RIX Industries Fuels Decarbonization with Methanol-to-Hydrogen Reforming Technology

Industry-first mobile hydrogen generation systems simplify retrofit of diesel tanks, enabling 5x greater storage capacity over compressed gas systems at roughly one-third the cost

A blue hydrogen train is going down the tracks.

Benicia, CALIF – Sept 22, 2021 – RIX Industries, a leading developer of energy technologies, today announced availability of its M2H2 Series Methanol-to-Hydrogen generation power systems to the rail sector. With this technology, rail operators can streamline and accelerate their efforts to abandon environmentally-damaging, diesel-based propulsion systems in favor of clean and green power solutions.

 

“While hydrogen power itself is not new, the ability to generate pure hydrogen onboard and on demand is new and paving the way for a quicker and more cost-effective departure from diesel power,” said Bryan Reid, Chief Sales Officer, RIX Industries. “Our highly efficient methanol-to-hydrogen power systems provide a readily available path to cleaner fuel in railway applications. It’s an especially critical advancement in the face of looming decarbonization regulations and mandates meant to redefine the transportation industry’s role in combatting pollution.”

 

Eliminating the heavy and costly footprint associated with cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage, the RIX M2H2 Series operates in contrast to high-pressure compressed hydrogen solutions. Using methanol produced from natural gas, the RIX M2H2 can achieve 30 to 50% less CO2 emissions than diesel, whereas the system can meet net zero emission when using renewable methanol. 

 

The RIX system taps into the convenience of methanol as a hydrogen carrier – incorporating proven methanol fuel reforming technology to generate hydrogen safely, efficiently, and as needed. Licensed from Element 1 (dba e1), developer of clean energy products, processes, and technologies, this system is supported by RIX’s well-established manufacturing operations and integration services. As self-contained containerized power systems, the M2H2 Series blends methanol-to-hydrogen generation technology and PEM fuel cells to provide a high efficiency, minimal vibration/noise, and low emission solution for power critical applications including train propulsion, auxiliary power systems, and container car power.

 

The RIX M2H2 power system is scalable, supporting 30 kW to 120 kW fuel cell solutions, which can be combined to support MW applications as well. Deployment does not require major retrofit of rail infrastructure, and existing diesel tanks may instead be used to store liquid methanol at ambient conditions as a feedstock. This eliminates the complexities and concerns of onboard hydrogen management, such as storage at high pressures or cryogenic temperatures, which have long been a roadblock for transportation industries.

 

Learn more about the RIX M2H2-Series hydrogen generation systems.

 

About RIX Industries

RIX Industries is a technology-focused company specializing in the design, development and manufacturing of gas generation systems, precision compressor solutions, power systems, and cryogenic cooling technologies for critical applications in Marine, Aerospace, Land, Energy, Industrial, Medical, and Critical Infrastructure markets. Founded in 1878, the company is headquartered in Benicia, Calif., and operates additional facilities in Sparks, Nev. (production) and Rockville, Calif. (Innovation Center).


Contact
RIX Industries for more information.

Man and Woman Shaking Hands
By Carina Simon June 4, 2025
Collaboration expected to boost technician response time, enhancing readiness of U.S. Navy’s Seventh Fleet
A group of satellite dishes are lined up in a field
May 15, 2025
RIX Industries partners with NSF's National Radio Astronomy Observatory to develop advanced cryogenic cooling solutions for the Next Generation Very Large Array, aiming to enhance sensitivity and reduce power consumption in radio astronomy.
A headshot photo of Marty Ellner on a Navy blue graphic background
May 8, 2025
Go behind the scenes at RIX in this exclusive conversation with our Senior Director of Business Development. Discover insights on strategy, growth, and the future of innovation
A large military ship is floating on top of a large body of water.
May 6, 2025
Discover how RIX Industries' Liquid Oxygen Generation Plant supports the U.S. Navy’s newest aircraft carriers with advanced, reliable on-board oxygen solutions.
A blurry picture of a hospital hallway with a nurse pushing a stretcher with a patient on it.
By Carina Simon January 24, 2025
Discover the importance of global health resilience and the critical role of oxygen access in healthcare. Learn how innovative solutions are ensuring life-saving oxygen reaches those in need.
A headshot photo of Michael McNulty on Navy Blue graphic background
January 20, 2025
Go behind the scenes at RIX with our Senior Director of Customer Support and Service as they share insights on leadership, customer experience, and the future of support.
A submarine is floating on top of a body of water.
August 22, 2024
RIX Industries secures a multimillion-dollar US Navy contract to deliver 25 high-pressure air compressors for Virginia-class submarines, continuing their decades-long partnership.
photo of tugboat on open ocean with blue sky background
June 9, 2024
Join us in exploring the forefront of clean energy solutions with a deep dive into hydrogen's potential. From advancements in technology to global initiatives, we uncover the path towards sustainable energy independence. Embrace the future with us as we navigate the opportunities and challenges of the hydrogen economy.
A fighter jet is taking off from a carrier.
April 3, 2024
Discover how RIX Industries is powering military advantage through customized systems in our latest blog post. From enhancing aircraft capabilities to meeting the demands of modern warfare, RIX delivers innovative solutions tailored to critical marine, airborne, and shipboard applications. Dive into our expertise and learn how we're shaping the future of military technology.
A large white yacht is floating on top of a body of water.
March 2, 2024
Discover how PEM fuel cells and methanol-to-hydrogen (M2H2) technology from RIX Industries propel maritime decarbonization. Learn how this integrated solution streamlines adoption, eliminates high-pressure tanks, and ensures compliance with global emissions mandates. Read now to explore the future of sustainable shipping with hydrogen-on-demand.
More Posts