“By 2050, global hydrogen demand could grow sixfold, and provide 10% of the global energy consumption.”
– International Energy Agency
Green hydrogen is a rescue from the CO2-producing chemical extraction of hydrogen. The process? simple. The raw material? Abundant. And the result? Unlocking 100% sustainability!
As a result, hydrogen today is enjoying unprecedented momentum, and startups around the world have jumped right in to grab their chance. Did you know that a startup is converting common diesel engines to zero-emission hydrogen engines? And another one has a patented plug-and-play technology that produces the cheapest hydrogen?
- Who are these startups?
- How are they making a difference?
- Which innovative solution are they bringing to the market?
- And how many patents have they filed?
In this article, we have discussed 10 green hydrogen startups, if you want more, you can download the report where you can find a total of 25 startups. Fill out the form below to get the report:
Here are the top 10 green hydrogen startups:
1. KEYOU
| Website | https://www.keyou.de/ |
| HQ | Germany |
| The innovation they are bringing to the market | Re-engineering Diesel engines to operate on Hydrogen |
What makes KEYOU different from other Green Hydrogen Startups?
KEYOU-H2-Technology – KEYOU is a hydrogen technology that converts conventional diesel engines into zero-emission hydrogen engines by combining efficient injection, exhaust gas recirculation, turbocharging, and a patented hydrogen catalytic converter. This was achieved with only a small number of modifications to the basic engine. KEYOU succeeded where other manufacturers have failed so far by elevating the relationship between efficiency and power density to a whole new level.
KEYOU develops new engines for new commercial vehicles by reengineering the basic engine to operate on hydrogen using its know-how and experience in hydrogen combustion. KEYOU fine-tunes or develops particular hydrogen-specific components, such as the ignition system or turbocharging, rather than modifying the underlying engine.
KEYOU-H2-Technology
What Innovative Products and Services does KEYOU Offer?
The H2 combustion engine from KEYOU is equipped with an H2-Ignition system and H2-Fuel system that is optimized with a turbocharging system, exhaust gas recirculation, and produces an engine output of >200 kW over a range of more than 500 km. The engine is integrated with KEYOU-inside technology.
KEYOU Prototype Engine
KEYOU’s accomplishments and awards
KEYOU secured an international busplaner sustainability award in the category ‘Hydrogen Bus’ in 2019, German Innovation Award in the ‘Automotive Technologies’ category in 2018, and Green Product Award in the ‘Mobility’ category in 2017.
How many Patents do KEYOU have?
KEYOU has filed 16 patent applications. All the applications are still pending. Besides Germany, the startup has filed for patents in China, Europe, and the US. Want us to dig deeper into KEYOU’s patents and uncover what tech they are protecting? Which Companies are using KEYOU’s Solutions?
KEYOU is providing solutions to various OEM Customers including DEUTZ. Hydrogen-as-a-Service (HaaS™) – Hydra provides HaaS™ technology by integrating existing low-carbon hydrogen supply and demand and retrofitting existing semi-trucks. A hydrogen injection manifold is fitted next to the air intake, blending hydrogen and air, and a separate, secondary controller is installed beneath the dashboard, controlling hydrogen flow. Fleet operators may minimize emissions and enhance vehicle performance and fuel economy regardless of payload or weather by easily converting semi-trucks with Hydra’s innovative hydrogen-diesel, co-combustion injection technology in return for long-term fuel contracts. The Hydra Model for Fleets Hydrogen-converted heavy-duty trucks by Hydra Energy can travel up to 1,000 km per day while burning only 24 kg of hydrogen even with the heaviest payloads and temperatures, 40% diesel displacement by energy. The Hydrogen Engine Control Unit (ECU) is made by Hydra and the tank rack is custom made for each vehicle model. Hydra Energy was selected as a Finalist in the Transportation Category of Fast Company’s 2021 World-Changing Ideas Awards. They also won the ‘Excellence in Environmental Leadership’ Award in 2020. Lodgewood Enterprises, a full-service short and long-haul trucking company recently signed up for Hydra Energy’s hydrogen-diesel conversion kit, for 12 of their semi-trucks. The collaboration is intended to reduce carbon emissions by over 800 tonnes per year. Hydra Energy aims to expand its service to more such clients with similar aims, in the future. