optimize system performance and efficiency. The fuel cell systems can be applied in material handling equipment, stationary power generation, and on-road vehicles.
Plug Power is also developing a comprehensive hydrogen ecosystem, including hydrogen generation, storage, and refueling infrastructure.
Plug Power hydrogen products
Plug Power hydrogen fuel cell
ProGen next-generation fuel cell systems can be applied in on-road vehicles, including delivery vans, trucks, and buses. ProGen systems offer a longer range and faster refueling times compared to battery electric vehicles.
GenDrive fuel cell systems can be used for material handling equipment, such as forklifts and other industrial vehicles. GenDrive systems replace traditional lead-acid batteries, providing longer runtimes, faster refueling times, and improved performance.
GenSure stationary fuel cell systems can be applied in backup power. These systems provide a reliable source of clean energy for critical infrastructure and commercial buildings.
Plug Power hydrogen station
Plug Power is also developing GenFuel hydrogen generation, storage, and refueling infrastructure, including their modular GenFuel hydrogen dispensers.
Plug Power competitive advantage
Plug Power has over 20 years of experience in developing fuel cell technology and has deployed over 40,000 fuel cell systems globally, giving them a strong track record and experience in the industry.
The company has established partnerships with leading companies in various industries, such as Walmart, Amazon, and Mercedes-Benz, to develop and deploy fuel cell solutions for their operations.
Plug Power has a comprehensive portfolio of fuel cell products for various applications, including material handling equipment, stationary power generation, and on-road vehicles, which allows the company to address different markets and applications, reducing their dependence on any one particular segment.
Plug Power is also developing a comprehensive hydrogen ecosystem, including hydrogen generation, storage, and refueling infrastructure.
Plug Power holds over 300 patents related to fuel cell technology, giving them a strong intellectual property portfolio.
Ballard Power
- Founded in 1979
- Located in Burnaby, BC, Canada
- Total funding amount: over $1 billion
- Founders: Geoffrey Ballard, Paul Howard, Keith Prater
- CEO: Randy MacEwen
Ballard Power hydrogen technology
Ballard Power is a leading manufacturer of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell technology.
Ballard’s fuel cell technology is based on a modular design, allowing it to be scaled up or down to meet specific power requirements. The fuel cell stack can be combined with a balance-of-plant (BoP) system that includes components such as air compressors, hydrogen storage tanks, cooling systems, and power electronics to optimize system performance and efficiency.
Ballard’s fuel cell systems can be applied in transportation, backup power, and remote power systems. They have also developed specialized fuel cell power modules for forklifts and buses and fuel cell backup power systems for telecom networks and data centers.
Ballard Power hydrogen products
Ballard offers a wide range of fuel cell products for various applications, including heavy-duty motive modules, backup power systems, material handling modules, marine systems, and remote power systems.
Heavy-Duty Motive Modules
These are fuel cell power modules designed for use in heavy-duty vehicles, such as buses and trucks.
Backup Power Systems
Ballard’s fuel cell backup power systems provide a reliable source of power for critical infrastructure, such as telecom networks, data centers, and emergency services.
Marine Systems
Ballard is also developing fuel cell systems for marine applications, such as ferries and yachts, providing a zero-emission alternative to diesel engines.
Ballard competitive advantage
Ballard has over 40 years of experience in developing fuel cell technology and has deployed over 700 MW of fuel cell systems globally.
Ballard offers a wide range of fuel cell products for various applications, which allows the company to address different markets and applications.
Ballard has established partnerships and collaborations with leading companies in various industries, such as Audi, Siemens, and Anglo American, to develop and deploy fuel cell solutions for their operations.
Ballard holds over 900 patents related to fuel cell technology, giving them a strong intellectual property portfolio.
Ballard has established a vertically integrated manufacturing process for in-house production of key components such as the fuel cell stacks. This manufacturing expertise allows Ballard to control the quality and cost of their products and ensure timely delivery to customers.
Air Liquide
- Founded in 1902
- Located in Paris, France
- Total funding amount: N/A
- Founders: Georges Claude, Paul Delorme
- CEO: Benoît Potier
Air Liquide hydrogen technology
Air Liquide focuses on the production and distribution of hydrogen gas. The company produces hydrogen gas using the following processes:
- Steam Methane Reforming (SMR): Air Liquide has developed advanced steam methane reforming technologies that improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
- Electrolysis: Air Liquide has developed both alkaline and PEM (proton exchange membrane) electrolysis technologies that allow for the production of hydrogen using renewable electricity sources.
