Articles tagged with "hydrogen-production"
German firm’s new electrode technology delivers low-cost hydrogen, production to begin soon
German company Rheinmetall has developed an innovative electrode technology aimed at significantly reducing the production costs of green hydrogen. This new technology enhances electrolyzer systems by increasing power density—doubling it—and improving efficiency by over 10%, while relying on noble metal-free catalysts. The development was led by Rheinmetall’s subsidiary KS Gleitlager GmbH (KSG) as part of the German government-funded E²ngel consortium project, which focused on creating scalable, cost-effective electrodes for alkaline electrolysis without expensive precious metals. The project benefited from Rheinmetall’s expertise in special alloy materials and advanced manufacturing techniques, enabling rapid catalyst and process development. Partners such as the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) and McPhy Energy Germany validated the technology, which surpassed ambitious targets for cell voltage and current density. Pilot production is set to begin next year at Rheinmetall’s St. Leon-Rot site, with a production line capable of manufacturing electrodes up to two meters in size, suitable for multi-meg
energyhydrogen-productionelectrode-technologygreen-hydrogenelectrolyzer-systemsrenewable-energyenergy-transitionBreakthrough method produces hydrogen without scarce, costly platinum
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden have developed a novel method to produce hydrogen gas efficiently and sustainably without relying on the scarce and costly metal platinum. Their approach uses sunlight, water, and electrically conductive plastic nanoparticles—specifically conjugated polymers—that have been molecularly engineered to be more water-compatible and hydrophilic. These nanoparticles act as photocatalysts, absorbing light and facilitating hydrogen production through photocatalysis, with performance that can surpass traditional platinum-based systems at a significantly lower cost. A key innovation lies in the advanced materials design that allows the plastic particles to interact effectively with water and sunlight, overcoming previous limitations of conjugated polymers. In laboratory tests, hydrogen bubbles are visibly produced, demonstrating the process's efficiency. Currently, the system requires vitamin C as a sacrificial antioxidant to maintain the reaction, but the research team aims to achieve overall water splitting—producing hydrogen and oxygen simultaneously—using only sunlight and water without additives. This breakthrough represents an important step toward scalable, environmentally friendly
energyhydrogen-productionphotocatalysisconductive-polymersrenewable-energysustainable-materialssolar-energyGreen Hydrogen Startup Has A Message For Texas: Hold My Beer
The article highlights the emergence of Oklahoma, particularly through the startup Tobe Energy, as a new player in the green hydrogen sector, traditionally dominated by Texas in the US. Tobe Energy has attracted significant investment, including $1.8 million in seed funding led by Cortado Ventures and support from Hurricane Ventures, reflecting growing interest in clean technology within the Mid-Continent region. The startup’s key innovation is a membrane-free electrolysis system for producing green hydrogen from water, which contrasts with the conventional membrane-dependent methods that are typically more costly due to the expensive membranes required. Tobe Energy’s membrane-free technology aims to simplify hydrogen production, potentially reducing costs by up to 75% and decreasing waste heat, making it scalable for large industries such as energy, manufacturing, and transportation. This approach could accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy by enabling more affordable and efficient green hydrogen production, particularly for on-site or localized use, which minimizes transportation and storage expenses. The article also notes that despite the
energygreen-hydrogenelectrolysisclean-energyhydrogen-productionrenewable-energystartup-innovationScientists boost solar hydrogen output by capturing long sun waves
Researchers at the Institute of Science Tokyo have developed a novel photocatalyst that significantly enhances solar hydrogen production by capturing longer wavelengths of sunlight. By substituting ruthenium with osmium in the dye-sensitized photocatalyst, the team extended light absorption from the conventional limit of 600 nanometers up to 800 nanometers. This broader absorption range allows the system to harness a larger portion of the solar spectrum, resulting in up to twice the solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency compared to traditional ruthenium-based dyes. The key to this improvement lies in the heavy-atom effect of osmium, which facilitates singlet–triplet electronic transitions that enable absorption of lower-energy, longer-wavelength light. This advancement addresses a major limitation of existing solar hydrogen systems, which typically absorb only shorter visible wavelengths and thus waste much of the available solar energy, especially under low-light or cloudy conditions. The new osmium-based photocatalyst maintains system simplicity while improving performance, making it more practical for
energysolar-energyhydrogen-productionphotocatalystclean-fueldye-sensitized-systemsolar-hydrogen40% more: Hydrogen production gets skryrocket boost with new method
Researchers at UNIST have developed a novel method to enhance hydrogen production efficiency in water electrolyzers by applying a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coating—commonly known as Teflon—onto the porous transport layer (PTL). This coating prevents hydrogen bubbles from adhering to the PTL’s surface, allowing them to escape more easily and keeping the catalytic reaction sites accessible. By coating only the top half of the PTL, the design maintains unobstructed water flow while improving hydrogen bubble removal, resulting in a 40% increase in current density and reduced voltage losses typically caused by bubble buildup. The coating process is simple, scalable, and cost-effective, involving just spray application followed by heat treatment, without the need for complex manufacturing techniques. The team successfully demonstrated the method on large-area PTLs, highlighting its practical potential for real-world electrolyzer systems. Beyond water electrolysis, this approach could also improve performance in other electrochemical devices involving gas evolution, such as fuel cells and
energyhydrogen-productionwater-electrolyzersPTFE-coatingelectrolysis-efficiencyrenewable-energymaterials-scienceScotland delivers world-first tidal, battery and hydrogen energy test
The European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Scotland has achieved a world-first demonstration by integrating tidal power, long-duration vanadium flow battery storage, and hydrogen production into a single coordinated energy system. This trial combined Orbital Marine Power’s O2 tidal turbine, Invinity Energy Systems’ vanadium redox batteries, and ITM Power’s 670-kilowatt electrolyzer at EMEC’s accredited research site on the island of Eday in the Orkney Archipelago. The integrated system was designed to balance the natural fluctuations of tidal energy generation by storing excess power in batteries and using it to produce green hydrogen on demand, thereby smoothing tidal power cycles and ensuring a steady electricity supply for hydrogen production. The demonstration marked the first time these three technologies operated as a unified system, successfully managing various energy flow scenarios, including rapid responses to equipment trips, without causing a full site shutdown. While the trial confirmed the feasibility of the combined system, it also identified areas for improvement such as battery management
energytidal-powerbattery-storagehydrogen-productionrenewable-energyvanadium-flow-batteriesenergy-integrationEclipse Energy’s microbes can turn idle oil wells into hydrogen factories