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology – Targeted for a variety of air mobility like airplanes, drones, and air taxis, HyPoint offers next-generation hydrogen fuel cell technology with high specific power >2,000 W/kg and high energy density >1,500 Wh/kg. Its patented Turbo-Air Cooled technology employs a next-generation high-temperature membrane (HTPEM) instead of a low-temperature membrane (LTPEM), increasing cooling system efficiency by at least 300%. HyPoint’s revolutionary way of cooling hydrogen fuel cells gives 7.5 times more energy density and 6 times quicker refilling than previous hydrogen fuel cell systems. When these measures are combined with the turbo compressors, the available power of the system is enhanced by 70%. Improved Power Management by HyPower Fuel Cell Technology Turbo-Air Cooled HTPEM Hydrogen Fuel Cell System – The Turbo-Air Cooled HTPEM Hydrogen Fuel Cell System significantly reduces overall weight compared with traditional liquid cooling by utilizing compressed air for both cooling and oxygen supply. Its innovative catalyst and lightweight bipolar plate boost power output while reducing weight, making it ideal for a variety of drones, air taxis, eVTOLs, and fixed-wing planes. HyPoint Fuel Cell System HyPoint won NASA iTech Initiative in 2020 based on – “criteria that included technical viability, likely impact on future space exploration, benefits to humanity, and commercialization potential.” HyPoint has filed 3 patent applications. All the applications are yet to be granted. Want us to dig deeper into KEYOU’s patents and uncover what tech they are protecting? Send us a message here. HyPoint provides solutions to its clients including Piasecki Aircraft Corporation from Pennsylvania and Israel-based Urban Aeronautics. Both companies are working on high-tech aviation tech and mobility solutions. Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Technology – The technology used by PowerUP is based on Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cells. It is powered by pure hydrogen gas, and they have created their own highly active bio-based and CO2-derived nanocatalyst. Using industrial biowaste and CO2, PowerUP develops a huge surface area and extremely porous nanocarbon supports, which are subsequently augmented with metal nanoparticles. Due to the inner box structure, it is spill-resistant and shockproof. The generator may be transformed into a smart grid system thanks to its one-of-a-kind electronic block. Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Powerup is working on smart generators powered by Hydrogen fuel cells, with varying power output and charging capabilities. Below is their primary product line: The Other Solutions of PowerUP Energy Technologies include UP6K and Pressure regulator. PowerUP Energy Technologies was selected as a finalist of the Startup Energy Transition Awards 2021. They were also chosen as the best starting SME of 2019 in Estonia. PowerUP Energy last year collaborated with Fuga, a sailing expedition project. They have provided their powerful UP400 Hydrogen generator to offer as a backup power source for the Sail. PowerUP Energy Tech has filed 2 patent applications. Both applications are still pending. Want us to dig deeper into PowerUp’s patent and see how their tech is working? Send us a message here. Plasma Torch Technology – Hydrogen is currently produced mostly by steam methane reforming (SMR) and water electrolysis. HiiROC commercializes its plasma torch technology in the thermal plasma electrolysis generation of hydrogen from biomethane, flare gas, and natural gas. HiiROC’s patented technique breaks down a molecule into carbon and hydrogen ions, which produces the plasma. This one-of-a-kind approach enables low-cost, zero-emission hydrogen production. Thermal Plasma Electrolysis – Thermal Plasma Electrolysis is a low-cost, compact, modular, and scalable CO2-free hydrogen generation process that separates hydrogen from carbon in hydrocarbons without using combustion and oxygen. It generates more hydrogen per kWh of electricity than traditional methods and its modular nature enables combining multiple units to enable both local and industrial production. HiiROC has filed 5 patent applications in the UK. All patent applications are still pending. Want us to dig deeper into HiiROC’s patents and see how their tech is working? Send us a message here. In 2020, AFC Energy, a leading player in providing Hydrogen power generation tech, entered an agreement with HiiROC to use their plasma torch tech to power AFC Energy’s H-Power fuel cell systems. Hydrogen Ocean Air Capture (OAC) Technology – Planetary Hydrogen’s Ocean Air Capture (OAC) technology is a patented technology that uses renewable electricity to generate hydrogen using conventional water electrolysis. The procedure is known as SeaOH2. Ocean Air Capture (OAC) is a form of negative emissions technology that extracts and permanently stores CO2 by using the ocean’s natural chemical capabilities. CO2 is immediately absorbed and stored from the air, while valuable pure hydrogen is created. The device may consume up to 40kg of CO2 and store it permanently for every 1kg of hydrogen generated. Planetary Technology SeaOH2 – Planetary hydrogen’s SeaOH2 methods employ innovative Ocean Air Capture (OAC) technology to generate hydrogen using conventional water electrolysis. When a mineral salt is added to an electrolysis cell, it creates a waste product called mineral hydroxide, an atmosphere-scrubbing compound that actively bonds with carbon dioxide and produces ‘ocean antacid’ similar to baking soda. As a consequence, CO2 is captured and stored