- Biogas Reforming: Air Liquide has developed biomass reforming technologies that allow for the production of hydrogen from biogas (methane from organic waste) with high efficiency and purity.
Air Liquide’s hydrogen technology also includes the storage and distribution of hydrogen gas.
Air Liquide hydrogen products
Air Liquide offers hydrogen production, storage, and distribution systems, as well as fuel cell systems and hydrogen refueling stations for fuel cell vehicles.
Hydrogen production
Air Liquide offers hydrogen production technologies of steam methane reforming, electrolysis, and biogas reforming. The company also offers on-site hydrogen production systems that can produce hydrogen from renewable energy sources.
Hydrogen storage
Air Liquide offers hydrogen storage solutions, including high-pressure and cryogenic storage systems. The company’s high-pressure storage systems are designed for use in industrial and transportation applications, while its cryogenic storage systems are used for large-scale hydrogen storage.
Hydrogen distribution
Air Liquide offers hydrogen distribution systems, including pipelines, trailers, and on-site generation systems.
Fuel cell systems
Air Liquide designs and manufactures fuel cell systems for stationary power generation, transportation, and portable power. The company’s fuel cell systems use proton exchange membrane (PEM) technology.
Hydrogen refueling stations
Air Liquide designs, builds, and operates hydrogen refueling stations for fuel cell vehicles. The company’s refueling stations provide fast and reliable refueling of fuel cell vehicles, with a focus on safety and user experience.
Air Liquide competitive advantage
Air Liquide has extensive expertise in hydrogen technologies, including hydrogen production, storage, and distribution systems, as well as fuel cell systems and hydrogen refueling stations.
Air Liquide has a strong global presence, with operations in over 80 countries, which allows the company to provide hydrogen products and services to customers around the world, as well as access to a diverse range of markets and applications.
Air Liquide has established strategic partnerships with key players in the hydrogen industry, including automakers, energy companies, and government agencies.
Air Liquide has a strong commitment to sustainability and is actively working to develop and promote clean energy solutions, including hydrogen.
Air Liquide has a strong focus on customer service, with a dedicated team of experts who provide technical support and assistance to customers.
Linde
- Founded in 1879
- Located in Munich, Germany
- Total funding amount: N/A
- Founders: Carl von Linde
- CEO: Steve Angel
Linde hydrogen technology
Linde is a leading provider of hydrogen technologies, offering a range of solutions for hydrogen production, storage, and distribution. Linde specializes in:
- Steam Methane Reforming (SMR): Linde’s SMR technology is designed to be highly efficient and cost-effective, enabling the production of large volumes of high-purity hydrogen.
- Hydrogen Refueling Stations (HRS): The company’s HRS technology is designed to be fast and easy to use, enabling convenient refueling for drivers.
- Hydrogen Storage: Linde offers a range of hydrogen storage solutions, including compressed gas storage and cryogenic liquid storage.
- Fuel Cells: Linde is also involved in the development of fuel cell technologies. The company’s fuel cell technology is being used in forklifts and other material handling equipment.
Linde hydrogen products
Hydrogen for Fuel Cell Vehicles
Linde provides high-purity hydrogen fuel for fuel cell vehicles through its network of hydrogen refueling stations. The company’s refueling stations are designed to be fast and easy to use, enabling convenient refueling for drivers.
Industrial hydrogen
Linde provides hydrogen for a range of industrial applications, including chemical production, refining, and metal processing. The company’s hydrogen is produced using a variety of technologies, including steam methane reforming, electrolysis, and biomass gasification.
Hydrogen for Energy Storage
Linde offers hydrogen energy storage solutions, which can be used to store renewable energy from sources such as wind and solar power.
Hydrogen for Food Processing
Linde provides hydrogen with the highest purity standards for use in food processing applications, such as hydrogenation and dehydrogenation.
Linde competitive advantage
Linde is a leading innovator in the hydrogen industry, constantly developing new and improved technologies for hydrogen production, storage, and distribution.
Linde has been involved in the hydrogen industry for over a century, giving it extensive experience and expertise in all aspects of hydrogen production, storage, and distribution.
Linde has a global network of production and distribution facilities, enabling it to serve customers in various regions around the world. The company also has a large fleet of hydrogen trailers and cylinders, which are used to transport and store hydrogen safely and efficiently.
Linde is committed to sustainability and is actively working to reduce the carbon footprint of its hydrogen technologies. The company is involved in various projects related to renewable energy, carbon capture and storage, and other sustainable initiatives.
Toyota Motor Corporation
- Founded in 1937
- Located in Toyota City, Japan
- Total funding amount: N/A
- Founders: Kiichiro Toyoda
- CEO: Akio Toyoda
Toyota hydrogen technology
Toyota has been a pioneer in hydrogen fuel cell technology, and its hydrogen technology is centered around fuel cell vehicles (FCVs).
