The World’s First Portable Hydrogen Cracker Can Produce 1,100 Pounds Fuel Per Day

AFC Energy is set to revolutionize hydrogen production with the launch of Hy-5, an innovative portable hydrogen generation module under its Hyamtec brand. Slated for delivery in 2026, Hy-5 is the world’s first containerized cracking module, capable of producing up to 1,100 pounds (500 kg) of hydrogen per day.

Unlike traditional hydrogen production methods that require complex infrastructure and grid dependence, Hy-5 operates on a plug-and-play basis. AFC Energy has introduced a Fuel-as-a-Service (FaaS) model, making hydrogen available at just £10 per kilogram, a price significantly lower than current market rates, even with government subsidies.

John Wilson, Chief Executive of AFC Energy, emphasized the significance of this launch, stating, “Lack of infrastructure and the high cost of hydrogen production are seen as the biggest challenges to scaling the hydrogen industry. With the launch of Hy-5, AFC Energy has removed these, launching on-site supply at a market disruptive price point.”

The introduction of Hy-5 is expected to drive hydrogen adoption across various industries. With hydrogen purity exceeding 99.9% at ISO14687 grade D, the technology can support applications ranging from grid hydrogen-powered generators to fuel cells and hydrogen combustion vehicle refueling stations. It also offers potential benefits for construction and heavy equipment industries, including excavators, mining trucks, and industrial burners used in steel, cement, and glass manufacturing.

Another key advantage of Hy-5 lies in its ability to support off-grid applications. It can be used in hydrogen logistics and electric vehicle charging stations powered by hydrogen fuel cells, offering a cleaner and more efficient alternative to diesel-powered generators. The system’s flexibility in utilizing ammonia as a hydrogen carrier further enhances its practicality. Since ammonia is already transported in bulk worldwide, this approach eliminates the need for additional infrastructure, making hydrogen production more accessible and cost-effective.

Unlike electrolyzers that rely on grid connections and renewable energy sources such as wind and solar farms—often requiring significant capital investment, environmental permits, and lengthy construction timelines—Hy-5 operates independently. Its compact and self-contained design, combined with an ammonia supply system, provides a highly efficient and scalable solution for decentralized hydrogen production without the need for extensive infrastructure.

John Wilson reinforced AFC Energy’s commitment to advancing clean energy solutions, reiterating that the company has successfully addressed the two primary barriers to hydrogen scalability: infrastructure limitations and high production costs. Through Hyamtec’s advanced ammonia cracking technology, AFC Energy is positioning itself at the forefront of distributed hydrogen production.

The company continues to play a leading role in the hydrogen power sector, offering hydrogen fuel cell solutions that replace diesel generators for electric vehicle charging, decentralized power generation, and temporary power needs. With the launch of Hy-5, AFC Energy is driving forward the clean energy transition, supporting decarbonization efforts in industries such as mining, cement, asphalt, and heavy engineering.