directly from the air, while pure hydrogen is produced. At the annual Start-Up Yard Pitching Event in 2021, which featured nine oceantech companies, Planetary Hydrogen won the first prize worth $2,000. As a judge at the event, Ray said he based his selections on the quality of the business plan, the quality of the pitch, and the evidence that the team is executing the business plan. Planetary Hydrogen has filed 3 patent applications. All patent applications are still pending. Want us to dig deeper into Planetary Hydrogen’s patents and see how their tech is working? Send us a message here. Planetary Hydrogen converted Shopify as its first customer as the e-commerce company intends to purchase negative CO2 emissions that will be generated by Planetary Hydrogen’s pilot plant. “This first sale to Shopify will be a huge boost to our business.”, said Mike Kelland, CEO at Planetary Hydrogen. Hydrogen Fuel Technologies – Hydrogen In Motion provides a breakthrough in solid-state hydrogen storage nanomaterial. The nanomaterial stores hydrogen at low pressure (50bar), high density (5wt%), and under ambient temperatures. The company simplifies the logistical uses of hydrogen fuel technologies and redefines their utilization. Hydrogen in Motion (H2M) R&D Cycle Hydrogen Measurement System Hydrogen Energy Solution Their solutions focus on portable and solid Hydrogen storage containers and delivery services. H2M Hydrogen Storage – it is a solid-state and portable storage solution available in a variety of sizes and configurations that can store twice the amount of hydrogen. The storage containers use H2M fuel cell technology and can be tailored to match the application requirements extending from drone flight time to grid-scale renewable energy storage for solar, wind, and wave. H2M Hydrogen Storage & Sample Uses H2U – H2U provides innovative hydrogen delivery solutions to customers. It establishes a direct-to-consumer delivery method, alleviating the necessity for refueling stations, and transports portable H2M hydrogen storage tanks. H2U Hydrogen Solutions In 2019, Hydrogen in Motion has secured the Clean50 award for their invention of developing nanomaterials to store hydrogen in solids. Hydrogen in Motion has filed 10 patent applications of which 2 applications are granted. The startup has filed patents in Canada, Europe, China, South Korea, and the US. H2M has various partnerships through which they provide their solution to many corporations and entities. H2 Energy Storage Technology – H2GO features innovative H2 energy storage and delivery technology portfolio that includes Zero-emission solid-state hydrogen storage module, drones, and hydrogen AI solutions. H2GO hydrogen storage module is a smart material based on highly porous nano-particles that combines hydrogen generation, storage, and controlled release. H2GO’s system engineering innovations include 3D printed and traditionally manufactured H2 storage reactors that operate at low pressures to store up to 7wt.%, as well as Plug and Play stationary power units that combine H2 generation, storage, and conversion to store energy in the form of H2. H2GO has its own AI prediction algorithms that optimize storage system functioning, adapt to user demands, and estimate power consumption. H2GO products include storage modules and units to store Hydrogen Further, the startup has drones for providing hydrogen fuel delivery. Hydrogen Storage Module – The hydrogen storage module stores a large amount of solid-state hydrogen in a small space and operates by releasing it on demand. It has a unique design, involving 16 kWh of electrical energy per reactor, and was built to function between 1 and 10 bar at temperatures below 100°C, meeting current pressure vessel standards. Plug And Play Stationery Storage Units – Plug and play stationary storage units are designed to take in renewable energy and store it as hydrogen for a long time before releasing power on demand. They have a 1.5MWh (90kg H2) pilot with AI algorithms to provide cost-effective management and optimal storage/response operations. Hydrogen For Drones – Hydrogen for drones provides a compact hydrogen storage system that allows delivering up to three times longer flight times and is made with advanced technology to meet high power and energy density requirements. It has a flexible shape and design, as well as a patent-pending energy system. H2GO Power has filed 29 patent applications. Out of 29 applications, 13 applications are granted. The startup has filed the majority of applications (18) in the UK, and a few applications in Australia, Europe, and the US. Want us to dig deeper into H2GO’s patent and see how their tech is working? Send us a message here. Electrochemical, Thermally Activated Chemical (E-TAC) Technology – H2PRO uses E-TAC (Electrochemical, Thermally Activated Chemical) technology, a new way for splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen that is 25% more efficient than traditional water electrolysis. The membrane-free electrolytic reactors from TAC are well suited to high-pressure hydrogen production and cost-effective scalability. The process is easier to scale