FuelCell energy and Toyota Motor, North America celebrated the grand opening of the revolutionart “Tri-gen” system at the port of log beach. Representing a groundbreaking collaboration between the two industry giants, the Tri-gen system marks a pioneering advancement in renewable energy technology.
Designed to utilize biogas for the simultaneous production of renewable electricity, hydrogen, and usable water, the Tri-gen system stands as a testament to sustainable innovation. Constructed to support the vehicle processing and distribution center for Toyota Logistics Services (TLS) at Long Beach, this cutting-edge facility is poised to revolutionize operations at Toyota’s largest North American vehicle processing facility.
“The goal of our collaboration with FuelCell Energy was to find sustainable solutions for the TLS vehicle processing facility here at the Port of Long Beach as part of our goal to remove carbon dioxide emissions from our operations,” remarked Tom Stricker, Group Vice President of Sustainability and Regulatory Affairs at Toyota. “This groundbreaking facility shows that there are ways to reduce our emissions and burden on natural resources with scalable technology based on hydrogen.”
FuelCell Energy’s Tri-gen platform heralds a new era of renewable energy utilization at TLS Long Beach, with the facility now powered entirely by on-site generated renewable electricity. Utilizing innovative fuel cell technology, the Tri-gen system converts renewable biogas into electricity, hydrogen, and usable water through a highly efficient, combustion-free process that emits virtually no air pollutants.
“Tri-gen demonstrates that hydrogen-based energy can benefit businesses, deliver zero-emission transportation for light- and heavy-duty vehicles, support improved air quality in local communities, reduce water usage, and deliver immediate and long-term benefits to the environment,” stated Jason Few, CEO and President of FuelCell Energy. “As a company, we are living our purpose when we enable visionary customers like Toyota to decarbonize their operations and harness the energy solutions offered by hydrogen—all while leaving communities with cleaner air and easing the strain on power grids and water supplies.”
The Tri-gen system boasts a production capacity of 2.3 megawatts of renewable electricity, a portion of which will power TLS Long Beach’s operations at the port. Excess electricity is seamlessly integrated into the local utility grid, enhancing resilience and affordability under the California Bioenergy Market Adjustment Tariff (BioMAT) program.
Moreover, the Tri-gen system has the capability to produce up to 1,200 kg/day of hydrogen, catering to the fueling needs of Toyota’s incoming light-duty fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) Mirai and supporting heavy-duty hydrogen refueling operations at the port. With California’s stringent emissions regulations mandating zero-emission trucks for drayage operations, the Tri-gen platform emerges as a pivotal enabler for the transition to cleaner transportation solutions.
The water byproduct of hydrogen generation further contributes to sustainability efforts, producing up to 1,400 gallons of usable water per day. Repurposed for TLS car wash operations, this initiative reduces demand on local water supplies by approximately half a million gallons annually.
In addition to its environmental benefits, the Tri-gen system is poised to make a significant impact on carbon emissions reduction at the Port of Long Beach, aligning with Toyota Logistics Services’ carbon reduction goals and the port’s aspirations to become the world’s first zero-emissions port.
“The dawn of the renewable hydrogen era is upon us, thanks to our collaboration with Toyota and FuelCell Energy and their innovative Tri-gen system,” remarked Mario Cordero, CEO of the Port of Long Beach. “The green power generated by the Tri-gen system, and similar projects, is part of our multi-layered strategy to fuel our goal to become the world’s first zero-emissions Port.”
With a commitment to reducing diesel consumption and mitigating harmful emissions, the Tri-gen system heralds a transformative shift towards a cleaner, more sustainable future. Mayor Rex Richardson of Long Beach hailed the collaborative effort as a testament to technological innovation and global leadership in renewable energy solutions, solidifying the city’s position as a trailblazer in green initiatives.
Amidst growing concerns over climate change and environmental sustainability, the unveiling of the Tri-gen system at the Port of Long Beach represents a monumental leap forward in the quest for cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. FuelCell Energy and Toyota’s visionary partnership sets a new standard for industry collaboration, driving innovation and paving the way for a brighter, greener future.