Eclipse Energy, a Houston-based startup, has developed a novel technology that uses microbes to convert residual oil in abandoned or idle oil wells into hydrogen gas. Instead of traditional methods that attempt to extract remaining oil by pumping or injection, Eclipse introduces microbes that consume oil molecules underground, breaking them down into hydrogen and carbon dioxide. This hydrogen, which flows more easily than viscous oil, can then be extracted from the well for use as a low-carbon energy source. The company demonstrated this technology in California’s San Joaquin Basin and is now partnering with Weatherford International to deploy it globally, with initial projects starting in January. The microbes used by Eclipse naturally occur at the oil-water interface in wells, and the process results in about half of the produced carbon dioxide remaining underground, while the other half can be captured for sequestration or utilization. Eclipse aims to produce low-carbon hydrogen at a cost competitive with conventional industrial methods, targeting around 50 cents per kilogram. This approach effectively transforms abandoned wells, often considered environmental
energyhydrogen-productionmicrobesoil-wellsclean-energycarbon-capturesustainable-technologyAmmonia could power ships, industries with 70% more efficient tech
Amogy, a company founded by four MIT alumni, has developed a novel catalyst that can split ammonia into hydrogen and nitrogen with up to 70% greater efficiency than current technologies. Unlike traditional ammonia combustion, Amogy’s system converts ammonia directly to power without burning it, thereby avoiding harmful nitrous oxide emissions. This technology is scalable and designed to power large-scale applications such as ships, trucks, maritime shipping, power generation, construction, and mining, leveraging ammonia’s higher power density compared to renewables and batteries. The company has secured a manufacturing contract with Samsung Heavy Industries and plans to deploy a 1-megawatt ammonia-to-power pilot project in Pohang, South Korea, in 2026, with ambitions to scale up to 40 megawatts by 2028 or 2029. Amogy’s innovation centers on new catalyst materials that operate efficiently at lower temperatures, enabling smaller, more cost-effective systems that do not require combustion or produce CO2. The technology has been demonstrated
energyammonia-fuelcatalyst-technologyhydrogen-productionfuel-cellsmaritime-shippingpower-generationX-rays reveal platinum crystals forming inside liquid gallium
Scientists at the University of Sydney have achieved a significant breakthrough by using X-ray computed tomography to observe the real-time growth of platinum crystals inside liquid gallium, a process previously considered nearly impossible due to the metal's opacity and density. By dissolving platinum beads in molten gallium or gallium-indium alloys at 500°C and then cooling the mixture, the team captured 3D images revealing intricate frost-like rods and branching crystal formations developing over time. This novel imaging approach, adapted from medical technology, allows researchers to visualize and understand the internal metallic and chemical properties of liquid metals, which are otherwise opaque to traditional microscopy. This advancement holds promising implications for material science and energy technology. The ability to control and tune crystal growth within liquid metals like gallium—a metal that transitions from solid at room temperature to liquid slightly above body temperature—could enable the design of new materials for efficient hydrogen production and quantum technologies. The study highlights liquid metals’ unique combination of fluidity, metallic conductivity, and solvent capabilities
materialsplatinum-crystalsliquid-metalsgalliumhydrogen-productionsmart-materialsx-ray-computed-tomographyUS Green Hydrogen Startups Are Moving On To Greener Pastures
The US green hydrogen industry has faced significant setbacks following a sharp reversal in federal energy policy, particularly under the Trump administration, which rescinded billions in funding for initiatives like the $7 billion Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program launched during the Biden administration. This program, funded by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and managed by the Department of Energy, aimed to reduce green hydrogen costs and diversify the hydrogen supply chain across various regions. Despite some progress, including the selection of seven hubs in 2023 and support for decarbonizing transportation fleets, federal backing for domestic green hydrogen efforts has largely been curtailed. In response to the diminished US support, startups such as Iowa-based SunHydrogen are pivoting toward international opportunities. SunHydrogen is developing innovative green hydrogen production methods based on photoelectrochemistry, which seeks to mimic natural processes to reduce costs compared to traditional electrolysis. The company is actively involved in a pilot project at the University of Texas at Austin’s Hydrogen ProtoHub,
energygreen-hydrogenrenewable-energyelectrolysisclean-energyhydrogen-productionenergy-policyBelgium to launch world’s first solar park producing hydrogen from sun
Four Belgian companies—Ether Energy, SunBuild, Solhyd, and Nippon Gases—have partnered to build the world’s first integrated solar hydrogen park in Wallonia, Belgium, set to launch in 2026. This pioneering facility will combine a two-megawatt-peak solar installation with on-site green hydrogen production using Solhyd’s innovative technology, which generates hydrogen directly from sunlight and air without relying on liquid water, rare metals, or extensive grid infrastructure. The modular system, featuring 50-kilowatt hydrogen modules and integrated battery storage, aims to produce about 250 liters of hydrogen daily at a peak efficiency of 15%, demonstrating a scalable, cost-effective approach to green hydrogen. The project represents a significant step in the energy transition by proving that green hydrogen can be produced practically and economically at a commercially relevant scale. Nippon Gases will manage hydrogen post-processing, storage, and distribution, targeting industrial sectors increasingly interested in green hydrogen. Ether Energy and SunBuild emphasize the potential
energysolar-powergreen-hydrogenrenewable-energyhydrogen-productionenergy-storageclean-energyWhen Hydrogen Maintenance Meets Meltdown: Inside Plug Power’s Desperation Phase - CleanTechnica
Plug Power’s recent decision to forgo a $1.66 billion federal loan guarantee marks a critical and troubling shift for the company, signaling severe financial distress rather than strategic discipline. To address liquidity challenges, Plug Power plans to raise $275 million by monetizing electricity rights, releasing restricted cash, and further cutting maintenance costs. However, these measures represent short-term fixes that sacrifice future operational flexibility and long-term viability. Selling electricity rights, likely tied to valuable grid connection contracts and power purchase agreements, is akin to pawning essential assets to cover immediate expenses, undermining the company’s ability to generate sustained earnings. The company’s ongoing maintenance cuts pose significant risks to its hydrogen production facilities, which are central to its operations. These plants in Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana produce 40 to 45 tons of hydrogen daily under demanding industrial conditions requiring strict maintenance for safety and reliability. Continued reductions in maintenance budgets threaten plant integrity, worker safety, and regulatory compliance. Hydrogen’s volatile nature means that equipment failures could
energyhydrogen-productionPlug-Powerclean-energymaintenance-costsindustrial-safetypower-purchase-agreements10 times hydrogen output from nuclear waste possible, new study finds
