Gamechanging new technology to make energy from hydrogen is on the way to being plugged in to Stroud-based Ecotricity's power network after the firm gave financial backing to a cutting-edge venture from the University of Glasgow (UoG).

Clyde Hydrogen, an independent, for-profit business 'spinout' created by academic researchers at UoG, confirmed it has secured the strategic investment from Ecotricity and the deal promises to fast-track development of its revolutionary hydrogen technology.

A UoG statement confirmed: "The deal, which closes Clyde Hydrogen's Pre-Seed2 funding round, will see the company test its prototype energy storage system at one of Ecotricity's renewable energy sites in the UK."

Hydrogen is seen as critical to achieving net zero, with potential to replace fossil fuels across industries from transport to heavy manufacturing. But scaling up affordable green hydrogen production has remained an elusive quest thanks to limitations in current technologies.

However, Clyde Hydrogen, based in Glasgow, says it is developing a breakthrough system which promises to be simpler, safer and more cost-effective than conventional technologies, while also delivering greater flexibility and a longer lifespan.

The company is already testing an advanced prototype and is now scaling up to a larger, fully integrated system to prove its commercial potential.

James Peck, CEO of Clyde Hydrogen, said: "This partnership with Ecotricity is a fantastic achievement for Clyde. By bringing in a strategic investor who can provide valuable support beyond the financial investment we can accelerate the delivery of our game changing decoupled electrolysis technology to the market. We thank Dale Vince for his continued passion and vision for a better world."

The UK Government has set out high expectations for the role of hydrogen in its future energy plans and seeks hydrogen to fulfil between 20%-35% of the nation's total energy demand. According to UoG, the UK currently produces around 27 TWh hydrogen each year: "This would need to expand to 250 TWh by 2050 to meet even the minimum forecast expectations".

Dale Vince, founder of Ecotricity, added: "This technology could be revolutionary, so I'm happy to support Clyde Hydrogen in its mission to deliver a very different way of producing hydrogen which is not only lower in cost but able to offer a real solution to green energy storage. I have not seen a technology with such potential and wanted to ensure it can deliver in the real world as soon as possible."

UoG added: "The partnership is an outstanding example of how academic research can be translated into real world impact - opening new possibilities for affordable green energy storage."

As a critical player in the growing green hydrogen sector, Clyde Hydrogen says it aims to leverage its cutting-edge research to drive the hydrogen economy forward.

The company explained: "Green hydrogen, which is produced through electrolysis using renewable energy sources such as wind or solar power is entirely free from carbon emissions. However, traditional electrolysis systems, entrenched in a 135-year-old architecture, are fundamentally inadequate for the green revolution. These outdated systems ineffectively integrate with renewable energy sources and present high costs and complexities that hinder scalability."

The spinout says it can offer patented breakthrough technology which "redefines electrolysis architecture, severing the direct bond between hydrogen and oxygen generation".

It added: "This pioneering feat gives the unprecedented ability to split water into hydrogen and oxygen in completely separate locations and at completely separate rates and times. Their decoupled systems stand head and shoulders above other alternatives, offering an unparalleled blend of simplicity and safety. They are adept at working directly with renewable energy sources such as wind and solar PV, and are capable of producing high-pressure hydrogen without the necessity of a mechanical compressor."

Key claimed innovations include:

● Unique technology that is directly compatible with renewable energy sources giving higher availability, thus allowing more green electrons to be converted to green molecules.

● Breakthrough architecture which inherently supports hydrogen buffering through its unique liquid mediator. This allows the system to charge-up with hydrogen while there is no hydrogen demand and then to deliver high pressure hydrogen very quickly when needed. Conversely, when there is no renewable energy available, hydrogen can still be produced on demand from the charged liquid mediator.

● Decoupled electrolysis innovations which deliver systems that have significantly improved durability, safety and simplicity, delivering the lifetime performance industry needs at a lower cost.

The company added: "Hydrogen is considered one of the most promising alternatives to fossil fuels, with the potential to decarbonize sectors that are difficult to electrify, such as heavy industry, shipping, and aviation. 

● The UK government's commitment to achieving net-zero by 2050 has created a favourable environment for hydrogen-related companies like Clyde Hydrogen, UoG said: "The government's Hydrogen Strategy outlines plans to invest in hydrogen production capacity, positioning the UK as a leader in the global hydrogen economy."