Mobile Hydrogen Fuel Cell Generation System

The project plans to deploy four mobile clean energy back up power MORBUGs but a Stop Work Order is in effect from Q2, 2022.

Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.

Recipient

Palo Alto, CA

Recipient Location

13th

Senate District

23rd

Assembly District

beenhere

$39,084

Amount Spent

refresh

Active

Project Status

Download Project

Project Update

In 2025, the project was placed under a Stop Work Order as the manufacturer of the fuel cell made a corporate business decision to cease their hydrogen fuel cell related operations. An alternative vendor has been identified and EPRI is in discussions to finalize equipment leasing agreements.

Prior to the stop work order, the project team completed several project deliverables in 2025, including development of the draft measurement and verification plan and the draft factory acceptance testing plans for the hydrogen-powered mobile generator. The project team also developed community education training materials and a community engagement plan. These deliverables will be updated to reflect the new product capabilities if the Stop Work Order is lifted. Site host engagements and site preparation were initiated, including conducting site visits as well as community engagement and outreach.

The Issue

Climate change is driving more frequent and catastrophic wildfires that increasingly impact California communities. Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) have increased, along with the use of stationary or mobile fossil fuel backup generation. There are limited zero emission mobile backup generation systems available in the market and customers are generally not aware of their performance compared to fossil powered versions.

Project Innovation

The project focuses on the performance validation and knowledge dissemination of hydrogen-powered mobile backup generators that can provide 10 kW or more to power communities and critical facilities during outages with zero harmful emissions. The technology demonstrated in this project can be transported easily via trailer and can be quickly refueled to provide extended duration, zero emission power. Demonstrating the use of hydrogen safely, reliably and cost-effectively in real-world commercial installations can inform future adoption pathways for alternative low-carbon and low-emission solutions.

Project Goals

Demonstrate 4 hydrogen fuel cell backup systems capable of supporting 35 kW of continuous load for more than 18 hours.

Evaluate the benefits & business model opportunities of standardized zero emission mobile backup generator configuration

Educate potential adopters through development of training materials, webcasts, & events about mobile renewable generators

Project Benefits

This project will improve understanding of the potential for mobile hydrogen generators can improve customer and community resiliency by providing power during grid outages such as Public Safety Power Shutoff events. The technology demonstrated in this project and significantly reduce noise, air pollution, and health risks compared to fossil‑fuel generators.

Consumer Appeal

The mobile renewable backup generators demonstrated produce virtually no emissions and very little noise compared to polluting fossil alternatives, and can be transported relatively easily to support emergency response and other community needs.

Economic Development

Demonstration sites include commercial and industrial customer facilities, including universities, equipment service providers, industrial process facilities, and ports around California, which can foster relationships between future potential customers and stimulate demand for these technologies.

Environmental Sustainability

Portable diesel generator usage and associated air pollution has substantially increased in California due to PSPS events. The technology demonstrated in this project can meet the same functional requirements while providing a clean alternative to diesel backup generators.