A recent study by scientists at the University of Sharjah, published in Nuclear Engineering and Design, reveals that hydrogen production from nuclear waste can be increased up to tenfold using a novel process called radiation-enhanced electrolysis. This approach leverages the radioactivity of nuclear waste to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen efficiently, transforming a long-standing environmental hazard into a valuable clean energy resource. The study surveys various innovative technologies, including catalyst-enhanced electrolysis, uranium-based catalysis, methane reforming with uranium catalysts, radiolysis with additives like formic acid, and liquid-phase plasma photocatalysis, all of which improve hydrogen yield while reducing radioactive waste volume and storage needs. Despite the promising potential of these methods, the researchers highlight significant challenges, primarily the strict regulatory controls on handling radioactive materials, which limit direct experimentation with nuclear waste and often force reliance on simulated radiation sources. This regulatory barrier may affect the accuracy and practical application of research findings. Additional technical hurdles include risks of syngas contamination
energyhydrogen-productionnuclear-wasteradiation-enhanced-electrolysisclean-energycatalysissustainable-technologyUS scientists cut 47% green hydrogen production cost using wastewater
US scientists at Princeton University have developed a breakthrough method to produce green hydrogen fuel using reclaimed wastewater instead of costly ultrapure water. Traditionally, green hydrogen production via electrolysis requires ultrapure water to prevent impurities from damaging the proton exchange membrane in electrolyzers. The Princeton team discovered that calcium and magnesium ions in wastewater cause scaling and rapid performance decline in standard electrolyzers. To overcome this, they acidified the reclaimed wastewater with sulfuric acid, which provides abundant protons that outcompete these problematic ions, maintaining ion conductivity and enabling continuous hydrogen production for over 300 hours without system failure. This innovation significantly reduces both the environmental impact and cost of hydrogen production. Using reclaimed wastewater cuts water treatment costs by approximately 47% and reduces energy consumption related to water purification by about 62%. The acid used in the process is continuously recirculated, enhancing sustainability. The researchers are now collaborating with industry partners to scale up the technology and test it with pretreated seawater. Their work supports broader efforts to integrate
energygreen-hydrogenwastewater-treatmentelectrolysisrenewable-energyhydrogen-productionsustainable-technologyRecycled solar panel waste powers 100% pure hydrogen production
Researchers at the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) in South Korea have developed a novel, low-temperature process to produce 100% pure hydrogen from ammonia using recycled silicon from discarded solar panels. This mechanochemical method employs a ball milling technique at just 50°C (122°F), significantly lower than conventional ammonia cracking processes that require temperatures between 400°C and 600°C. The process involves shaking ammonia gas and finely powdered silicon in a sealed container, where mechanical impacts activate the silicon to decompose ammonia, releasing hydrogen gas. A key innovation is the in-situ capture of nitrogen byproduct as solid silicon nitride, eliminating the need for energy-intensive hydrogen purification steps and achieving a hydrogen generation rate of 102.5 mmol per hour with perfect purity. Beyond efficiency, the technology offers strong sustainability benefits by utilizing silicon recovered from end-of-life solar panels, addressing the growing environmental challenge of photovoltaic waste projected to exceed 80 million tons by 2050. Additionally, the
energyhydrogen-productionsolar-panel-recyclingammonia-decompositionclean-energysilicon-materialssustainable-technologyNew 5,432°F-method can boost hydrogen production efficiency by 6-fold
Researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) have developed a groundbreaking ultrahigh temperature method that can increase hydrogen production efficiency by six times while drastically reducing energy consumption. This novel technique uses a 0.02-second flash of light to rapidly generate temperatures of 5,432°F (3,000°C), enabling the ultrafast synthesis and functionalization of carbon nanoonions (CNOs) from chemically inert nanodiamond precursors. The process, called direct-contact photothermal annealing, achieves this temperature in under 0.02 seconds and reduces energy use by more than a thousandfold compared to conventional catalyst synthesis methods. A key innovation of this method is its ability to simultaneously restructure the CNO support material and embed single-atom catalysts (SACs) of eight different metals in a single step, significantly simplifying and accelerating catalyst production. The resulting SAC-functionalized CNOs exhibit exceptional catalytic performance, particularly demonstrated by platinum SACs in hydrogen evolution reactions
energyhydrogen-productioncatalystsphotothermal-annealingcarbon-nanoonionsclean-energymaterials-scienceNew Catalyst Cuts The Cost Of Green Hydrogen
The article highlights a significant advancement in reducing the cost of green hydrogen production through a new catalyst developed by a collaboration between US startup Plug Power, Dutch firm VSParticle, and the University of Delaware. Green hydrogen, produced by splitting water using renewable electricity, typically relies on iridium-based catalysts, which are highly efficient but expensive and scarce. VSParticle’s innovation uses 90% less iridium than conventional catalysts by employing a novel dry deposition manufacturing process instead of traditional spray coating. This method not only optimizes iridium usage but also eliminates the need for harmful PFAS-based polymers and solvents, resulting in a more sustainable and cost-effective catalyst. The new catalyst features a uniform, nanoporous structure that significantly increases the active surface area of iridium, enhancing efficiency while reducing material costs. VSParticle reports achieving high efficiency with just 0.4 milligrams of iridium per square centimeter, compared to the usual 1-2 milligrams, and aims to bring the cost of green hydrogen down to $
energygreen-hydrogencatalystiridiumPEM-electrolysisrenewable-energyhydrogen-productionNew catalyst cuts iridium use by 80% for cheaper green hydrogen
Researchers at Rice University have developed a novel catalyst that reduces iridium usage in proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers by over 80%, a breakthrough that could significantly lower the cost and improve the scalability of green hydrogen production. Iridium, a rare and expensive metal essential for current PEM electrolyzers due to its durability in acidic water-splitting environments, poses a major supply and economic challenge for expanding hydrogen fuel technologies. The new catalyst, named Ru₆IrOₓ, embeds iridium atoms within a ruthenium oxide lattice rather than coating the surface, enhancing stability by protecting ruthenium atoms from dissolution under harsh electrochemical conditions. The Ru₆IrOₓ catalyst demonstrated industrial-grade performance by sustaining a current density of 2 amperes per square centimeter for over 1,500 hours with minimal degradation, matching the activity of pure iridium catalysts while drastically reducing iridium content. Industrial tests confirmed its durability and efficiency, suggesting that durable PEM electrolyzers can be produced
energygreen-hydrogencatalystiridium-reductionPEM-electrolyzerssustainable-energyhydrogen-productionMIT filter resists 1,000 Kelvin heat to cut hydrogen production cost
