Founded in 2003, Singapore-based Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies has emerged as a global leader in zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell innovation. From modest beginnings, the company has transformed into a powerhouse in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell development and manufacturing, delivering both liquid-cooled and air-cooled systems for diverse applications. Today, Horizon’s cutting-edge technology powers heavy-duty transportation—including trucks, buses, trains, ships, and power plants—ushering in a cleaner energy era.
Since 2018, Horizon’s VL Series automotive stacks have propelled commercial vehicles across China, from midsized buses to 42-ton prime movers. By 2019 alone, the company deployed over 20 megawatts of fuel cell systems in commercial fleets, reinforcing its industry dominance. With full-spectrum in-house production, Horizon also designs and manufactures everything from catalysts and membrane electrode assemblies to bipolar plates and complete fuel cell stacks—ensuring superior quality and performance.
Beyond transportation, Horizon has expanded into stationary power solutions, developing modular power plants for data centers, grid stabilization, and backup power systems. Moreover, its mission is clear: replace hydrocarbon fuels with end-to-end zero-carbon energy solutions, maximizing global impact in record time.
At India Energy Week 2025, The Interview World engaged in an exclusive discussion with Craig M. Knight, Co-founder and Strategic Advisor at Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies. He delved into the company’s groundbreaking hydrogen fuel cell technologies for heavy-duty engines, explored their energy efficiency compared to conventional systems, and highlighted the immense potential of hydrogen fuel cells in high carbon footprint nations like India.
Here are the key takeaways from this insightful conversation.
Q: What innovative solutions is Horizon developing, and how do its fuel technologies stay ahead of emerging market trends while differentiating from existing solutions?
A: Horizon has spent over two decades pioneering PEM-related fuel cell materials and systems. Our market leadership revolves around unmatched power density and durability.
We deliver the highest-power, most power-dense, and most durable fuel cells—engineered for the toughest applications. When industries seek a true diesel replacement, they turn to us. Our primary focus lies in supplying heavy-duty fuel cells, particularly for trucks, where reliability and performance matter most.
Q: Are there applications of hydrogen fuel cells beyond trucks and heavy engines?
A: Hydrogen excels in high-utilization, heavy-duty transportation. It thrives where vehicles are large and operate for extended hours each day—this is its true sweet spot.
While battery-based mobility works well for lighter vehicles, provided charging infrastructure is available, hydrogen dominates where weight and endurance matter most. It stands apart in applications demanding continuous, high-power performance, making it the superior choice for heavy-duty fleets.
Q: How does the energy efficiency of hydrogen fuel cells compare to existing energy systems?
A: Combustion engines typically operate at 20–30% efficiency, depending on specifications. In contrast, fuel cells exceed 50% efficiency at the point of energy creation. Even after accounting for inverters, batteries, and other system components, hydrogen remains significantly more efficient than diesel.
The best way to compare efficiency is through fuel consumption. In a stop-start environment, a heavy truck replaces approximately 7–8 liters of diesel with just one kilogram of hydrogen. On highways, where cruise control optimizes fuel use, the ratio drops slightly to around 6 liters per kilogram. However, in heavy-duty applications with frequent stops, high payloads, and energy-intensive systems like refrigeration, hydrogen consistently displaces at least 7–8 liters of diesel per kilogram, delivering superior performance and efficiency.
Q: What opportunities do you see for hydrogen fuel cells in high carbon footprint countries like India?
A: India holds a unique opportunity—not just in hydrogen applications, but in producing and utilizing hydrogen intelligently. The real potential lies in leveraging smart, scalable solutions to drive widespread adoption.
With over two decades in the industry, we have continually advanced our technology. In recent years, we have expanded our electrolyzer solutions, and our next major focus is next-generation Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) technology. Our goal is clear: decarbonize key industries—fertilizers, steel, chemical plants, and mobility.
India can unlock this potential by producing hydrogen from diverse renewable sources, including biomass. Every step toward hydrogen innovation strengthens energy independence. By embracing cutting-edge technology and creative solutions, India can position itself as a leader in the global hydrogen economy.