up and maintain than traditional water electrolysis, resulting in lower CAPEX and OPEX expenses. Multi-Cell E-TAC Implementation and Single-Cell Solution Difference of E-TAC Process from Traditional Hydrolysis Note: In the left: a typical single-stage electrolyzer design, with a membrane separating the hydrogen and oxygen gasses. On the right: the two-stage E-TAC process. E-TAC (Electrochemical, Thermally Activated Chemical) – E-TAC uses a new method to divide water into hydrogen and oxygen by creating them separately in two steps – an Electrochemical (E) step and a Thermally-Activated Chemical (TAC) step, unlike conventional electrolysis. The first electrochemical step generates the hydrogen and oxidizes the anode. The second thermally-activated step regenerates the anode by releasing the oxygen and requires no current. The process allows for the creation of green hydrogen while maintaining high energy efficiency (98.7% HHV) inside the reactor and a 95% system efficiency. H2Pro won Shell’s International New Energy Challenge Competition in 2021. The Israeli startup has been named “best company in the scale-up track” in the prestigious event organized annually by Royal Dutch Shell. Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) Technology – Enapter designs and manufactures Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) electrolyzers for green hydrogen production from water and renewable energy at any scale. Enapter’s AEM technology has been patented and proven as the foundation for mass-produced electrolyzer products that produce the cheapest hydrogen providing a standardized plug-and-play product enabling to deploy green hydrogen rapidly with easy installation and simple software integration. Enapter – Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) Water Electrolysis EL 2.1 AEM Electrolyser – The EL 2.1 AEM Electrolyser is a stackable system to produce on-site hydrogen with a production rate of 500 NL/h. It uses AEM technology, which divides a single cell into two half-cells, each of which contains an electrode, a gas diffusion layer (GDL), and a bipolar plate (BPP), allowing hydrogen and oxygen to be created at pressures of 35 bar and 1 bar, respectively, unlike a typical electrolyzer. EL 2.1 AEM Electrolyser AEM Multicore – The AEM Multicore is a megawatt-class electrolyzer system stacking hundreds of AEM Electrolysers. The AEM Multicore employs 420 electrolyzer cores for a more dependable and resilient system that operates at peak efficiency regardless of load. It has a nominal power consumption of 4.8 kWh/Nm3 and a production rate of 210 Nm3/h. AEM Multicore Enapter received the Earthshot Prize in the category ‘Fix our Climate’ in 2021. Enapter also received the NRW Global Business Award in 2021 and Start-Up Energy Transition Award in 2019. Enapter has filed 27 patent applications. Out of 27 applications, only 3 patents are granted. Enapter has filed majority patents (23) in the UK. Want us to dig deeper into Enapter’s patent and see how their tech is working? Send us a message here. In Nov 2021, Enapter received the first order for its AEM Multicore electrolyzer that will operate at the Braunschweig Research Airport, a leading competence center for mobility in Europe. As the world seeks to wean itself off Russian hydrocarbon the transition to green fuel is ever more relevant. This in addition to the government policies that directly support investment in green hydrogen technologies has opened gates for many startups to make a mark in green energy. Green hydrogen is the future of the energy industry. While the above-listed startups are rigorously innovating the sector with their technology, the list doesn’t end here. We have studied the complete industry and gathered a list of – startups that will soon make a name for themselves. These startups all have unique technologies that they are working on to make Green hydrogen a success. And if you wish to make a mark in the energy industry you sure should know about them in detail. But why read the fine print when you can get the insights you need as you strategize to build an empire in the energy sector? Just fill out the form below and we’ll deliver the insights directly to your inbox. Authored By: Vipin Singh, Market Research.2. Hydra Energy
Website https://www.hydraenergy.com/ HQ British Columbia Funding Amount $12.7 Million Investors Just Business, B.C. Innovation Council (BCIC), Sustainable Development Technology Canada The innovation they are bringing to the market Hydrogen-as-a-Service (HaaS™) What makes Hydra Energy different from other Green Hydrogen Startups?
What Innovative Products/Services does Hydra Energy Offer?
Hydra Energy’s recent accomplishments
Which Companies are using Hydra Energy’s Solutions?
3. HyPoint (Acquired by ZeroAvia)
Website https://hypoint.com/ HQ United States Total Funding Amount $9.8 Million Investors NuVX Capital, AngelsDeck, Dmitry Mikhailov, Alchemist Accelerator The innovation they are bringing to the market Air-cooled Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology for aviation and urban air mobility What makes HyPoint different from other Green Hydrogen Startups?