MIT engineers have developed a novel palladium-based membrane filter that can withstand temperatures up to 1,000 kelvins, significantly surpassing the 800-kelvin limit of conventional palladium membranes used in hydrogen production. Palladium is prized for its ability to selectively allow hydrogen molecules to pass while blocking other gases, a critical function in hydrogen fuel generation. The breakthrough comes from redesigning the membrane’s structure: instead of a continuous palladium film that degrades at high heat, the new membrane features palladium deposited as “plugs” within the pores of a silica support. This plug design prevents the metal from shrinking or clumping under extreme temperatures, maintaining stability and hydrogen separation efficiency even after 100 hours of testing at 1,000 kelvins. This enhanced thermal resilience—an improvement of about 200 kelvins—makes the membrane particularly suitable for high-temperature hydrogen-generating processes like steam methane reforming and ammonia cracking, which are essential for producing zero-carbon fuel and electricity
energyhydrogen-productionpalladium-membranehigh-temperature-materialshydrogen-fuelenergy-technologymaterial-scienceProof Of Life For Green Hydrogen Surfaces In Texas
The article highlights Texas's expanding role in the renewable energy sector, particularly its emerging involvement in green hydrogen production. While Texas is traditionally known as a hub for oil and gas, it also leads the US in wind power and is rapidly advancing in solar energy. The state is now leveraging this renewable energy capacity to develop green hydrogen, which is produced by splitting water molecules using renewable energy, rather than extracting hydrogen from fossil fuels. This development comes despite setbacks at the federal level, where a major Biden-era green hydrogen program was curtailed under the Trump administration. A key player in this resurgence is the US startup SunHydrogen, which is deploying innovative solar-powered hydrogen-producing panels at the Hydrogen ProtoHub demonstration facility at the University of Texas at Austin. Unlike conventional electrolysis that relies on offsite electricity, SunHydrogen’s photoelectrochemical technology integrates hydrogen production directly into a photochemical cell, mimicking natural photosynthesis. Recently, SunHydrogen achieved a milestone by demonstrating a 1.92 m
energygreen-hydrogenrenewable-energysolar-powerhydrogen-productionclean-energySunHydrogenCoral-inspired New 3D printed fuel cell could power lighter jets
Researchers at the Technical University of Denmark have developed a novel, lightweight fuel cell called the Monolithic Gyroidal Solid Oxide Cell (The Monolith), inspired by coral structures and manufactured using 3D printing. This fully ceramic fuel cell eliminates heavy metal components that typically constitute over 75% of conventional fuel cells' weight, resulting in a device that produces over one watt per gram—an unprecedented power-to-weight ratio suitable for aerospace applications. Its gyroid-based architecture maximizes surface area, enhances gas flow, improves heat distribution, and increases mechanical stability. The manufacturing process is simplified to just five steps, avoiding fragile seals and multiple materials, which enhances durability and longevity. The Monolith fuel cell demonstrates remarkable resilience, withstanding extreme temperature fluctuations of 100°C and repeated switching between power-generating and power-storing modes without structural failure. It also produces hydrogen at nearly ten times the rate of standard models during electrolysis. These features make it a promising technology for aerospace and space missions, where
energyfuel-cells3D-printinghydrogen-productionaerospace-technologyceramic-materialsrenewable-energyHow a US electrolyzer redefines hydrogen efficiency
Verdagy Hydrogen, a California-based company, has developed a reengineered alkaline water electrolyzer platform called “Dynamic AWE” that significantly improves hydrogen production efficiency beyond conventional systems. By adapting chlor-alkali chemistry and employing a unique single-cell architecture that virtually eliminates shunt currents—electrical losses common in traditional alkaline stacks—Verdagy claims to have surpassed US Department of Energy (DOE) efficiency targets years ahead of schedule. The company validated its efficiency gains through rigorous benchmarking, normalizing performance data to atmospheric pressure and accounting for compression power, enabling fair comparisons across different electrolyzer designs. The efficiency improvements translate directly into substantial economic benefits. For example, a 1 kWh/kg efficiency gain at an electricity price of $50/MWh results in savings of $0.50 per kilogram of hydrogen produced. At scale, such as a 100-megawatt plant, this could amount to $3.65 million in annual savings. While this alone may not fully close the cost gap with
energyhydrogen-productionelectrolyzerclean-energygreen-hydrogenelectrolysisenergy-efficiencyNew catalyst fights seawater corrosion for hydrogen production
Researchers at the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS) have developed a novel MXene-based composite catalyst that significantly improves the durability and efficiency of seawater electrolysis for hydrogen production. Seawater electrolysis has been hindered by chloride ions that corrode electrodes, limiting system lifespan. By deliberately oxidizing MXene and combining it with nickel ferrite (NiFe₂O₄) through high-energy ball milling, the team created a catalyst that exhibits about five times higher current density and twice the durability compared to conventional catalysts. This composite also strongly repels chloride ions, reducing corrosion risks and enabling stable hydrogen output directly from seawater. The catalyst’s performance was validated not only in laboratory conditions but also in an actual electrolysis unit cell, demonstrating its practical viability. The process yields uniform and reproducible catalysts suitable for mass production, addressing the critical balance between conductivity, durability, and performance needed for scaling up hydrogen systems worldwide. Supported by Korean energy research institutions and published in the journal ACS Nano
energyhydrogen-productioncatalystMXeneseawater-electrolysiscorrosion-resistancematerials-scienceSmall modular reactors designed to drive carbon-free ammonia
Ammonia production, a critical process for global fertilizer supply, is highly energy-intensive and currently relies heavily on natural gas steam reforming, contributing about 1.2 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions and 2 percent of fossil energy use. With rising demand driven by population growth, reducing the carbon footprint of ammonia manufacturing is urgent. Researchers in the U.S., led by Utah State University and funded by the Department of Energy’s Nuclear Energy University Program, are investigating the use of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) to power carbon-free ammonia plants. SMRs offer reliable baseload power and heat, can be located near consumption centers to reduce transportation emissions, and enable co-location of hydrogen and nitrogen production with ammonia synthesis, improving efficiency and lowering costs. The project focuses on two reference designs using the NuScale SMR (250 MW thermal, 77 MW electric) as the energy source, with one design using freshwater and the other incorporating desalination for seawater or brackish water. Hydrogen
energysmall-modular-reactorscarbon-free-ammonianuclear-energyhydrogen-productionelectrolysissustainable-energyLargest electrolyzer system in US goes live in New York State
Cummins Inc.’s zero-emissions division, Accelera, has deployed the largest US-built proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer system—a 35 MW unit—at Linde’s hydrogen plant in Niagara Falls, New York. Powered entirely by local renewable hydroelectric energy, this system produces green hydrogen by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen without emissions. Manufactured in Minnesota, the modular and scalable electrolyzer is designed to decarbonize industrial processes and enable commercial-scale green hydrogen production, supporting both energy efficiency and regional industrial needs. The project marks a significant milestone in advancing clean hydrogen technology in North America and reinforces New York’s leadership in the clean energy transition. Beyond environmental benefits, it is expected to stimulate local job creation and economic growth. Accelera, with over 600 PEM electrolyzers deployed globally—including previous 20 MW and 25 MW systems in Canada and Florida—demonstrates its commitment to expanding green hydrogen production capacity. Cummins, a global power solutions leader,
