Frequently Asked Questions
Operation and Performance
What makes Hone's hydrogen technology proven and reliable?
This isn't experimental technology—it's proven engineering applied to mobile power. We've built our system using decades of established expertise from industry leaders.
Our hydrogen engine comes from DEUTZ, the German manufacturer that's powered industrial equipment globally for over 150 years. They completed 100 hours of rigorous testing before we ever touched it. Sommers Generator Systems has been building generators for 75+ years—they're applying proven generator expertise to hydrogen fuel.
Change Energy, Hone's parent company, has designed and operated over 150 high-pressure gas vehicle refueling stations worldwide over 30+ years. We understand hydrogen storage, transport, and delivery because we've been doing it since before most people knew hydrogen existed as a fuel.
The risk isn't in the technology—it's in choosing suppliers who don't understand how to deploy it reliably. We do.
Can this actually replace the diesel generator we're using now?
Yes. We've designed our system as a drop-in replacement for diesel generators. The generator itself is practically identical to conventional units—same voltage, frequency, plug-in connections—built by Sommers Generator Systems.
The key difference: instead of topping up an onboard tank, we bring a full external fuel tank, connect it to your generator, and cycle full tanks for empty ones. Minimal behavior change, maximum operational familiarity.
Does this work reliably in Canadian winter conditions?
Everything we deploy is specified for Canadian winter design temperatures. We've successfully tested our generator at -23°C with excellent performance. Unlike batteries that lose significant capacity in cold weather, hydrogen maintains consistent output regardless of temperature. Our system doesn't require the block heaters that diesel generators need, reducing complexity and improving reliability.
How does the system work?
Our three-step process is designed for simplicity:
Arrival: The generator arrives at your location, followed by the Fuel Block™ trailer.
Power Up: Seamless integration with your existing setup. Clean energy starts flowing immediately.
Fuel Swap: Our system keeps you powered with on-demand refueling. We deliver full trailers and remove empties without power interruption.
How long does the fuel last?
Runtime varies by power demand:
90% load: ~12-hour runtime
66% load: ~16-hour runtime
33% load: ~32-hour runtime
Our monitoring system works like your car's fuel range calculator—continuously calculating runtime-to-empty and ensuring you never run out of power.
Where does the hydrogen come from?
We source low-carbon hydrogen from local producers starting with Enbridge's water electrolysis facility in the Greater Toronto Area. We maintain relationships with multiple producers to ensure supply resilience, with additional facilities coming online through 2025-2026.
Our logistics-first approach means we negotiate offtake agreements with reputable suppliers who can provide verified low-carbon hydrogen with accurate carbon intensity tracking.
Safety
Is hydrogen safe? What happens if there's a leak?"
All fuels have inherent hazards—the key is proper management. Hydrogen's safety profile is different from diesel but well-understood through decades of industrial use.
Hydrogen is lighter than air, so outdoor leaks rise and disperse quickly rather than creating ground-level hazards. Unlike diesel spills that create environmental contamination, hydrogen leaks dissipate rapidly without soil impact.
Our equipment includes multiple safety systems: hydrogen leak detectors that automatically shut down if leaks are detected, and pressure monitoring systems that interpret unexpected pressure loss as potential leaks and trigger immediate shutdown.
Generator exhaust is roof-mounted, and hydrogen naturally vents upward and disperses quickly—no pooling or ground contamination. Emergency response procedures are outlined in our training, with 24/7 operations support available.
What training is required?
Generator operators must complete Hone's certification program before operating our equipment. We provide comprehensive training covering hydrogen handling, safety procedures, and emergency protocols.
As the fuel supplier, Hone handles all regulatory notifications with Ontario's Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA). You don't need additional permits beyond your standard production requirements.
Environmental Impacts
Will this satisfy our sustainability goals?
Absolutely. Our hydrogen generators produce zero emissions at point of use—just water vapor. We provide comprehensive documentation for sustainability reporting, including verified carbon intensity data and GHG reduction calculations.
One diesel generator running for one day produces 1 tonne of GHG emissions. Our hydrogen system eliminates that entirely while maintaining the same power output and reliability.
What about the environmental impact of making the hydrogen?
We source low-carbon hydrogen from water electrolysis facilities powered by Ontario's clean electricity grid. This process has a dramatically lower carbon footprint than fossil fuel alternatives.
We provide complete lifecycle assessment data and supply chain transparency, so you can document the full environmental benefits for your sustainability reporting.
Getting Started
What areas do you serve?
We currently operate in the Greater Toronto Area, with expansion planned across Ontario and other major North American production markets.
How do I get started?
Contact us directly to discuss your specific power requirements. We'll assess your needs and design a hydrogen power solution that fits your production schedule and sustainability goals.
Ready to cut tonnes of emissions from your production? Contact Hone today: (905) 829-5756