Cummins Boosts Green Hydrogen Production

Cummins, a global power technology leader specializing in engines and generators fueled by diesel and clean fuels, has turned its attention to electrolyzers that can produce green hydrogen. 

Since 2019, the company has developed different technological solutions that can produce green hydrogen from water and electricity taken mainly from renewable sources of energy through its New Power business unit. 

The company is committed to decarbonization and understands the role green hydrogen will play in the future as a source of clean energy. Cummins has supplied electrolyzers to more than 50 hydrogen supply stations around the world and has equipment production plants in Canada and Belgium. 

“We are aware that the world is taking action to reach the goal of zero emissions. The use of alternative fuels like green hydrogen will undoubtedly accelerate the transition. Latin America is positioning itself with an invaluable potential to achieve it,” said Fabio Magrin, Director, Cummins New Power LATAM. 

According to Gabriel Cerdio, Partner & CIO, AINDA Energy & Infrastructure, the reasons behind green hydrogen’s appeal are several. First, declining costs in solar power production are making green hydrogen more attractive, using the excess electricity to produce further energy. Second, hydrogen is abundant and can be created with simple resources. Third, its production relies on straightforward and well-understood science. Fourth, it is a combustible gas, making it a source of power that can be stored and transported.

Gonzalo Azcárraga, Managing Director, Sener Ingeniería, explains that electrolysis is the most promising solution for the massive generation of green hydrogen. It is a technique that, by applying an electric current, separates water into hydrogen and oxygen molecules.

“In this context, it is critical to work on solutions for the efficient integration of electrolysis equipment, from the generation of hydrogen and the adequate supply of water and electricity to the subsequent phases of compression, storage and use, including its possible transformation into other products. In this way, and by providing intelligence and manageability to the system, it is possible to maximize the overall efficiency of the solution without losing flexibility,” Azcárraga wrote for MBN.

McKinsey & Company reported that Latin America might hold 35% of the potential global production of hydrogen. This means hydrogen may play a fundamental role in the energy transition, which could add economic value and further develop the region.