Supercritical Scores £14 Million to Revolutionise Green Hydrogen
London, Wednesday, 12 March 2025.
Supercritical Solutions just bagged £14 million to supercharge their low-cost electrolyser. This could shake up how we make hydrogen and curb emissions in tough industries.
Groundbreaking Technology
I’m excited to share that Supercritical’s technology isn’t just another incremental improvement - it’s a genuine leap forward. Their membraneless electrolyser delivers hydrogen at pressures exceeding 220 bar with remarkable 99% purity [2]. What’s really impressive is how it uses 20-30% less energy compared to traditional electrolysers [1]. In practical terms, we’re looking at 42 kWh/kg compared to the usual 55 kWh/kg for conventional systems [4].
Strong Backing from Industry Giants
The funding round, co-led by Shell Ventures and Toyota Ventures, has attracted an impressive lineup of investors. Along with follow-on investment from Lowercarbon Capital and Anglo American Platinum, new players including Al Mada Ventures, Blackfinch Ventures, and several others have joined the initiative [1]. As Matt Bird, Supercritical’s CEO, puts it: ‘Where others are making cuts and hitting roadblocks, Supercritical strides forward in green hydrogen due to its highly differentiated solution’ [1].
Environmental Impact
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Currently, hydrogen production generates over 1 billion tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually [4]. But here’s where it gets interesting - Supercritical’s technology could transform sectors like ammonia production, which accounts for 34% of global hydrogen demand [4]. The company has set an ambitious target to lower hydrogen production costs to under £1/kgH2 within this decade [1].
Market Response
The market is already showing strong interest - Supercritical has launched a waiting list for businesses eager to secure early access to their systems [2]. Toyota Ventures’ Principal Ethan Sohn emphasizes the technology’s potential: ‘Supercritical Solutions’ unique membraneless electrolyzer has the potential for groundbreaking energy efficiency that is critical to bringing down the levelized cost of hydrogen’ [1].