SIA New Member Profile: SFC Energy

New Security Industry Association (SIA) member SFC Energy AG is a leading provider of hydrogen and direct methanol fuel cells for stationary, portable and mobile hybrid power solutions. The company is headquartered in Brunnthal, Germany, near Munich, and has operating subsidiaries in Canada, India, the Netherlands, Romania, Denmark, the United Kingdom and the United States, and its extensive international footprint allows the company to cater to a wide range of customers worldwide.

SIA spoke with Korbinian Edelmann, managing director at SFC Energy LLC in the U.S., about the company, the security industry and working with SIA.

Tell us the story of your company.

Korbinian Edelmann: SFC Energy AG is a leading provider of hydrogen and direct methanol fuel cells for stationary, portable and mobile hybrid power solutions. Founded with the vision of transforming the power supply landscape, SFC Energy has become a globally recognized producer of innovative, sustainable energy systems, distributing its award-winning products worldwide and has sold more than 75,000 fuel cells to date.

The company identified a critical need in the security and surveillance sector, where systems often operate in remote areas with limited access to reliable power. Traditional solutions like diesel generators are costly, require a lot of maintenance and are environmentally taxing, while renewable energy sources like solar lack the reliability needed for continuous operation. SFC Energy´s EFOY Pro Fuel Cell addresses this need by offering a reliable, low-maintenance power solution. This innovative technology ensures the operational integrity of security and surveillance systems by providing uninterrupted, off-grid power, even in the most challenging environments.

What solutions/services does your business offer in the security industry? And what makes your offerings or your company unique?

KE: SFC Energy’s EFOY Pro Fuel Cells offer unmatched reliability for off-grid power in the security and surveillance sectors. Surveillance cameras, monitoring stations and service vehicles often require uninterrupted, off-grid power for covert investigations, object protection and loss prevention over extended periods. Additionally, stationary audio and video surveillance systems are used to safeguard infrastructure, monitor borders, provide security during events and even observe wildlife. These systems are frequently installed in remote or covert locations where conventional energy sources are unreliable or impractical.

The EFOY Pro guarantees continuous power for weeks without human intervention, ensuring the operational integrity of security systems 24/7 in even the harshest conditions. One of the unique aspects of our offering is the ability to integrate the EFOY Pro with renewable energy sources like solar, creating a hybrid solution. This minimizes maintenance, reduces fuel consumption and significantly cuts operational costs, providing a seamless and sustainable power solution for the security industry.

What is something we might not know about your company – or something new you are doing in security?

KE: SFC Energy is at the forefront of hybrid power solutions in the security sector, combining the EFOY Pro Fuel Cell with solar power to create more resilient energy systems. In North America, Europe and Asia, manufacturers and users of mobile security units are leveraging our direct methanol fuel cells to complement solar energy, ensuring continuous power particularly during the less sunny months of autumn, winter and spring.

In security applications, fuel cells stand out as a highly efficient and reliable alternative to traditional diesel generators. Unlike diesel systems, fuel cells operate quietly and with minimal emissions, making them an environmentally friendly and sustainable power solution. Their ability to deliver consistent, uninterrupted power over extended periods makes them particularly well suited for critical scenarios where reliability is non-negotiable.

Applications such as remote surveillance, border control and mobile or semimobile security solutions benefit significantly from the compact design, low maintenance requirements and high energy efficiency of fuel cells. This ensures that security systems remain operational even in the most demanding environments, where conventional energy sources may fail or require frequent intervention.

What do you think are the biggest opportunities in the security industry right now?

KE: One of the biggest opportunities in the security industry today is the growing demand for mobile and remote surveillance solutions. The need for infrastructure security, event monitoring and border protection often places systems in areas where traditional power sources are unreliable or unavailable – this creates a significant market for off-grid power solutions like those powered by DMFC or hydrogen fuel cells, which ensure continuous security system operation.

Additionally, the shift towards greener and more sustainable security systems represents a major transformation in the industry. Companies that can deliver hybrid power solutions combining fuel cell technology with renewable energy sources are uniquely positioned to meet these demands, helping to reduce carbon footprints and operational costs while ensuring reliability.

What do you enjoy most about being at your company – and in the security industry?

KE: At SFC Energy, we take pride in being part of a company that is pioneering change, not just in the security industry, but across a wide range of sectors where clean, autonomous and backup power solutions are essential. Our work with fuel cell technology allows us to contribute to the future of sustainable power solutions, something that is both innovative and impactful. In the security industry, the knowledge that our solutions are helping to protect critical infrastructure, secure borders and safeguard communities is incredibly rewarding. Being able to provide solutions that make a real difference in people’s lives is what drives us.

What does SIA offer that is most important to you/your company? And what do you most hope to get out of your membership with SIA?

KE: SFC Energy values its membership in the Security Industry Association as a vital platform for collaboration, innovation and knowledge exchange. SIA offers us the opportunity to engage with key players in the security industry and stay at the forefront of industry trends, helping us better understand the evolving needs of security professionals. Through our SIA membership, we hope to raise awareness about the benefits of fuel cell technology and its role in providing reliable, sustainable off-grid power solutions. We look forward to connecting with industry leaders and innovators to expand the application of our EFOY Pro Fuel Cells, driving forward the industry’s commitment to operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.

How does your organization engage with SIA? What are your plans for involvement in the next year?

KE: As a new member of SIA, we are excited to explore all the opportunities the organization offers. We look forward to engaging with SIA’s network, participating in key industry events and accessing valuable member resources to stay informed about trends and innovations in the security sector. Our aim is to raise awareness about how our EFOY Pro Fuel Cells can support off-grid power solutions and enhance the efficiency and sustainability of security systems, while building connections with other industry leaders and becoming a part of the SIA family.

The views and opinions expressed in guest posts and/or profiles are those of the authors or sources and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Security Industry Association.