Efficient electrolysers are key to cost-effective and large-scale green hydrogen production. Research from phase one of NZTC’s Energy Hubs project identified the need to accelerate the development of next-generation electrolyser technologies to meet future domestic and global hydrogen demand. Taking action, NZTC is pushing forward the development of prototypes, with a goal to pilot. This initiative aims to scale the Scottish supply chain and establish an export market.

From an initial 36 applications received from around the globe, Clyde Hydrogen Systems, Aqsorption Ltd, and Latent Drive were selected. Each will each receive a share of the £500,000 funding to accelerate the development of their technology.

These firms offer advancements such as:

Clyde Hydrogen Systems – Decoupled hydrogen and oxygen production: Enhancing safety and efficiency
Aqsorption Ltd – Membraneless design: Reducing reliance on rare earth minerals and lowering costs
Latent Drive – Direct seawater electrolysis: Eliminating the need for desalination and enabling offshore hydrogen production 

Enabling gigawatt scale energy hubs

The Energy Hubs project aims to develop energy infrastructure across Scotland to produce large-scale green hydrogen and alternative fuels by harnessing the country’s natural resources. The hydrogen produced in Energy Hubs will transform Scotland into an exporter of green hydrogen, with plans to export over 0.9 million tonnes to Europe every year via a dedicated hydrogen pipeline.

Electrolysers, which use electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, are a critical technology for success.

Darren Gee, ETF programme manager, NZTC, said: “Electrolyser technology is an exciting sector right now, and the technological breakthroughs of today will pave the way for the green energy solutions of tomorrow.

“In Phase 1 of our Energy Hubs project, we identified an urgent need to accelerate the efficiency of electrolyser operation. In Phase 2, we are taking action. Together with key industry partners, we identified three groundbreaking UK technologies from a remarkably strong field of applicants. These technologies are scalable and have the potential to significantly push the boundaries of hydrogen production.

“By supporting technologies at an early stage of their development, we have an opportunity to drive this technology forwards and make a direct impact on the future of green hydrogen production in Scotland.”

Alasdair Allan MSP, acting minister for climate action, said: “Our energy sector, and the development of green hydrogen in particular, will play a crucial role in growing Scotland’s economy and delivering on our net zero targets.

“I am pleased to see this welcome progress in funding innovation in large scale green hydrogen production, supported by the Scottish Government’s Energy Transition Fund.”