Toyota’s hydrogen technology involves the development and production of fuel cell stacks, which are the heart of the fuel cell system. Toyota’s fuel cell stack uses a platinum catalyst to speed up the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen in the air, allowing the stack to generate electricity with high efficiency.
Toyota is also developing hydrogen storage tanks that can hold compressed hydrogen gas at high pressure. These tanks are made from lightweight materials and are designed to be safe and durable.
Toyota’s hydrogen technology is designed to be scalable, with the potential to power everything from passenger cars to buses and trucks. The company is also exploring other applications for its hydrogen technology, such as stationary power generation and marine propulsion.
Toyota hydrogen products
Toyota Mirai
Toyota’s main hydrogen product is its fuel cell electric vehicle, the Toyota Mirai. The Mirai uses Toyota’s fuel cell stack technology to power an electric motor, with the only emission being water vapor.
Heavy-Duty Trucks:
Toyota is also developing hydrogen fuel cell systems for heavy-duty trucks, in partnership with Hino Motors. The company plans to begin testing these trucks in 2022, with the goal of commercializing them in the early 2020s.
Buses
Toyota is also developing hydrogen fuel cell buses, which are currently in use in various cities around the world, including Tokyo, Paris, and London. These buses offer zero-emission public transportation and can travel long distances on a single tank of hydrogen.
Fuel Cell Systems for Homes and Buildings:
Toyota has developed a compact fuel cell system for residential and commercial use, which can generate electricity and hot water using hydrogen as fuel. The company is currently testing these systems in various regions around the world.
Hydrogen Refueling Stations:
The company is working with various partners to build and operate hydrogen refueling stations in regions where its vehicles are sold.
Toyota hydrogen competitive advantage
Toyota was one of the first automakers to begin serious development of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, and the company has been investing in this technology for more than two decades. This early mover advantage has given Toyota a head start in developing fuel cell technology and has enabled the company to build a strong intellectual property portfolio in this area.
As a result of its early investment in hydrogen fuel cell technology, Toyota has a large number of patents and other intellectual property related to fuel cells, fuel cell stacks, and other hydrogen-related technologies, which gives the company a competitive advantage in the market, as it can license its technology to other companies or use it to protect its own products.
Toyota’s hydrogen product portfolio is diverse and includes passenger cars, buses, heavy-duty trucks, and stationary power generation systems.
Toyota is a well-known and respected brand with a reputation for quality and innovation. This strong brand and reputation can help the company to build trust with customers and partners, and can also attract top talent to its hydrogen technology development efforts.
Toyota has formed partnerships and collaborations with other companies and organizations in the hydrogen industry, including fuel cell stack suppliers, hydrogen fuel producers, and hydrogen refueling station operators, which help to expand the reach of Toyota’s hydrogen technology and can also provide the company with access to new markets and customers.
Hyundai Motor Group
- Founded in 1967
- Located in Seoul, South Korea
- Total funding amount: N/A
- Founders: Chung Ju-yung
- CEO: Euisun Chung
Hyundai hydrogen technology
Hyundai’s hydrogen technology is centered around its fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) technology.
Hyundai’s fuel cell stack technology is among the most advanced in the industry, with a high power output and a long lifespan. The company has also developed a unique hydrogen storage system, which uses high-pressure hydrogen tanks to store hydrogen at high density while minimizing the weight and size of the storage system.
Hyundai has also been involved in the development of hydrogen refueling infrastructure, with plans to build hydrogen refueling stations in key markets where its fuel cell vehicles are sold.
Hyundai hydrogen products
Hyundai NEXO
Hyundai’s flagship hydrogen product is its NEXO FCEV, which uses the company’s advanced fuel cell stack technology to power its electric motor. The NEXO has a range of up to 380 miles on a single tank of hydrogen, making it one of the longest-range hydrogen vehicles on the market.
Fuel Cell Buses
Hyundai has also developed fuel cell buses, which are being used in public transportation systems in several countries. These buses use the same fuel cell technology as Hyundai’s FCEVs and have a range of up to 300 miles on a single tank of hydrogen.
Hydrogen-powered Trucks
Hyundai has developed a hydrogen-powered truck, the XCIENT Fuel Cell, which is being used for commercial transport in Europe. The XCIENT has a range of up to 249 miles on a single tank of hydrogen and can be refueled in as little as 8-20 minutes.
