Innovative collaboration for fossil-free electricity supply in the Port of Gothenburg

The question of how to generate electricity in off-grid locations was the starting point for an innovative collaboration between the Port of Gothenburg, Skanska, Hitachi Energy, PowerCell Group and Linde Gas. Together, they have now developed a portable hydrogen generator that converts hydrogen into electricity.

The Port of Gothenburg is in the process of building a new terminal, a large-scale project that has been underway for several years. Work has now reached the stage where the facility’s surfaces will be completed – an assignment that has been awarded to Skanska.

In connection with the start of construction, climate workshops were held between Skanska and the Port of Gothenburg to find solutions that reduce environmental impact. At the same time, the new hydrogen generator ‘HyFlex’ was shown, a result of the collaboration between Hitachi Energy and their technology partner PowerCell Group.

— They presented how the generator could be used on a construction site, and I immediately thought that this would be interesting to test in practice, perhaps on our project in the Port of Gothenburg, says Henrik Nilsson, implementation manager of emission-free construction machinery at Skanska. Henrik then contacted Thomas Einarsson, Senior Business Development Manager at Hitachi Energy.

During the generator demonstration in Gothenburg, everything fell into place.

— Henrik mentioned that they had a site just a few kilometres away, and that was the starting point for the pilot project. Everything fell into place almost spontaneously, Thomas Einarsson says.

The pilot project was conducted in the Port of Gothenburg, where the hydrogen-powered generator supplied electric construction machinery with green hydrogen from Linde Gas – without being connected to the regular electricity grid. The result was two weeks of completely diesel-free operation of electric excavators.

— We have long been electrifying our workplaces, and using a HyFlex generator was an exciting step forward. This was a chance to show that we can work fossil-free, even under demanding conditions, Henrik Nilsson says.

Effective and flexible

The HyFlex generator is a versatile and portable plug-and-play solution that can be easily commissioned and relocated when needed. It is designed with cooling systems, power electronics, fuel cell modules, support systems and an advanced control system to ensure efficient operation and flexibility.

— Ports are complex working environments, where it is often difficult to supply areas with electricity. Being able to show that we can work fossil-free, even in such an environment, is a big step forward,’ says Viktor Allgurén, Head of Innovation at the Port of Gothenburg.

There were several advantages to implementing the project in the harbour area. The security requirements in the area are already high, and the Port of Gothenburg has extensive control over its own area, which simplified the authorisation process.

— It was interesting to see how the emergency services responded to the proposal, especially since nothing like this had been done before with such large amounts of hydrogen in one place. They had to consider something completely new, and for us it was important that their decision could serve as a guide going forward, Thomas Einarsson explains.

A future with enormous potential

The HyFlex generator has the potential to be a sustainable alternative to traditional diesel generators and could transform energy supply in both the construction sector and Europe’s ports. Viktor Allgurén sees particularly great opportunities for the technology as the EU introduces stricter requirements for fossil-free operation in port areas.

— Being able to supply electricity off-grid to ships calling at ports without building costly infrastructure is a solution of global importance. This project shows that it is possible, he says.

He points out that a portable solution can avoid fixed investments in grid installations. Although the cost per kilowatt-hour will be higher, it can be economically justifiable – especially for ports with limited or remote access to the electricity grid.

— But for this to become a reality, regulations are needed to make it mandatory for ships to connect to electricity in port. Then the high cost of expanding the electricity grid can be replaced by a flexible alternative, Viktor Allgurén says.

Henrik Nilsson sees the solution as a key to future-proofing the construction industry from a climate perspective.

— Hydrogen will be an important part of energy production in the future. At the same time, we recognise that future requirements for zero-emission construction will place new demands on us. In situations where we are working in places without an existing electricity grid, we need to be able to rely on some form of mobile energy supply. Hydrogen can play a central role here, both as an energy carrier and in hydrogen generators as well as in our machines that are directly powered by hydrogen, he says.

Collaboration and timing – the key factors

There is no doubt that Thomas Einarsson, Henrik Nilsson and Viktor Allgurén are very pleased with the results of the project. There are a couple of key factors behind this success:

— For me, the collaboration between all stakeholders was crucial. Everyone contributed with their resources and hours, and it’s the first time I’ve seen such forward-thinking and committed co-operation, says Einarsson.

— I fully agree. But I would also like to emphasise the importance of timing. It’s about getting the stars in alignment. That a presentation is made, that Skanska has a project in the harbour that happens to fit in terms of time, and that the right people step in and link arms to drive it forward, Henrik Nilsson says.

— Another success factor was that there were no financial transactions between the parties. Instead, everyone was willing to bear their own share of the costs incurred, which allowed the project to move forward, Viktor Allgurén explains.

— And to stay at the forefront of the market in the future, you must be among those who step forward and act early, Thomas Einarsson concludes.

On 6-9 May, the electricity and energy industry will come together for Elfack at the Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre in Gothenburg where they will explore and discuss the transition to sustainable energy systems and share the inspiring progress being made. A clear example is the co-operation between the Port of Gothenburg, Skanska and Hitachi Energy, presented by Hitachi Energy and their partners on 7 May at 11 a.m.

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