energygreen-hydrogenelectrolyzerrenewable-energyPEM-electrolyzerclean-energyhydrogen-productionPlastic waste mixed with coal offers low-cost hydrogen production
A U.S. Department of Energy laboratory, the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), is developing a cost-effective method to convert plastic waste into hydrogen fuel by co-gasifying plastics with coal and biomass. This steam gasification process produces hydrogen-rich syngas, a versatile fuel and chemical precursor, by combining plastics—primarily low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE)—with coal refuse. The coal waste contains natural catalysts that reduce tar formation and improve gasification efficiency, addressing common challenges in plastic gasification such as particle agglomeration and high tar production. The NETL team, led by Ping Wang, emphasizes the flexibility of this co-gasification approach, which allows adjustment of feedstock ratios and operating conditions to optimize syngas yield and quality. This adaptability makes the technology suitable for various waste streams and resource availabilities. Beyond producing cleaner hydrogen fuel, the process also offers environmental benefits by repurposing plastic and coal waste, reducing landfill accumulation,
energyhydrogen-productionplastic-waste-recyclingcoal-gasificationsyngasrenewable-energywaste-to-energyCan Clean Hydrogen Be Produced Without The Colors? - CleanTechnica
The article discusses Houston-based Utility Global’s (UG) innovative approach to producing clean hydrogen without relying on the conventional color-coded classifications (green, blue, grey) typically used in the hydrogen industry. UG’s patented H2Gen system uniquely utilizes the inherent energy in industrial waste gases—such as off-gases from steel mills and methane-rich biogas from landfills and farms—to drive hydrogen production. This method bypasses the large electricity demands of traditional water electrolysis, effectively turning environmental liabilities into a free energy source. Additionally, the system captures a concentrated CO₂ stream, making carbon sequestration more feasible and cost-effective. A key challenge of UG’s technology lies in the precise control required for the electrochemical reactions within its solid oxide reactors, as minor fluctuations in temperature, pressure, or gas composition can affect efficiency and hydrogen purity. To address this, UG partners with Rockwell Automation, which provides an advanced control system (PlantPAx Distributed Control System) that continuously monitors and adjusts process variables in real
energyclean-hydrogenhydrogen-productionindustrial-automationelectrochemical-reactorwaste-gas-utilizationcarbon-captureFracking Hydrogen From Rocks: Clever Tech, Tough Economics - CleanTechnica
The article "Fracking Hydrogen From Rocks: Clever Tech, Tough Economics" from CleanTechnica explores the concept of engineered mineral hydrogen production, where water reacts with iron-rich ultramafic rocks from the Earth's mantle to release hydrogen. While laboratory and modeling results show promise for this clean hydrogen production method, significant challenges arise when scaling to field operations. The technology demands advanced drilling, stimulation, and reservoir management expertise similar to that developed in shale gas and geothermal industries. However, the geographic mismatch between ultramafic rock formations and existing oil and gas infrastructure complicates logistics, increasing costs and operational risks. Additionally, the article highlights the difficulty of aligning hydrogen production sites with nearby industrial offtakers, such as methanol and ammonia plants, which are primarily located along the Gulf Coast and Midwest. Transporting low-density hydrogen over long distances or converting it into carriers adds complexity and cost, undermining the straightforward "field to flange" production model. Technical challenges also include maintaining optimal reaction conditions (temperature,
energyhydrogen-productionmineral-hydrogenultramafic-rocksclean-energy-technologydrilling-technologyhydrogen-economyCarbon cloth electrode produces hydrogen for 800 hours in seawater
Researchers at the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER), led by Dr. Ji-Hyung Han, have developed a durable carbon cloth electrode capable of stable hydrogen production from seawater electrolysis for over 800 hours at industrial-level current densities (500 mA/cm²). This breakthrough addresses key challenges in seawater electrolysis, such as corrosion from chloride ions and performance degradation under high current conditions. The team achieved this by applying an optimized acid treatment—immersing carbon cloth in concentrated nitric acid at 100°C within a sealed vessel—to enhance hydrophilicity and enable uniform dispersion of cobalt, molybdenum, and ruthenium ions as catalysts. The electrode, containing only 1% ruthenium by weight, demonstrated a 25% reduction in overpotential compared to conventional catalysts, translating to a 1.3-fold increase in hydrogen evolution efficiency. The electrode maintained its structural integrity and catalytic performance without leaching metals into the electrolyte throughout the extended operation, highlighting its corrosion
energyhydrogen-productionseawater-electrolysiscarbon-cloth-electrodecorrosion-resistancerenewable-energymaterials-scienceChina to produce 400,000 tons of green methanol from farm waste
Chinese electrolyzer manufacturer LONGi Green Energy has launched a $325 million project in Inner Mongolia to produce 400,000 tons of green methanol annually from 600,000 tons of agricultural waste. The facility, located in Urad Rear Banner Industrial Park, will operate in two phases: phase one will convert 190,000 tons of biomass such as sunflower stalks and corn stover into methanol via gasification and catalytic synthesis, while phase two will add capacity for another 210,000 tons using hydrogen generated by 100 of LONGi’s 5-megawatt electrolyzers powered by 850 MW of wind and 200 MW of solar energy. The project aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 1.2 million tons per year and contribute over 1 gigawatt of renewable energy capacity to the region. This initiative is part of LONGi’s broader strategy to advance low-carbon fuels and support China’s carbon neutrality goals by developing green methanol as a sustainable alternative fuel and
energygreen-methanolbiomass-gasificationrenewable-energyhydrogen-productioncarbon-neutralitysustainable-fuelsMicrobial Hydrogen From Depleted Oil Wells: Scaling, Costs & Challenges - CleanTechnica
The article discusses Gold H2, a Houston-based startup spun out from Cemvita Factory, which aims to produce hydrogen underground in depleted oil wells by injecting hydrogen-producing microbes and nutrients into the reservoirs. This process, called Black 2 Gold, leverages existing oilfield infrastructure to convert residual hydrocarbons into hydrogen and other gases, avoiding new drilling. The concept parallels microbially enhanced oil recovery (MEOR), a technique used since the 1980s to improve oil extraction by stimulating microbial activity, though MEOR has seen limited and niche application due to varying reservoir conditions. However, the article highlights significant challenges for microbial hydrogen production in depleted wells. Many reservoirs have unsuitable temperatures, salinity, or low residual hydrocarbons, limiting microbial activity and hydrogen yield. Contamination from past water injection, such as sulfate presence, can further reduce hydrogen production through chemical losses. Consequently, only a minority of depleted wells with moderate residual oil, appropriate salinity, and favorable temperature are viable candidates for this technology.
