News >>> Calor supports Adelan technology for low carbon off-grid power generation

Posted 1 May 2021

Historically, diesel has been popular for power generators where there is no access to electricity from the power grid, or to provide electricity when there would otherwise be none. But the emission of air pollutants and increasing diesel fuel costs in 2022, as well as the carbon footprint related to the use of diesel, means that alternatives are now being sought to generate off-grid power in a cleaner and sustainable way.

One way to do this is by using fuel cells. Scalable from small portable units, right up to grid-connected power stations, fuel cells provide one of the cleanest possible technologies for dependable and reliable electricity generation. However, as the hydrogen economy is still some way off and bottled hydrogen remains costly and limited, a ‘stepping stone’ which can bypass the key obstacles facing hydrogen is needed to help pave the way to the clean hydrogen economy of the future.

Founded in 1996, Adelan pioneered microtubular solid oxide fuel cell (mSOFC) technology which is making the above possible. By taking advantage of the novel internal structure of mSOFC, Adelan found a way to utilise hydrogen-rich fuels like LPG and BioLPG in sub-kilowatt fuel cells for a range of applications today. For example, they can be used in generators to produce an almost silent source of electricity that emits water and only limited CO2. This is an advantage for Clean Air Zones and meets the considerate construction agenda most construction firms seek to follow.

As a business committed to supplying 100% renewable energy by 2040, working with an innovative company such as Adelan forms a key part of the Calor journey to fulfilling their sustainability pledge. In first trials, Calor have provided Adelan with the cylinders for Adelan demonstration cabin and signage units in Birmingham, all of which were supplied as 100% BioLPG, independently certified through the Green Gas scheme. Calor are preparing to support further in customer trials, by planning the most effective and efficient ways to deliver cylinders where they are needed. This biofuel replacement for LPG can be supplied immediately and reduce local air pollutants today, as well as reducing costs, noise and carbon. It also eliminates the need to wait for hydrogen supply capacity to build up, providing low carbon off grid power today at a fraction of the cost or hassle of hydrogen.

This is just one of the many ways Calor can support different industries to make the transition to use more sustainable fuels, driving the change required for a better future. Find out more about how Adelan is working with Calor here.