Metacon AB (publ) has launched a compact 20 MW multi-level alkaline electrolysis module that the Uppsala, Sweden-based company says enables more cost-efficient deployment of large-scale hydrogen production plants.

Compact Multi-Level Design Aims to Cut Costs for Large Hydrogen Plants

Announced on Sept. 29, 2026, the new module reduces space requirements and lowers balance-of-plant costs, with calculated savings of up to 30% on steel structures, up to 50% on piping systems, and up to 70% on area-related infrastructure compared with conventional building-based solutions.

The launch comes as industrial hydrogen plants scale up and the site area required for each megawatt of installed capacity takes on growing importance. According to Metacon, plot size has a direct impact on construction, materials and site-integration costs.

The new multi-level module places more production capacity on a smaller plot, reducing the amount of steel structure, piping, insulation, pipe supports and other site infrastructure required.

Stacked Layout Removes the Need for a Factory Building

The 20 MW module uses a compact multi-level steel-frame arrangement, with electrolyser stacks positioned on the lower level and gas-handling equipment and cooling units placed above.

Metacon states that the design maintains safety provisions and provides practical access for operation and maintenance. The stacked layout reduces the required plot area and shortens process, utility, and electrical interconnections.

One of the most significant claims in the announcement is that the design can completely remove the need for a factory building around the hydrogen generation system, which Metacon says results in significant savings at system level.

The company notes this strengthens the business case for projects where land is limited or expensive, while also reducing costs that increase with the physical size of the installation.

Built on Modular Principles of the 10 MW Module

The new 20 MW module is based on the same modular principles as Metacon's 10 MW module. The company describes a repeatable design that simplifies transport, installation and future capacity expansion. The modules can be installed individually or in parallel as plant capacity increases, reducing the amount of construction and assembly work required on site.

Metacon emphasizes that the launch is also a standardisation initiative. In a statement, Christer Wikner, President and CEO of Metacon, said: "Metacon continues to innovate for driving hydrogen production cost down and now look beyond the electrolyser stacks. We have identified great opportunities to improve the complete plant design by addressing other major cost drivers.

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. At the same time, this is also a standardisation initiative where repeatability of core components drives both cost reduction as well as overall quality."

Savings Depend on Site Conditions and Project Scope

According to the company's calculations, cost reductions compared to conventional building-based installation reach up to 30% for the steel module and up to 50% for piping materials, insulation, pipe supports and related items. Other costs linked to the required installation area can be reduced by up to 70%. Metacon cautions that the exact magnitude of these cost reductions will depend on site conditions, project scope and final design.

Company Background

Metacon AB (publ) is a Swedish developer, manufacturer, and supplier of hydrogen production systems, covering design, installation, service, and maintenance. The company is listed and traded on Nasdaq First North Growth Market in Stockholm, Sweden.

Metacon's Electrolysis business unit designs and delivers complete electrolysis plants for large-scale hydrogen production, developed in close partnership with PERIC Hydrogen Technologies, one of the global leaders in pressurized alkaline electrolysis technology, based in Handan, China.

The company's reforming business unit develops hydrogen generation solutions based on its proprietary patented HIWAR catalytic reactor technology. These solutions consist of advanced, high-efficiency reformers that produce hydrogen through catalytic steam reforming, operating on biogas, biomethane, or other renewable feedstocks such as bioethanol and green ammonia, without the need for grid connection.

Further information is available from Christer Wikner, President & CEO, and at www.metacon.com. The announcement was distributed via Cision.

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