Metacon AB (publ) has launched a compact, multi-level 20 MW alkaline electrolysis module designed to enable more cost-effective deployment of large-scale green hydrogen production facilities.
The optimized modular arrangement places electrolyzer stacks on the lower level with gas-handling equipment and cooling units positioned directly above. By maximizing spatial efficiency, the design reduces land footprint requirements while shortening process, utility, and electrical interconnections.
As green hydrogen plants scale up, site footprint becomes a critical financial variable. Metacon’s multi-level setup can eliminate the need for a dedicated industrial building around the generation system, yielding substantial savings across balance-of-plant (BoP) infrastructure.
Target Infrastructure Savings
Compared to conventional building-based installations, Metacon’s internal calculations project significant capital expenditure reductions:
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Steel Structures: Up to 30% reduction in required steel framework.
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Piping & Insulation: Up to 50% savings on piping systems, insulation, and pipe supports.
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Plot Footprint Costs: Up to 70% savings on land-related site preparation and infrastructure.
The 20 MW unit expands upon Metacon’s established 10 MW modular architecture. Its standardized, repeatable steel-frame design simplifies transport, reduces civil construction work on site, and allows operators to scale capacity incrementally by installing modules individually or in parallel.
“Metacon continues to innovate for driving hydrogen production cost down and now look beyond the electrolyser stacks,” said Christer Wikner, President and CEO of Metacon. “By using less space and reducing the amount of steel, piping, cabling and other infrastructure required, this module will serve as a super-efficient building module for large hydrogen production plants.”