Green Alternative to Diesel Generators Nears Commercialization
A new fuel cell-powered generator is nearing commercialization and could provide a green alternative to conventional diesel generators. Combining high flexibility with significantly lower CO₂ emissions and the ability to run on green methanol, the technology offers a more sustainable way to supply temporary power at construction sites, events, and other off-grid or grid-constrained locations.
High Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane (HT-PEM) fuel cell. Not the easiest term to pronounce, but a solution whose value is easy to appreciate. Through the Deployable Green Power Solution project, a fuel cell is being further developed into a system whose performance and flexibility can rival those of a conventional diesel generator.
The key advantage is that this generator significantly reduces CO₂ emissions while operating almost silently.
"The system is integrated either into smaller units or containerized solutions and runs primarily on e-methanol. In other words, it offers the same flexibility and mobility as a traditional generator, but is CO₂-neutral, vibration-free, and virtually silent. This opens up a wide range of applications across many different industries," says Benjamin Schmidt Thoftstrup, Business Development & Grant Manager at Whitecell Systems.
The system is powered by e-methanol, which is produced by combining green hydrogen generated from renewable electricity with biogenic CO₂ captured as a by-product from sources such as biogas plants.
The solution emits no harmful pollutants such as NOx, SOx, or particulate matter. Methanol also offers a high energy density and is easy to handle, transport, and store, making it similar to conventional fossil fuels in terms of logistics.
Danish-Produced e-Methanol
The e-methanol used to fuel the generator is produced in Denmark. Whitecell Systems has recently entered into an agreement with European Energy for the supply of e-methanol from the company's Kassø facility, ensuring a stable supply based on renewable energy. The partnership establishes a fully Danish value chain and makes the solution more sustainable, scalable, and secure from a supply perspective.
"E-methanol from the Kassø facility contributes to the decarbonization of an increasing number of value chains. In addition to being used in sustainable materials and as a low-emission fuel for transportation, we are proud to supply fuel for decentralized green power generation. Locally produced energy for local events with a green profile," says Torben Nørgaard, Vice President, Head of Partnerships & Offtake, Power-to-X at European Energy.
A Solution for Both Construction and Events
A standard diesel generator emits approximately 2.4-2.8 kg of CO₂ per litre of diesel, depending on its size. As the outdoor event season gets underway, large numbers of generators are required to power lighting, sound systems, refrigeration, and other essential equipment needed for major events and concerts.
"We have used Whitecell Systems' generator to solve two key challenges: locations where access to electricity is simply not possible, such as the Danish National Cycling Championships, and events with such high power demands that the available grid capacity is insufficient. At Aalborg Regatta, there was not enough electricity available to serve food trucks, refrigerated containers, and equipment in Utzon Park. In that case, Whitecell's generator provided the extra power needed. The beauty of the solution is its mobility. As long as there is space for the unit, there are virtually no limits to the power demands we can cover," explains Keld Rud Nielsen, Project Manager at Aalborg Events.
Aalborg Events also sees considerable potential in the continued development of the generator.
"The current generator will eventually be complemented by a smaller version, making it even more flexible for a wider range of events. For example, at our waterfront events we typically run cables from existing distribution boards to bars and food trucks. However, cables across public walkways are impractical. We therefore see clear potential in smaller units capable of delivering power while occupying less space," continues Keld Rud Nielsen.
Temporary power is also essential on construction sites, where multiple generators often run continuously throughout the day. This more sustainable and flexible solution significantly reduces both noise and pollution for construction sites and surrounding communities. Furthermore, idle consumption is eliminated entirely, as the generator does not need to run continuously to provide power on demand.
"We can already see that the demand exists today. An increasing number of customers are looking for flexible, lower-emission alternatives to diesel generators, and in many cases these solutions have become a requirement from project owners. As a result, the technology is already being used by several of Denmark's largest contractors, as well as LOXAM, which rents out electrically powered equipment to the construction and civil engineering sectors," says Benjamin Schmidt Thoftstrup.
The green fuel cell solution demonstrates that it is now possible to combine reliability and flexibility while significantly reducing environmental impact. As the focus on phasing out fossil-fuel-based solutions grows in both the construction and event industries, technologies like this could become an important step toward a more sustainable energy supply, even in places where electricity access is temporary, limited, or non-existent.
At Whitecell Systems, the potential is clear and the growing demand is already being felt.
"We see significant potential for this technology in today's world. There is a strong focus on energy security and resilient energy supply, not least due to the current geopolitical situation. At the same time, demand is increasing within defense and emergency preparedness applications, where flexible and reliable energy solutions are essential. Our solution can play a key role because it delivers stable power independently of the existing electricity grid while supporting the green transition," concludes Benjamin Schmidt Thoftstrup.
Whitecell Systems continues to develop the technology, which has already evolved into a new project under the North Jutland industrial lighthouse initiative, known as the Green Methanol Power Generator.
The project is part of the North Jutland industrial lighthouse CO2Vision, supported by funding from the European Union and the Danish Board of Business Development (Virksomhedsudvikling Danmark).
Latest news
Sign up to our newsletter
Skibsbyggerivej 5, 3. sal.
9000 Aalborg
Navitas
Inge Lehmanns Gade 10
8000 Aarhus C
House of Offshore Innovation
Kanalen 1
6700 Esbjerg
Port House
Vendersgade 74
7000 Fredericia
BLOXHub
Bloxhub, Bryghuspladsen 8, 3. sal,
1473 København K
Energy Cluster Denmark
Nørre Havnegade 43
6400 Sønderborg
©Energy Cluster Denmark 2026