Hydrogen Fueling Stations
Hyundai has been involved in the development of hydrogen refueling infrastructure, and has built hydrogen fueling stations in several countries where its fuel cell vehicles are sold. The company is also working with partners to develop new hydrogen refueling technologies, such as portable fueling stations and underground storage systems.
Hyundai competitive advantage
Hyundai has been investing in fuel cell technology for over two decades and has developed one of the most advanced fuel cell systems in the industry. The company’s fuel cell stack has a higher power density and longer lifespan than many of its competitors, giving Hyundai an edge in the development of fuel cell vehicles.
Hyundai is committed to developing a complete ecosystem for hydrogen-powered transportation, including vehicles, fueling stations, and hydrogen production. The company has been involved in the development of hydrogen refueling infrastructure and is partnering with governments and private companies to expand the network of hydrogen fueling stations.
Hyundai has developed hydrogen-powered passenger vehicles, buses, and commercial trucks, giving the company a diversified portfolio of hydrogen products that can address a range of transportation needs.
Hyundai has a global presence and is actively expanding its hydrogen business in key markets around the world, including Europe, the United States, and Asia. The company’s global reach gives it an advantage in developing partnerships and expanding its hydrogen infrastructure.
Nikola Corporation
- Founded in 2014
- Located in Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Total funding amount: over $900 million
- Founders: Trevor Milton
- CEO: Mark Russell
Nikola Corporation hydrogen technology
Nikola Corporation is a company that designs and develops hydrogen fuel cell and electric vehicles. The company’s hydrogen technology is based on a hybrid hydrogen-electric powertrain system, which combines hydrogen fuel cell technology with battery electric power.
The Nikola fuel cell system uses hydrogen to generate electricity, which is then used to power the vehicle’s electric motor. The fuel cell stack itself is designed to be modular, which allows for easy scalability and customization depending on the specific application. The company’s fuel cell system is also designed to be efficient and durable, with a long lifespan and minimal maintenance requirements.
In addition to its fuel cell technology, Nikola has also developed a hydrogen fueling infrastructure, which includes a network of hydrogen fueling stations that are designed to support the company’s vehicles. The fueling stations use electrolysis to produce hydrogen on-site, which helps to reduce the cost and complexity of transporting and storing hydrogen.
Nikola Corporation hydrogen products
Nikola Tre FCEV
This is a hydrogen fuel cell-powered heavy-duty truck designed for long-haul transportation. The vehicle is designed to have a range of up to 500 miles on a single hydrogen fill-up and is expected to be available in both tractor and sleeper configurations.
Nikola Corporation competitive advantage
Nikola Corporation’s hydrogen fuel cell vehicles typically have longer ranges than battery electric vehicles, which require larger and heavier battery packs to achieve comparable distances. This makes hydrogen fuel cell vehicles better suited for long-haul transportation, where range and refueling time are critical factors.
Nikola Corporation’s hydrogen fueling stations can fill up a vehicle’s hydrogen tank in just a few minutes, which is much faster than the charging times required for battery electric vehicles. This makes hydrogen fuel cell vehicles more practical for commercial applications where downtime is costly.
Nikola Corporation’s hydrogen fuel cell technology is highly scalable and can be adapted to heavy-duty trucks.
ITM Power
- Founded in 2001
- Located in Sheffield, UK
- Total funding amount: over $100 million
- Founders: Graham Cooley, Jim Heathcote
- CEO: Graham Cooley
ITM Power hydrogen technology
ITM Power‘shydrogen technology is based on proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis.
ITM Power’s electrolyzers are designed to be scalable, from small units suitable for on-site hydrogen production to larger systems for industrial-scale applications.
ITM Power hydrogen products
ITM Power electrolyzers
ITM Power produces a range of PEM electrolyzers that use renewable electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The company offers both stack and containerized systems that can be scaled for different applications, from small on-site units to larger industrial-scale systems.
ITM Power hydrogen refueling stations
ITM Power has developed hydrogen refueling stations that can be used for refueling hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The company offers both modular and containerized refueling station solutions that can be customized for different customer needs.
ITM Power competitive advantage
ITM Power’s PEM electrolyzers are highly efficient, with an energy conversion efficiency of up to 82%. This makes them more efficient than many other types of electrolyzers, which typically have efficiencies in the range of 60-70%.
ITM Power’s electrolyzers and integrated hydrogen solutions are designed to be highly scalable, which means they can be used for small-scale on-site applications as well as larger industrial-scale projects.
ITM Power’s integrated hydrogen solutions combine multiple components, such as electrolyzers, hydrogen storage, and dispensing systems, into a single package.
