Construction sites as well as cultural events without noisy and polluting diesel-based generators may soon become a reality in Denmark. The innovation project ‘Deployable Green Power Solution’ just kicked off in Northern Jutland will be testing and demonstrating a sustainable, green and efficient substitute for diesel generators and green battery solutions. The project brings together partners across the entire value chain from development to use applications and runs until 2026 as part of CO2Vision.

The project boosts innovation to well-known technology from North Jutland Advent’s commercial HTPEM (High Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane) fuel cell solution for a system that has the same performance as a traditional diesel generator, but with a significant reduction in pollution. The system, which is integrated into smaller units or as a container solution, runs on green methanol, and thus becomes a flexible, sustainable solution with many possible applications. In operation, the solution is extremely easy-to-handle and logistics-friendly compared to e.g. 100% battery solution since it has an integrated tank and will not have to be moved for charging.

“The innovation project has great potential. The many possibilities of use for e.g. cultural events and construction sites offer high potential and an energy technology with a scalable solution,” says Maria Kristiansen, Project Manager in CO2Vision from Energy Cluster Denmark.

The generator is modular in capacity and delivers power adapted to needs, i.e. the solution adapts the amount of power generation as needed and thus avoids unnecessary waste, which is unfortunately the case with many current solutions on the market, says Development Director from Advent Technologies, Søren Juhl Andreasen. Advent’s green generator converts green methanol into electrical energy right where it is needed. It may be in connection with construction work where the construction site is continuously on the move, or in the early phases of construction, where access to the electricity grid is limited or not yet been established. Furthermore, the system is largely silent and vibrations-free, meaning that it reduces noise to any nearby residents as well as construction workers on the site. It also allows for the system to run outside normal working hours, without being a nuisance to the local environment.

The physical framework components for the technology are provided by North Jutland’s Elektro Gruppen, excited to once again contribute to climate-responsible solutions. “This is a project that we proudly partake in”, says René Mørk Sand, Department manager in Automation and Board Production at Elektro Gruppen: “Innovation and sustainability have been in focus throughout the entire process, and with the project’s solid partnerships, we will reach our goals. In Elektro Gruppen we work, among other things. to help our business partners and customers realize their green solutions”, he concludes.

The green generator solution is expected to be ready for the 1st test and demonstration as early as this summer, where it can be seen in action at, among other places, Aalborg Event’s annual event Aalborg Regatta. According to Event Manager from Aalborg Events, Keld Rud Nielsen, converting into more green solutions it is a natural step: “In Aalborg Municipality, we want to be at the forefront with our events. We don’t just want to deliver the best experiences. They must equally be sustainable. That we as a municipality geographically house world-leading green energy technology developers and networks to support it is just a huge plus. This innovation project therefore is important to us on several parameters.”

In addition to concerts and cultural events, the generator is also scheduled to be tested on construction sites in the Northern part of Jutland for the electrification of mechanical vehicles, toilet vans, etc. And within the Danish construction industry in particular, there is currently increasing demand. And it is the business itself that is pushing for such progress. Manifesting that, in December 2023, 14 of the country’s largest public builders and signed a declaration of intent stating that in future they will make it a requirement for contractors to use emission-free electrically powered work machines in building and construction projects.

At Advent Technologies, they also experience a growing willingness across several industries to implement green electrification and increased demand for easy access to charging with green. “The timing matches our maturing of the technology and ability to deliver such scalable mobile energy solutions. Meanwhile, there is a great need for tests and demonstrations within the area and this innovation project may thus prove to be an important piece of the puzzle”, says Esben Overgaard Hansen, Business Development Director from Advent Technologies.

The project partners include: Advent Technologies A/S, Elektro Gruppen A/S, Aalborg Events and Hydrogen Valley. The project is co-financed by React-EU funds and part of CO2Vision, which is supported by Denmark’s Business Promotion Board with funds from the EU’s regional fund.