EM Energy, a Newcastle-based startup developing technology to convert organic waste into green hydrogen, has been awarded a $50,000 MVP grant by the NSW Government. This funding, provided through the MVP Ventures Program, will help accelerate the company’s commercialization plans.
The startup’s innovative technology, known as the Organic Hydrogen Electrolyser Cell (OHEC), allows for the production of green hydrogen from organic materials without the need for external energy and heat, which is a major breakthrough in hydrogen generation. Currently, approximately 95% of hydrogen production relies on fossil fuels, making EM Energy’s technology a potentially transformative solution for clean energy production.
The OHEC technology is in the testing and validation phase at the University of Newcastle. The MVP grant will support the international patenting of the technology, opening up further investment opportunities and facilitating the advancement of this groundbreaking method.
Chris Wilson, co-founder of EM Energy, emphasized the distinct advantages of the OHEC device over traditional electrolysis methods, which require significant energy inputs. “The OHEC device can also be deployed directly onsite, removing the need to transport hydrogen, which is an expensive and difficult exercise in its own right,” Wilson stated.
The invention was developed by Isabel Toasa, co-founder and Head of Research at EM Energy, and leverages organic activation that produces self-energy and supports electrolysis by releasing free hydrogen radicals from organic matter.
Anoulack Chanthivong, NSW Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, praised EM Energy’s efforts: “EM Energy is pushing the boundaries when it comes to innovation and we’re delighted to support the development of its green hydrogen production technology, which has the potential to be a game-changer for sustainable energy generation globally.”
The MVP Ventures program aims to bridge the gap between early-stage research and mature investment opportunities by offering grants ranging from $25,000 to $50,000. EM Energy’s receipt of this grant underscores the potential impact and significance of their work in advancing green hydrogen technologies.
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