ABB to electrify Plug Power new green hydrogen plants

ABB has been awarded two major contracts by Plug Power Inc. to provide the electrical systems for two new hydrogen plants in North America, set to produce 60 tonnes/day of green hydrogen collectively.

The first plant, Project Gateway, in Genesee County, New York, will be North America’s largest green hydrogen production facility, providing the northeastern US with 45 tonnes/day of green liquid hydrogen.

The plant will use Plug Power’s proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers to split water into hydrogen and oxygen through an electrochemical process, using clean New York hydropower.

ABB will provide the full electrical system encased in an ABB eHouse solution – a prefabricated, walk-in, modular outdoor substation hosting a range of electrical, automation and ancillary equipment that provides the site and process power.

ABB will also supply gas and air-insulated switchgear, low voltage motor control centres, along with low voltage variable speed drives for auxiliary applications. Medium voltage VSDs will be applied to multiple motors in sync bypass mode. Used as compressor starters, these drives allow smooth process control and reduce stress to equipment and utility loads by limiting inrush current and power demand during the process start.

With a similar scope of work, Plug Power’s second plant, Peachtree, in Camden County, Georgia, will produce 15 tonnes/day of liquid green hydrogen using 100% renewable energy, serving customers in the southeastern US.

The hydrogen produced will be used for logistics and transportation sectors, enabling users to replace fossil fuels in on-road applications such as heavy-duty freight vehicles and forklifts.