First Toyota Vehicle Processing Port Facility at Long Beach powered 100% by Renewable Energy: Tri-gen System

Project leader

The project is led by FuelCell Energy, a leading U.S. global manufacturer of fuel cell technology platforms for power generation, and Toyota.

Description of the project

FuelCell Energy and Toyota have completed the world’s first “Tri-gen” production system, which produces renewable electricity, renewable hydrogen and usable water from biogas, using a highly efficient electrochemical process, without generating polluting emissions.

This system will be used to cover the fuel needs of Toyota Logistic Services (TLS) operations at the Port of Long Beach (United States), a vehicle processing center that handles approximately 200,000 new Toyota and Lexus vehicles per year, as it generates 2.3 megawatts of renewable electricity at full capacity.

It can also produce up to 1,200 kg of hydrogen, which will meet TLS Long Beach’s fuel needs for its vehicles’ fuel cells, as well as for a nearby high-performance refuelling station.

Another noteworthy aspect of the system is the co-parallel production of 5,300 liters of water per day, as a by-product of the hydrogen production process, which can be used by TLS Long Beach for vehicle washing, thus contributing to the conservation of the scarce local water supply.

The Tri-gen system is owned and managed by FuelCell Energy and will power Toyota’s port facilities at the Port of Long Beach, setting a precedent in sustainable logistics. This system allows operating with 100% renewable energy and shows the potential and economic viability of hydrogen-based energy production, as well as making Toyota Logistic Services of Long Beach the world’s first port vehicle processing facility that relies entirely on 100% renewable energy generated on-site.

The Tri-gen system is a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions and the industry’s commitment to promoting environmental sustainability and will be supplied by FuelCell Energy to Toyota under a 20-year purchase agreement.

This milestone at the Port of Long Beach is a clear example that innovation and sustainability go hand in hand in the pursuit of a cleaner and healthier future.

Objectives of the project

The main objective of this project is to operate the port facilities in a 100% renewable way through the production of renewable electricity, renewable hydrogen, and water from directed biogas. In this way, it is intended to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, as well as the emission of atmospheric pollutants.