Hydros Power develops one of the first hydrogen-powered reefers in Europe with support from EIT Urban Mobility
The project, backed with €59,500 in European funding, aims to decarbonize refrigerated logistics operations at the Port of Valencia with a clean, quiet and scalable hydrogen solution.
Hydros Power has been selected by the SME Market Expansion program of EIT Urban Mobility, an initiative of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), to lead a pioneering project in the Port of Valencia: the development of one of Europe’s first Hydrogen-powered reefer containers. With a seven-month development plan and €59,500 in EU funding, the project will demonstrate how green hydrogen can reshape cold chain logistics as we know it.
“Our goal is to offer a cleaner and more efficient logistics model aligned with the European Union’s vision for decarbonization,” says Iván Navalón, CEO of Hydros Power.
A pilot project at the Port of Valencia with key industry partners
The project will be carried out at the Port of Valencia in collaboration with one of Spain’s leading cold chain logistics operators, the Fundación Valenciaport (Opentop Hub), and the Valencia Port Authority, which will provide real-world testing conditions and supply the green hydrogen required for operation.
Over the next seven months, Hydros Power will adapt its STELION Powertrain module to integrate it into the structure of a standard refrigerated container, commonly known as a reefer, creating a modular system powered by green hydrogen. The solution is designed to operate across logistics environments, making it easier for the sector to transition away from fossil fuels.
The system has been conceived to allow seamless integration into different cargo platforms, paving the way for scalable deployment across various sectors. The project directly addresses one of the main challenges in refrigerated transport: the high and constant energy demand required to keep cargo cool 24/7. Diesel-based generators, the current standard, generate significant noise and emissions, restricting access to urban areas and complicating rest periods for drivers during stops.
Hydros Power’s alternative is fully electric, clean, and quiet, offering a sustainable solution that ensures autonomy, flexibility, and reduced environmental impact in demanding logistics operations.
Clean, quiet and efficient: a step forward for hydrogen logistics
Hydros Power expects its system to eliminate 100% of emissions associated with fossil fuels, improve overall energy efficiency by 15%, and reduce noise levels by up to 80%, significantly improving operational conditions across different logistics environments.
“This solution has been designed with the end user in mind, from drivers to operators, offering the autonomy and silence that diesel systems simply can’t provide,” says Iván Navalón, CEO of Hydros Power.
This initiative builds on a strong track record. In 2024, Hydros Power received a €190,000 investment from EIT Urban Mobility, validating its technology and boosting its first funding round. The company’s proprietary technology revolves around a modular ecosystem of fuel cell modules, plug-and-play hydrogen capsules, and modular refueling stations, designed for mobility and logistics applications.
With this new pilot, Hydros Power strengthens its position as a European startup at the forefront of the energy transition, demonstrating how hydrogen innovation made in Spain can drive decarbonization across critical sectors.
