Toyota and FuelCell Energy Launch Groundbreaking Tri-gen System at Port of Long Beach

In a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable energy solutions, Toyota Motor North America and FuelCell Energy have inaugurated an innovative "Tri-gen" system at Toyota's largest port facility in North America. The groundbreaking technology, installed at the Port of Long Beach in California, produces 100% renewable electricity, renewable hydrogen, and usable water, supporting Toyota's ambitious goal to eliminate carbon dioxide emissions from its operations.

Why this matters: This innovative technology has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation and logistics sectors, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable environment. As the world transitions to renewable energy sources, this project serves as a model for other companies and industries to follow, paving the way for a low-carbon future.

TheTri-gen system, which opened on May 2, 2024, utilizes biogas sourced from landfill sites and FuelCell Energy's carbonate fuel cell technology to generate electricity, hydrogen, and water through an electrochemical process that is virtually free of air pollutants. The facility, operated by Toyota Logistics Services (TLS), receives approximately 200,000 new Toyota and Lexus vehicles annually, making it aprime locationto showcase the potential of this cutting-edge technology.

The system boasts an impressive capacity to produce up to 1,200 kg of hydrogen per day, primarily for fueling Toyota's light-duty Mirai fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) imported to the terminal. Additionally, the project will supply a nearby heavy-duty hydrogen station, supporting TLS's logistics and drayage operations within the port complex. The 2.3 megawatts of renewable electricity generated by the Tri-gen system will power the TLS facility, with any excess delivered to Southern California Edison's power grid.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Tri-gen system is its ability to generate up to 1,400 gallons of usable water daily as a byproduct of the hydrogen production process. This water will be repurposed for TLS's car washing operations, reducing the facility's reliance on local water supplies by approximately half a million gallons per year. "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," stated Tom Stricker, Group Vice President of Sustainability and Regulatory Affairs at Toyota.

The environmental benefits of the Tri-gen system are substantial, with the potential to reduce over 9,000 tons of CO2 emissions from the power grid each year, solely from the TLS center. Furthermore, the system is expected to prevent more than six tons of harmful NOx emissions and save over 420,000 gallons of diesel annually by powering fuel cell Class 8 trucks in port operations. These significant reductions in emissions align with the sustainability goals of both the TLS center and the Port of Long Beach, supporting the Port's strategy to become theworld's first zero-emissions port.

The collaboration between Toyota and FuelCell Energy has garnered praise from local officials, with Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson stating,"FuelCell Energy and Toyota's collaborative effort signifies technological innovation and also positions Long Beach at the forefront of global leadership in renewable energy solutions. "Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero echoed this sentiment, declaring,"The dawn of the renewable hydrogen era is upon us, thanks to our collaboration with Toyota, FuelCell Energy and theirinnovative Tri-gen system."

The Tri-gen system at the Port of Long Beach marks a significant milestone in the journey towards sustainable energy solutions and carbon neutrality. By harnessing the power of renewable hydrogen and demonstrating its viability in real-world applications, Toyota and FuelCell Energy are paving the way for a cleaner, more environmentally friendly future in the transportation and logistics sectors. As FuelCell Energy CEO and President Jason Few aptly summarized,"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."

Key Takeaways

• Toyota and FuelCell Energy launch "Tri-gen" system at Port of Long Beach, producing 100% renewable electricity, hydrogen, and water.
• System reduces CO2 emissions by 9,000 tons/year, NOx emissions by 6 tons/year, and saves 420,000 gallons of diesel annually.
• Tri-gen system generates 1,200 kg of hydrogen/day for Toyota's fuel cell electric vehicles and nearby heavy-duty hydrogen station.
• System produces 2.3 MW of renewable electricity, powering TLS facility and excess delivered to Southern California Edison's grid.
• Byproduct of 1,400 gallons of usable water/day reduces TLS's water reliance by half a million gallons/year.