What kind of Innovative Products/Services does HyPoint Offer?
HyPoint’s recent accomplishments
How many patents does HyPoint have?
Which Companies are using HyPoint’s Solutions?
4. PowerUP Energy Technologies
Website https://www.powerup-tech.com/ HQ Estonia Total Funding Amount $741.1K The innovation they are bringing to the market Robust Hydrogen fuel cells using Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) as underlying tech. What makes PowerUP Energy Tech different from other Green Hydrogen Startups?
What Innovative Products/Services does PowerUP Energy Tech Offer?
UP200 – The UP200 is a 200W smart generator powered by hydrogen fuel cells. It features a 12V DC output voltage and a maximum charging power of 400Ah per day. The UP200 enables the connection of the fuel cell unit in conjunction with an external battery, with solar panels, and wind turbines to generate and store excess energy for future use. UP400 – The UP400 is a portable hydrogen fuel cell-based smart generator with a maximum continuous charging current of 34A at 12V and a maximum power output of 400W. The UP400 is a smart generator with a compact, lightweight design that combines fuel cells with pioneering battery technology. UP1K – The UP1K is a 1000W smart generator powered by hydrogen fuel cells. It features a continuous power output of 1000 watts and a charging current of 42A at 24V. It features a smart and compact design that makes it suitable for backup power in the 5G telecommunications and disaster relief industries. Which Awards have been received by PowerUp?
Which Companies are using PowerUP Energy Tech’s Solutions?
How many patents does PowerUP Energy Tech have?
5. HiiROC
Website https://hiiroc.com/ HQ United Kingdom Total Funding Amount $35.2 Million Investors Centrica, Kia Motors, Melrose Industries, HydrogenOne Capital The innovation they are bringing to the market Low-cost, zero-emission hydrogen production using thermal plasma electrolysis What makes HiiROC different from other Green Hydrogen Startups?
What Innovative Products/Services does HiiROC Offer?
How many Patents does HiiROC have?
Which Companies are using HiiROC’s Solutions?
6. Plantery Technologies
Website https://www.planetarytech.com/ HQ Canada Total Funding Amount $600K Investors Canadian Technology Accelerator, Ramen Ventures, Capital Angel Network The innovation they are bringing to the market Ocean Air Capture technology to generate hydrogen using electrolysis What makes Planetary Technologies different from other Green Hydrogen Startups?
What kind of Innovative Technology does Planetary Technologies Offer?
Which Awards have been received by Planetary Technologies?
How many Patents does Planetary Technologies have?
Which Companies are using Planetary Technologies Solutions?
7. Hydrogen in Motion
Website https://www.hydrogeninmotion.com/ HQ Canada The innovation they are bringing to the market Solid-State and Portable Hydrogen Storage Solution What makes Hydrogen in Motion different from other Green Hydrogen Startups?
What kind of Innovative Solution does Hydrogen in Motion Offer?
Which Awards did Hydrogen in Motion Win?
How many Patents does Hydrogen in Motion have?
Which Companies are using Hydrogen in Motion’s Solutions?
8. H2GO Power
Website https://www.h2gopower.com/ HQ United Kingdom Total Funding Amount £6.7M Investors Crowdcube The innovation they are bringing to the market hydrogen storage module that stores a large amount of solid-state hydrogen in a small space What makes H2GO Power different from other Green Hydrogen Startups?
What kind of Innovative Products does H2GO Power Offer?
How many Patents does H2GO Power have?
9. H2Pro, Ltd.
Website https://www.h2pro.co/ HQ Israel Total Funding Amount $107.2 Million Investors Bill Gates, IN Venture, Horizons Ventures, Temasek Holdings The innovation they are bringing to the market a new way for splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen that is 25% more efficient than traditional water electrolysis What makes H2Pro different from other Green Hydrogen Startups?
What kind of Innovative Solution does H2Pro Offer?
Which Awards have been received by H2Pro?
10. Enapter
Website https://www.enapter.com/ HQ Germany Total Funding Amount $105.5 Million Investors Earthshot Prize The innovation they are bringing to the market Manufacture Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) electrolyzers that produce on-site hydrogen with a production rate of 500 NL/h. What makes Enapter different from other Green Hydrogen Startups?
What kind of Innovative Solutions does Enapter Offer?
Which Awards have been received by Enapter?
How many Patents does Enapter have?
Which Companies are using Enapter’s Solutions?
Conclusion
