A new milestone for clean temporary power
Temporary events have traditionally relied on diesel generators for their electricity supply. During the LCL North Sea Regatta in Nieuwpoort on Thursday 11 June, that changed. For the first time, the event was powered entirely by renewable electricity generated on site using a hydrogen fuel cell supplied by Eneria. The project demonstrates that reliable, silent and emission-free temporary power is already a practical reality.
The initiative is the latest step in the long-standing collaboration between Eneria and LCL Data Centers, following earlier sustainability projects such as the deployment of HVO100 biofuel for LCL’s emergency generators.
Bringing hydrogen power to life
Eneria was responsible for supplying, installing and commissioning the 100 kVA hydrogen fuel cell system that powered the event. The installation delivered approximately 1,132 kWh of electricity, covering peak loads of up to 80 kW throughout the day. Unlike a conventional diesel generator, the fuel cell operated quietly, produced no local emissions and generated electricity using green hydrogen, with water as its only by-product.
For event organizers, this meant reliable off-grid power without compromising performance or sustainability.
How did this project come about?
“This project was the natural continuation of existing partnerships. We have been working with LCL on several sustainable energy projects, including the introduction of HVO100 biofuel for their backup generators. Bringing these partners together for the LCL North Sea Regatta was the logical next step”, Curd Merlo, Head of Sales & Marketing at Eneria. “Hydrogen is not the only answer to the energy transition, but it is an important part of the future energy mix. In locations where access to the electricity grid is limited or electrification is difficult, hydrogen offers a reliable, flexible and emission-free alternative.”
Eneria's role and the current challenges
Eneria supplied the complete hydrogen power solution, from installation to commissioning. Our expertise lies in decentralized energy systems that provide flexible, local power tailored to specific applications such as events, construction sites and industrial operations. The technology is mature and reliable. Today’s challenges are mainly linked to logistics, regulations and awareness. Hydrogen is still relatively new in public event applications, which means permitting procedures can be more complex. Demonstration projects like this are essential because they help build confidence among customers, authorities and emergency services.
Driving the energy transition together
The LCL North Sea Regatta demonstrates how collaboration between technology providers and forward-thinking customers can accelerate the transition towards cleaner energy solutions. For Eneria, the project is another example of how hydrogen complements existing technologies such as battery storage, HVO biofuels and conventional power generation to deliver reliable, low-carbon energy wherever it is needed.
As more organizations look for sustainable alternatives to diesel generators, hydrogen fuel cells are becoming an increasingly attractive solution for events, construction sites and other off-grid applications.
Want to discover our solutions? Meet us at Demo Days in September.