Cummins’ Accelera commissions electrolyzer production facility in Fridley

Cummins Inc.’s zero-emissions business segment, Accelera, has commenced operations for electrolyzer production in Fridley, Minnesota, marking its first electrolyzer production facility in the US.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony witnessed the presence of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, US Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, and other federal, state, and local officials, emphasizing the growing momentum of the green hydrogen economy and the significance of continued innovation in clean technology.

Jennifer Granholm said: “It was an honor to join the team at Accelera by Cummins and Governor Walz today to celebrate a huge milestone for the company, for Minnesota, and for the country.

“Thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we are leading the way to a clean energy future and it starts with clean hydrogen and the production of electrolyzers here in the United States.”

Cummins’ Accelera commissions electrolyzer production facility in Fridley, Minnesota. Photo courtesy of Business Wire.

Initially, Accelera is utilizing 89,000 square feet of the existing Cummins facility in Fridley for electrolyzer production, a move that will generate 100 new job opportunities by 2024.

The facility will manufacture the HyLYZER proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer product line, which includes the HyLYZER-500, HyLYZER-1000, and HyLYZER-5000 models. These electrolyzers can cater to power requirements ranging from 1.25MW to over 200MW, accommodating both small- and large-scale hydrogen generation projects.

With an annual production capacity of 500MW initially, the electrolyzer production facility has plans to scale up to 1GW in the future. This new production space in Fridley contributes to Accelera’s expanding global footprint in electrolyzer development and manufacturing.

Amy Davis — Accelera president said: “It was an honor to celebrate the opening of Accelera’s electrolyzer production line in Fridley alongside Secretary Granholm, Governor Walz and customers and partners from across the U.S. and Canada.

“Large-scale electrolysis to produce green hydrogen is a key piece in the decarbonization of transportation and industry. The electrolyzer production capacity we are adding in Fridley will help us scale zero-emissions technologies in North America to meet customer demand and advance adoption.

“Milestones like this, highlighted by close public-private collaboration, demonstrate our relentless dedication to accelerating the shift to net zero for the industries that keep the world running.”

Accelera functions as an innovator throughout the entire hydrogen value chain, serving as both a components supplier and integrator.

Alongside electrolyzers for hydrogen production, Accelera’s portfolio encompasses fuel cells that operate on hydrogen, as well as battery and electrified systems that enable the realization of battery electric or fuel cell electric powertrains. These technologies aim to decarbonize various applications, ranging from heavy-duty trucks and buses to trains.