HPQ Silicon, a technology company specializing in green engineering processes for silica and silicon material production, announced its Lyon based, affiliated company, Novacium has filed a patent application for a low carbon footprint, chemical based, on-demand and high-pressure autonomous H₂ production system.

The new H₂ production system uses a chemical process to liberate H₂ from specific low-cost, low-carbon footprint, and non-hazardous alloys. Furthermore, the H₂ produced by the chemical process directly reaches industry-standard pressure levels, typically ranging from 200 bar–1,000 bar.

HARNESSING H₂ POTENTIAL WHILE ELIMINATING LIMITING FACTORS

Unlike traditional electrolysis-based H₂ production systems, Novacium's process operates without the need for electricity, extensive storage and complex transportation infrastructure, offering a truly autonomous solution.

“This innovative approach aims to unlock the H₂ stored in water using eco-friendly and low-cost alloys, providing an alternative, safe, and efficient means of H₂ production,” said Oleksiy, NICHIPORUK PhD, Novacium's Chief Technical Officer. “We believe this system has the power to transform H₂'s role as a clean energy source across various industries.”

The dual-application process, designed for military and civilian uses, addresses a potential client's need for a low-carbon footprint, on-demand, high-pressure autonomous H₂ production system deployable anywhere globally, even under off-grid conditions, with safety as a top priority.

Novacium is engaged in discussions aiming to secure grant financing, from two potential clients, to cover 35% to 75% of the costs to deliver the first working prototype of the system by the end of 2024.

“The uniqueness of Novacium's H₂ production system comes from the fact that its re-imagines how to produce H₂ simply and safely, reducing transportation needs, and therefore, holds the potential to have significant implications for H₂'s role as safe and clean energy onsite source in various industrial applications,” said Bernard Tourillon, President and CEO of NOVACIUM SAS and HPQ Silicon.

H₂ can play a significant role in decarbonizing the economy due to its zero-emission characteristics and high energy-to-weight ratio. However, as of 2021, less than 1 MMt of H₂ demand out of a total of 94 MMt came from low-emission sources, with the rest produced from unabated fossil fuels.

According to a Deloitte study, achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 will require developing a clean H₂ market equivalent to 170 MMt by 2030, with projections reaching nearly 600 MMt by 2050.

Despite the rapid growth in the pipeline of low-emission H₂ production projects, few of them are advancing to the financial investment decision stage. Most of these projects rely on electrolysis or fossil fuel with carbon capture, utilization and storage for H₂ production, which doesn't fully address the multiple challenges hindering H₂ adoption.

“We are excited to announce the filing of this patent application combined with the quick and high market interest in our solution,” said Jed KRAIEM PhD, Novacium Chief Operating Officer. “It marks a crucial step in our commitment to advancing sustainable and autonomous energy solutions.”