Hydrogen has long been hailed as a key player in the quest for cleaner energy, but today’s production methods often tarnish this green promise. Currently, 96% of the 90 million metric tons of hydrogen produced annually comes from fossil fuels like natural gas, oil, and coal, mostly through a process that generates significant carbon emissions. This traditional approach, involving steam reforming of methane, isn't exactly in line with climate-friendly goals.
However, there's a growing push to transform hydrogen production, making it both cleaner and more cost-effective. Enter Hgen, a startup founded by former Tesla and SpaceX engineers Molly Yang and Colin Ho. Their mission? To revolutionize how we produce hydrogen by optimizing electrolyzers—devices that use electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.
Hgen's approach focuses on making these electrolyzers more efficient and affordable. Backed by a $5 million funding round led by Seven Seven Six, with support from Fontinalis Partners and Founders Fund, the company is now scaling its innovative technology. Unlike newer, more expensive methods, Hgen leverages proven alkaline electrolyzers but has significantly downsized and optimized them. This reduces both material and manufacturing costs, potentially cutting the price of hydrogen production dramatically.
The company has addressed one of the key inefficiencies in electrolyzer design: the buildup of hydrogen and oxygen bubbles on the electrodes. By tweaking the electrode design, Hgen ensures these bubbles are removed more efficiently, allowing for smaller, more cost-effective electrolyzer stacks that maintain the same hydrogen output.
Hgen’s electrolyzers will be compactly packaged into 40-foot shipping containers, simplifying installation with just water and electricity required. This modular approach is set to disrupt the market by offering a more economical and reliable hydrogen supply compared to the costly and complex liquefied hydrogen delivery systems currently in use.
As Hgen continues to refine its technology and expand its reach, it’s clear that the company is paving the way for a more sustainable hydrogen future, one that aligns closely with the ambitious goals of reducing industrial carbon footprints.