energyhydrogen-productionmicrobial-technologyoil-wellsclean-energysustainable-energybiohydrogenUS firm unveils sunlight-powered hydrogen module to produce green fuel
US clean energy company SunHydrogen has unveiled its largest solar-powered hydrogen production module, measuring 20.7 square feet (1.92 square meters), marking a significant advancement toward commercial-scale renewable hydrogen generation. The module operates entirely on sunlight and water, using semiconductor materials and built-in catalysts to split water into hydrogen and oxygen without relying on traditional electrolyzers or electrical grid power. This innovation integrates solar collection and hydrogen production within a single unit designed for off-grid, distributed hydrogen generation suitable for industrial and mobility applications. The recent successful live demonstration in an open prototype housing validates the technology’s scalability and real-world potential. The company plans to next test the module in a closed system allowing continuous hydrogen and oxygen extraction with water recirculation, a critical step before scaling up to a larger pilot project at UT Austin’s Hydrogen ProtoHub featuring 16 reactors with a combined area exceeding 323 square feet (30 square meters). SunHydrogen aims to enable low-cost, local hydrogen supply anywhere with sunlight and water
energyrenewable-energyhydrogen-productionsolar-powerclean-energygreen-fuelsustainable-technologyJapan's scientists smash records, create clean fuel from sunlight, CO2
Researchers from the Institute of Science Tokyo and Hiroshima University have achieved a breakthrough in sustainable energy by developing a novel photocatalyst that converts sunlight, water, and CO2 into clean fuels with unprecedented efficiency. Their redesigned lead-based oxyhalide (Pb2Ti2O5.4F1.2 or PTOF) catalyst exhibits a record-high quantum yield of about 15% for hydrogen production and 10% for converting CO2 into formic acid. This performance boost—up to 60 times greater than previous catalysts—stems from a radical nanoscale restructuring that produces highly porous particles with a surface area (~40 m²/g) vastly exceeding conventional catalysts (~2.5 m²/g). The team’s innovative low-temperature, microwave-assisted synthesis method uses water-soluble titanium complexes to create ultra-small PTOF particles under 100 nm, which shortens the travel distance for charge carriers and reduces recombination losses despite slightly lower mobility. This eco-friendly approach avoids structural defects common in downsized
energyclean-energyphotocatalysthydrogen-productionsolar-fuelCO2-conversionsustainable-energyNuclear-powered hydrogen explored to fuel global clean energy shift
The article discusses First Hydrogen Corp.'s new initiative to design small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) in collaboration with the University of Alberta, aiming to produce low-carbon “green” hydrogen at scale. This partnership focuses on optimizing SMR technology—compact, factory-built nuclear reactors producing up to a few hundred megawatts—to generate the heat and electricity needed for hydrogen production without carbon emissions. The project targets cost-competitive hydrogen generation to support growing energy demands, particularly from artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, which Goldman Sachs predicts will increase power consumption by 160% by 2030 and could account for up to 4% of global electricity use. SMRs offer advantages such as modular construction, reduced accident risks, longer fuel cycles, and suitability for locations where large reactors are impractical. Canada, with its 60-year nuclear safety record and government backing, is positioning SMRs as a key element of future energy independence. Several provinces are advancing SMR projects, and Prime Minister Mark Car
energynuclear-powerhydrogen-productionsmall-modular-reactorsclean-energyAI-data-centerssustainable-energyNuclear-powered hydrogen explored to fuel global clean energy shift
Canada-based First Hydrogen Corp. has initiated a collaboration with the University of Alberta to design small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) aimed at producing low-carbon "green" hydrogen at competitive costs. This partnership focuses on refining reactor fuels, core materials, and plant layouts to optimize SMRs for converting heat and electricity into hydrogen without carbon emissions. First Hydrogen’s move into nuclear technology, through its newly formed subsidiary First Nuclear, targets large-scale hydrogen production to meet the growing electricity demands of AI-driven data centers, which Goldman Sachs predicts will increase data center power consumption by 160% by 2030, potentially accounting for up to 4% of global electricity use. SMRs, producing up to a few hundred megawatts, offer advantages over traditional gigawatt-scale reactors due to their modular, factory-built design that allows easier onsite assembly and installation in diverse locations such as industrial campuses or remote areas. Their simplified, mostly underground construction aims to enhance safety, reduce refueling frequency, and lower upfront costs
energynuclear-energyhydrogen-productionsmall-modular-reactorsclean-energyrenewable-energyAI-data-centersScientists cut platinum use in hydrogen production with new catalyst
Chinese researchers from Beijing University of Technology and the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a novel platinum-cobalt (PtCo) alloy catalyst supported on MXene, a conductive layered material, to improve hydrogen production efficiency while significantly reducing platinum usage. Platinum is the most effective catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in water splitting but is costly and rare, limiting large-scale clean hydrogen production. By dispersing PtCo alloy particles uniformly on MXene nanosheets, the team leveraged MXene’s large surface area and excellent electrical conductivity to enhance charge transfer, lower reaction activation energy, and expose more active catalytic sites. Testing in acidic conditions demonstrated that the PtCo/MXene catalyst achieved low overpotentials (60 mV at −10 mA/cm² and 152 mV at −100 mA/cm²) and maintained stable performance, indicating strong practical potential. Computer simulations showed that cobalt incorporation modified platinum’s electronic structure, boosting catalytic activity and facilitating faster electron transfer and hydrogen release. This breakthrough offers
energyhydrogen-productioncatalystplatinum-cobalt-alloyMXeneclean-energyrenewable-energySunlight not needed for life? Energy from fractured rocks helps survival
A recent study by researchers at the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry in China reveals that life can exist without sunlight by harnessing energy from chemical reactions triggered by the fracturing of underground rocks. This process, known as crustal faulting, creates fault zones that allow water and gases to circulate, producing reactive free radicals that react with water to generate hydrogen gas and oxidants like hydrogen peroxide. Remarkably, the hydrogen produced during simulated rock fracturing was found to be up to 100,000 times greater than that from other natural processes such as serpentinization or radiolysis. These substances create an energy-rich environment that supports microbial life deep beneath the Earth's surface, independent of sunlight. The study also highlights how these chemical reactions drive iron redox cycling, which sustains further biochemical processes involving elements essential for life, such as carbon and nitrogen. This suggests that geological activity, including earthquakes and minor underground shifts, can maintain subsurface ecosystems by providing continuous energy through redox reactions. Beyond Earth, this
energyhydrogen-productionrock-fracturingunderground-ecosystemsredox-cyclingmicrobial-lifegeochemistryGermany opens floating fuel plant powered by offshore wind, sea