ITM Power has developed partnerships with a range of companies and organizations, including energy utilities, automotive companies, and research institutions, which help to expand ITM Power’s market reach and provide access to funding and expertise for research and development.
Nel ASA
- Founded in 1927
- Located in Oslo, Norway
- Total funding amount: over $1 billion
- Founders: Sam Eyde
- CEO: Jon André Løkke
Nel ASA hydrogen technology
Nel ASA is a leading company in the hydrogen technology space and has a range of technologies related to hydrogen production, storage, and distribution.
One of Nel ASA’s key technologies is Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolysis. Nel ASA’s PEM electrolyzers are designed to be highly efficient and scalable, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, from small-scale to industrial-scale hydrogen production.
Nel ASA also offers hydrogen fueling solutions, which include hydrogen production, storage, and dispensing systems. These systems are designed to provide fast and efficient fueling for hydrogen-powered vehicles, making them ideal for use in the transportation sector.
In addition to its PEM electrolysis and hydrogen fueling solutions, Nel ASA also has technologies related to hydrogen storage and distribution. These include high-pressure hydrogen storage tanks and hydrogen transport trailers, which can be used to transport hydrogen from production facilities to end-users.
Nel ASA hydrogen products
Nel electrolyzers
Nel ASA’s electrolyzers are designed to produce hydrogen through the process of electrolysis. Nel ASA’s electrolyzers mainly use Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) technology, which is highly efficient and scalable, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, from small-scale to industrial-scale hydrogen production.
Nel hydrogen fueling station
Nel ASA offers a range of hydrogen fueling solutions, including hydrogen production, storage, and dispensing systems. These systems are designed to provide fast and efficient fueling for hydrogen-powered vehicles, making them ideal for use in the transportation sector.
Hydrogen storage solutions: Nel ASA also offers high-pressure hydrogen storage tanks, which can be used to store hydrogen for a range of applications, from fueling hydrogen-powered vehicles to providing backup power for critical infrastructure.
Nel ASA competitive advantage
Nel ASA has been in the hydrogen industry for over 90 years, making it one of the most experienced companies in the field. Its long history and extensive expertise in hydrogen technology give it a significant competitive advantage over newer entrants in the market.
Nel’s PEM electrolysis technology is highly scalable, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, from small-scale hydrogen production to large industrial-scale production. This scalability gives Nel ASA an advantage over companies that offer less flexible or less scalable technology.
Nel offers a comprehensive range of hydrogen products, from electrolyzers and fueling solutions to storage and transport solutions. This comprehensive product offering allows Nel ASA to provide end-to-end solutions for hydrogen production, storage, and distribution, making it a one-stop-shop for customers.
Nel has established strategic partnerships with key players in the hydrogen industry, including major oil and gas companies and automotive manufacturers. These partnerships provide Nel ASA with access to new markets, customers, and technologies, giving it a significant competitive advantage in the industry.
Ceres Power
- Founded in 2001
- Located in Horsham, UK
- Total funding amount: over $300 million
- Founders: Peter Bance, Brian Count
- CEO: Phil Caldwell
Ceres Power hydrogen technology
Ceres Power specializes in solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology. Its hydrogen technology is based on the use of SOFCs, which are high-temperature fuel cells that can convert a wide range of fuels, including hydrogen, into electricity with high efficiency.
Ceres Power’s SOFC technology is unique in that it uses a proprietary ceramic material, known as Ceres Steel Cell technology, to create the fuel cell. This technology allows for higher power output and increased efficiency, as well as the ability to operate on a variety of fuels, including hydrogen, natural gas, and biogas.
In addition to its SOFC technology, Ceres Power has also developed a range of products based on this technology, including fuel cell stacks and systems for a range of applications, including stationary power generation, automotive power, and auxiliary power units for use in off-grid locations.
Ceres Power’s hydrogen technology has several advantages, including high efficiency, scalability, and the ability to operate on a wide range of fuels. These advantages make it an attractive option for a variety of applications, from residential and commercial power generation to transportation and other mobile applications.
Ceres Power hydrogen products
Ceres Power is also developing technology for the production of hydrogen fuel from natural gas using its SOFC technology. This technology has the potential to reduce the carbon footprint of hydrogen production, as well as lower the cost of producing hydrogen for use in fuel cell applications.
Ceres Power competitive advantages
Ceres Power focuses on solid oxide fuel cells for stationary power generation and the development of fuel cell systems for various applications. Their technology has a high efficiency and low emissions profile, and their strategic partnerships with companies such as Bosch and Weichai Power provide them with additional resources and expertise. Ceres Power’s recent IPO and partnerships with major companies demonstrate their potential for growth in the market.
