In the push for a cleaner, more sustainable future, hydrogen technology is taking center stage as a versatile and powerful energy source. Hydrogen startups are pioneering the next wave of energy transformation from groundbreaking electrolysis innovations to advanced storage solutions. These five companies are leading the charge with their unique technologies and approaches.
Sparc Hydrogen is on a mission to redefine green hydrogen production using photocatalytic water splitting (PWS). Unlike traditional electrolysis that requires renewable electricity, Sparc’s technology leverages sunlight and a photocatalyst to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. This direct solar-driven process significantly reduces energy consumption and infrastructure costs, paving the way for scalable green hydrogen production.
What sets Sparc apart is the simplicity and cost-efficiency of its technology. By cutting out the need for electricity, Sparc Hydrogen aims to make green hydrogen more accessible for industries and regions with limited renewable energy infrastructure.
Recent milestones include successful lab-scale tests in collaboration with the University of Adelaide and Flinders University. These tests demonstrated the feasibility of their PWS process, with plans underway to scale the technology for commercial use.
Hylium Industries specializes in liquid hydrogen storage and delivery systems, focusing on applications like drones, vehicles, and refueling stations. Their compact liquefaction systems and cryogenic storage tanks allow hydrogen to be stored as a liquid at -253°C, significantly increasing its energy density and making transport more efficient.
What makes Hylium unique is its emphasis on lightweight, portable storage solutions. These systems are not only compact but also equipped with advanced insulation to reduce hydrogen boil-off, making them ideal for mobile and aerospace applications.
In 2023, Hylium partnered with H3 Dynamics to develop liquid hydrogen storage systems for drones and hydrogen-electric aircraft. This collaboration aims to extend flight range and enhance efficiency for hydrogen-powered unmanned systems, marking a critical step in decarbonizing aviation.
Hysata is breaking new ground in green hydrogen production with its ultra-efficient electrolysers, achieving an industry-leading 95% system efficiency (41.5 kWh/kg). This innovation is based on their patented capillary-fed electrolysis cell, which minimizes energy losses and heat generation, significantly lowering the cost of hydrogen production.
The company’s technology has the potential to transform industries reliant on high hydrogen volumes, such as ammonia production and steel manufacturing. By delivering high efficiency at a competitive price, Hysata is helping accelerate the global transition to green hydrogen.
In 2023, Hysata secured a partnership with global steel giant POSCO to integrate their electrolysers into industrial hydrogen projects. The partnership, alongside their Series A funding, positions Hysata to scale their manufacturing and begin full-scale deployments by 2025.
Newtrace is on a mission to make green hydrogen affordable and widely accessible. The company designs cost-effective electrolysers using earth-abundant metals, eliminating the need for expensive rare earth elements like platinum and iridium. This approach reduces production costs without compromising efficiency or durability.
Their electrolysers are modular and scalable, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, from decentralized hydrogen hubs to industrial-scale plants. By focusing on cost reduction, Newtrace is enabling industries across the globe to adopt green hydrogen as a viable energy solution.
In 2023, Newtrace raised $5 million in seed funding from investors like Sequoia Surge and Climate Angels Fund. They also launched pilot projects with leading renewable energy developers in India, integrating their technology into solar and wind-powered hydrogen production systems.
H3 Dynamics is spearheading the integration of hydrogen fuel cells into the aviation sector, focusing on small aircraft and drones. Their hydrogen-electric propulsion systems and lightweight fuel cells enable zero-emission flight while increasing range and payload capacity.
One of H3 Dynamics’ standout innovations is their modular approach, allowing hydrogen systems to be adapted to various aircraft designs. Their work includes autonomous hydrogen drone refueling stations, which could streamline hydrogen logistics in urban and remote areas alike.
In 2023, H3 Dynamics unveiled a prototype hydrogen-electric air mobility platform, designed for urban transportation. They also partnered with Hylium Industries to advance liquid hydrogen storage for aviation, further solidifying their position as a leader in hydrogen-powered flight.