Germany has launched its first offshore floating plant designed to produce synthetic fuels directly at sea using wind energy, seawater, and ambient air. Developed by the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) under the H2Mare hydrogen lead project, the modular, off-grid platform is installed on a barge anchored in Bremerhaven and will begin offshore operations near Helgoland later in 2025. The system integrates direct air capture (DAC) to extract CO₂, seawater desalination, and high-temperature electrolysis to generate hydrogen-rich synthesis gas, which is then converted into liquid synthetic fuels via Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. This floating facility operates independently of the power grid and adapts dynamically to fluctuating offshore wind energy supply. The PtX-Wind project aims to demonstrate a full Power-to-X process chain in real marine conditions, assessing environmental impacts, material durability, and legal frameworks for offshore fuel production. Beyond synthetic fuels, researchers plan to explore additional Power-to-X products such as liquid methane,
energyrenewable-energyoffshore-windsynthetic-fuelshydrogen-productionPower-to-Xfloating-fuel-plantHow old steel plant furnace mistake led to a hydrogen breakthrough
In the early 2000s, engineers at the Techint Group accidentally discovered a methane pyrolysis reaction while working on an electric arc furnace at a steel plant. Instead of the expected breakdown of carbon electrodes, the furnace split methane into hydrogen gas and solid carbon without releasing carbon dioxide. This discovery was initially overlooked but recently revived by Techint’s venture arm, leading to the creation of Tulum Energy, a startup aiming to commercialize this cleaner hydrogen production method. Tulum has raised $27 million in seed funding and is building a pilot plant in Mexico adjacent to a Techint steel mill, with plans to supply both hydrogen and solid carbon for industrial use. Methane pyrolysis offers a low-emission alternative to the conventional steam methane reforming process, which emits significant CO₂. Unlike competitors, Tulum’s approach does not require costly catalysts, relying instead on a modified electric arc furnace, potentially reducing complexity and costs. The company projects hydrogen production costs around $1.50 per kilogram—competitive
energyhydrogen-productionmethane-pyrolysisclean-energysteel-industryelectric-arc-furnacecarbon-captureTulum Energy rediscovered a forgotten hydrogen tech and used it to raise $27M
Tulum Energy emerged from a forgotten discovery made between 2002 and 2005 by engineers at the Techint Group, who accidentally created a pyrolysis reaction in an electric arc furnace that split methane into pure hydrogen and solid carbon without producing carbon dioxide. This reaction, which was initially overlooked due to limited interest in methane pyrolysis and hydrogen at the time, was rediscovered by Techint’s corporate venture arm, TechEnergy Ventures, as they sought cleaner hydrogen production methods. Leveraging this accidental innovation, Techint spun out Tulum Energy, which recently secured an oversubscribed $27 million seed funding round led by TDK Ventures and CDP Venture Capital to develop the technology commercially. Tulum Energy’s approach to methane pyrolysis stands out because it does not require expensive catalysts, unlike some competitors, and uses a modified version of widely available electric arc furnace technology. The company plans to build a pilot plant in Mexico adjacent to a Techint steel plant, with the potential for the plant to directly
energyhydrogen-productionmethane-pyrolysisclean-energyelectric-arc-furnacecarbon-emissionsstartup-fundingHydrogen’s Brutal Month: Billions Lost As Mega-Projects Collapse - CleanTechnica
The past month has been notably difficult for the hydrogen energy sector, marked by the cancellation or indefinite shelving of multiple large-scale hydrogen projects worldwide, collectively valued in the tens of billions of dollars. These setbacks highlight the significant economic and technical challenges facing hydrogen, especially in transportation and energy export markets. A key example is Australia’s CQ-H2 green hydrogen export project in Gladstone, initially a AUD$12.5 billion (US$8.13 billion) initiative aimed at supplying hydrogen to Japan and South Korea. The project collapsed after Stanwell Corporation withdrew support due to escalating costs and doubts about market viability, symbolizing broader uncertainties in hydrogen’s commercial prospects. Concurrently, Fortescue Metals Group scaled back its hydrogen ambitions, cutting around 90 related jobs and shifting focus from large-scale manufacturing to research and development to improve efficiency and reduce costs, abandoning its earlier target of producing 15 million tons of hydrogen annually by 2030. In Europe, Germany’s ArcelorMittal also abandoned plans
energyhydrogen-energyclean-energy-projectsenergy-sector-challengeshydrogen-productionenergy-marketrenewable-energyNew US fuel cell makes power, stores energy, and produces hydrogen
Engineers at West Virginia University have developed a novel protonic ceramic electrochemical cell (PCEC) fuel cell that operates stably for over 5,000 hours at 600°C and 40% humidity, significantly outperforming previous models that lasted less than 2,000 hours. This advanced fuel cell uses a unique “conformally coated scaffold” (CCS) structure that enhances durability by improving electrode–electrolyte bonding and resisting steam-induced degradation. The design allows the cell to efficiently generate electricity and hydrogen through water electrolysis while also storing energy, making it highly adaptable for modern power grids reliant on intermittent renewable sources like solar and wind. The CCS-based system demonstrates seamless switching between fuel cell and electrolysis modes during prolonged cycles, addressing the critical need for flexible energy conversion and storage in grids managing variable energy inputs. Key innovations include the incorporation of barium ions to improve proton conduction and water retention, and nickel ions to maintain structural stability at scale. Additionally, the system’s
energyfuel-cellhydrogen-productionrenewable-energyenergy-storageprotonic-ceramic-electrochemical-cellmaterials-scienceWorld’s first hydrogen-generating nuclear reactor goes live in the US
NuScale Power Corporation, in partnership with GSE Solutions, has launched the world’s first fully integrated hydrogen production simulator within a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) control room environment at its headquarters in Corvallis, Oregon. This real-time simulator models hydrogen production exceeding 200 metric tons daily using nuclear-powered high-temperature steam electrolysis, centered around Reversible Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (RSOFCs) that simultaneously generate electricity, hydrogen, and clean water. The system not only validates the integrated nuclear-hydrogen platform but also serves as a training tool for operators, supporting workforce development as SMRs evolve from grid-only electricity providers to multi-output energy producers addressing industrial decarbonization, water scarcity, and clean molecule synthesis. NuScale’s approach highlights a strategic shift in SMR applications beyond electricity generation to becoming foundational assets in hydrogen and clean fuel economies. Unlike intermittent renewables, SMRs provide consistent thermal and electrical input essential for stable high-temperature electrolysis, enabling resilient and modular hydrogen production
energyhydrogen-productionnuclear-reactorsmall-modular-reactorclean-energyelectrolysisdecarbonizationNew tech lets electrolyzers use impure water to make clean hydrogen
Researchers from Tianjin University and other Chinese institutes have developed a novel method enabling proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers to operate effectively using impure water, addressing a key limitation of current green hydrogen production technologies. Unlike alkaline electrolyzers, PEM electrolyzers produce higher purity hydrogen suitable for fuel cells but require ultrapure water, as impurities can degrade the membrane and increase costs. The new approach involves creating an acidic microenvironment at the cathode by adding Bronsted acid oxide (MoO3-x), which acts as a catalyst and locally lowers pH, enhancing electrolyzer performance and durability even with tap water. This innovation was validated through advanced microscopy techniques, showing that the PEM electrolyzer maintained stable operation for over 3,000 hours at a current density of 1.0 A/cm² using impure water, with performance comparable to conventional PEM systems relying on ultrapure water. By reducing the need for costly water pretreatment and extending system lifetime, this advancement could significantly lower the costs and complexity
energyhydrogen-productionPEM-electrolyzersclean-energyelectrolysissustainable-technologywater-purificationCreating Green Hydrogen with Urine - CleanTechnica
