The installation of the AFC Energy fuel cell technology in an industrial environment is a major milestone on the company's road to full commercialisation.

The fuel cell deployment follows the completion of a HAZOP study in early August, and the subsequent commissioning of the first hydrogen fuel cell Beta System at the AFC Energy facility near Guildford, UK.

Over the next few months all three fuel cell Beta Systems will be equipped with electrodes, and used for trials using industrially produced hydrogen.

‘Electricity produced from the Beta Systems will be used by AkzoNobel in its own operations, offering the prospect of reduced energy costs and lower carbon emissions by avoiding carbon- based fuels,’ says Ian Balchin, Executive Deputy Chairman of AFC Energy.

AFC Energy is a leading developer of low-cost alkaline fuel cells for large-scale industrial applications. The company has development agreements with Linc Energy in Australia – a leading developer of underground coal gasification technology – and the John Lewis Partnership retail/supermarket chain in the UK.