Researchers from the University of Adelaide and the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Carbon Science and Innovation have developed two innovative electrolysis systems that generate green hydrogen using urea found in urine and wastewater. These systems offer a more energy-efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional water electrolysis, reducing electricity consumption by 20–27%. Unlike conventional hydrogen production methods that rely on fossil fuels (grey hydrogen) or energy-intensive processes, these new systems can produce hydrogen at costs comparable to or lower than grey hydrogen while also mitigating nitrogenous waste by converting it into harmless nitrogen gas instead of toxic nitrates and nitrites. The first system employs a membrane-free electrolysis approach with a novel copper-based catalyst using pure urea, while the second system innovatively uses human urine as a green urea source, addressing sustainability concerns associated with industrial urea production. However, urine’s chloride ions pose a challenge by causing chlorine generation that corrodes the anode. To overcome this, the second system utilizes a platinum-based catalyst
energygreen-hydrogenelectrolysisrenewable-energyurea-electrolysissustainable-energyhydrogen-productionHoku Energy Aims To Fill Green Hydrogen Gap In US
The article discusses the challenges and ongoing efforts to develop green hydrogen production in the United States amid political and policy headwinds. Despite the Trump administration’s efforts to curtail renewable energy initiatives, including the termination of the Biden-era Hydrogen Hubs program that aimed to diversify hydrogen sources toward sustainable methods like electrolysis from water and biomass, investor interest in green hydrogen remains resilient. Green hydrogen, produced via electrolysis powered by renewable energy, is seen as a critical component for decarbonizing key industrial sectors such as refining, metallurgy, and fertilizer production, as well as for fuel cells in transportation and electricity generation. A notable example of continued investment is the UK-based firm Hoku Energy Ltd., which plans to establish green hydrogen facilities in the US, leveraging existing infrastructure and renewable energy sources. The article highlights the case of Cadiz, Inc., a California-based water resources company with extensive land holdings, which is developing a clean energy campus incorporating green hydrogen production powered by solar energy. While policy setbacks and market skepticism
energygreen-hydrogenrenewable-energyhydrogen-fuel-cellselectrolysissustainable-energyhydrogen-productionUS firm's advanced reactor to supply hydrogen, electricity for 400,000 homes
US-based NuScale Power Corporation is developing an integrated energy system based on its small modular reactor (SMR) technology that aims to simultaneously generate carbon-free electricity, produce clean hydrogen, and provide desalinated water. A single NuScale Power Module (NPM) is projected to supply enough clean water for 2.3 million people daily (about 150 million gallons) and generate surplus electricity to power 400,000 homes. This approach expands the application of SMRs beyond electricity generation to address critical industrial and environmental challenges such as water scarcity and clean energy production. A key innovation in NuScale’s system is the utilization of brine, the saline byproduct of desalination, as a feedstock for clean hydrogen production. In partnership with the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, NuScale has developed a carbon-free hydrogen production process that uses inert salts from brine, avoiding conventional electrolysis and reducing energy and water consumption. The company has also created an Integrated Energy System simulator to optimize hydrogen
energyclean-hydrogensmall-modular-reactorwater-desalinationcarbon-free-powerintegrated-energy-systemhydrogen-productionNew solar reactor makes green hydrogen cheaper than electrolysis
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) in Australia has developed a novel "beam-down" solar reactor that uses concentrated sunlight to produce green hydrogen fuel more cost-effectively than traditional electrolysis. Unlike conventional solar thermal systems that focus sunlight atop a tower, this design uses heliostats to reflect sunlight downward onto a ground-level platform, where intense heat drives a thermochemical reaction to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. This approach leverages doped ceria, a modified mineral that facilitates a two-step oxygen exchange process at reduced temperatures, enabling efficient and reusable hydrogen production. This innovation addresses the challenge of decarbonizing hard-to-electrify sectors such as heavy industry and transport, which currently rely heavily on fuel-based energy sources. While electrolysis remains energy-intensive and costly, CSIRO’s beam-down reactor demonstrates strong reactivity under moderate conditions and has the potential to match electrolysis in both performance and cost with further refinement. The ground-level receiver design also offers greater flexibility for high-temperature
green-hydrogensolar-reactorrenewable-energyhydrogen-productionsolar-thermal-technologyclean-energyenergy-innovationSouth Korea turns plastic bottles into hydrogen with solar power
Scientists at South Korea’s Institute for Basic Science (IBS) Center for Nanoparticle Research, led by Professors Kim Dae-Hyeong and Hyeon Taeghwan, have developed an innovative photocatalytic system that converts plastic waste, specifically PET bottles, into clean hydrogen fuel using sunlight. This system addresses the inefficiencies and greenhouse gas emissions associated with conventional hydrogen production methods by harnessing solar energy to break down plastics into byproducts like ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid while releasing hydrogen. A key advancement is the stabilization of the catalyst within a polymer network at the air-water interface, which prevents common issues such as catalyst loss and reverse reactions, enabling stable operation for over two months even in harsh alkaline conditions. The technology was successfully tested outdoors with a one-square-meter device that produced hydrogen from dissolved plastic bottles under natural sunlight. Its floatable catalyst design allows it to function in various water environments, including seawater and tap water. Importantly, simulations indicate the system can
energyclean-energyhydrogen-productionphotocatalysisplastic-recyclingsolar-powersustainable-technologyScalable method efficiently squeezes hydrogen from seawater
Researchers have developed a novel, scalable method to efficiently produce hydrogen directly from seawater, overcoming longstanding challenges such as corrosion and performance degradation caused by chloride ions. The key innovation is a custom-designed, multi-layered electrode featuring carbonate (CO₃²⁻) Lewis base sites anchored on cobalt layered double hydroxides (Co LDH) embedded within a nickel borate (NiBOx) nanostructure supported by a Ni(OH)₂/NF microarray. This structure creates a protective microenvironment that resists chloride-induced corrosion by forming a metaborate film, preventing metal dissolution and non-conductive oxide formation, thereby enhancing durability and efficiency in saline conditions. The electrode achieves an industrially relevant current density of 1.0 A cm⁻² at 1.65 V under standard conditions without requiring desalination or chemical additives, marking a significant advance toward sustainable, large-scale green hydrogen production. The carbonate-functionalized Co sites facilitate continuous water splitting and localized acidification, which improves oxygen evolution reaction kinetics and protects against chloride attack. This technology holds particular promise for arid coastal regions like the UAE, where abundant seawater and sunlight but limited freshwater resources could enable solar-powered hydrogen farms, potentially revolutionizing hydrogen production by reducing reliance on freshwater and energy-intensive desalination processes.
energyhydrogen-productionseawater-electrolysisgreen-hydrogencorrosion-resistancenanostructured-electrodesrenewable-energyAmerica Closed For Business: Bill Rolling Back IRA Provisions Will Slash Investment
energyclean-energyinvestmentindustrial-policyrenewable-energyhydrogen-productionelectric-vehicles