Top 10 Green Hydrogen Startups Innovating Energy Sector
“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 is enjoying unprecedented momentum today, and startups around the world have jumped right in to grab their chance. Did you know that one startup is converting common diesel engines to zero-emission hydrogen engines, and another 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. You can download the report to find 25 startups if you want more information. 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 |
| Funding | €1.5 Million |
| Investors | European Innovation Council |
| Innovation | 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 company 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.
What Innovative Products and Services does KEYOU Offer?
The KEYOU H2 combustion engine is equipped with an H2-Ignition system and an H2-Fuel system optimized with a turbocharging system and exhaust gas recirculation. It produces an engine output of >200 kW over a range of more than 500 km. The engine is integrated with KEYOU-inside technology.
KEYOU’s Accomplishments And Awards
KEYOU secured an international busplaner sustainability award in the category ‘Hydrogen Bus’ in 2019, a German Innovation Award in the ‘Automotive Technologies’ category in 2018, and a Green Product Award in the ‘Mobility’ category in 2017.
How Many Patents Does 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 provides solutions to various OEM Customers, including DEUTZ.
2. Hydra Energy
| Website | https://www.hydraenergy.com/ |
| HQ | British Columbia |
| Funding | $12.7 Million |
| Investors | Just Business, B.C. Innovation Council (BCIC), Sustainable Development Technology Canada |
| Innovation | Hydrogen-as-a-Service (HaaS™) |
What Makes Hydra Energy Different from Other Green Hydrogen Startups?
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, which blends hydrogen and air, is fitted next to the air intake. A separate secondary controller, installed beneath the dashboard, controls 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.
What Innovative Products/Services Does Hydra Energy Offer?
Hydra Energy‘s hydrogen-converted heavy-duty trucks can travel up to 1,000 km per day while burning only 24 kg of hydrogen, 40% of diesel displacement by energy, even with the heaviest payloads and temperatures. The Hydrogen Engine Control Unit (ECU) is made by Hydra, and the tank rack is custom-made for each vehicle model.
Hydra Energy’s Accomplishments
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.
Which Companies Are Using Hydra Energy’s Solutions?
Lodgewood Enterprises, a full-service short and long-haul trucking company, recently signed up for Hydra Energy’s hydrogen-diesel conversion kit for 12 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.
3. Viritech
| Website | https://www.viritech.co.uk/ |
| HQ | United Kingdom |
| Funding | £8.5 Million |
| Investors | Crowdcube, Arosa Capital Management, Advanced Propulsion Centre UK |
| Innovation | Hydrogen Powertrain solutions For the Automotive, Aerospace, Marine, and Distributed Power industries |
What Makes Viritech Different from Other Green Hydrogen Startups?
Hydrogen Powertrain Technology — Viritech is the accelerator and evangelist for the hydrogen revolution, which the startup demonstrates through its hypercar, the Apricale. The Apricale® Hypercar was designed to be a development platform for Viritech’s hydrogen powertrain technologies, including energy management systems, structural graphene pressure vessels, and high-performance energy storage. Viritech can also deliver large engineering projects since it has access to Horiba-40 MIRA’s engineering facilities and 700 professionals.
Tri-Volt Energy Management Systems — The core of Viritech’s hydrogen powertrain solutions is its proprietary Energy Management System technology, which provides a group of control systems to enable the integration of modern hydrogen powertrain solutions in vehicles, machinery, aircraft, boats/ships, and off-grid energy storage and electricity generation plants.
What kind of Innovative Products Does Viritech Offer?
The Apricale™ — The Apricale™ is a hydrogen-powered hypercar incorporating Viritech’s hydrogen powertrain technologies Graph-Pro™ Structural Pressure Vessels, a patented lightweight graphene composite Type IV & V pressure vessel, and the Tri-Volt™ Energy Management System. The Apricale® is being developed by MIRA and will be released in 2023 with a limited production run of only 25 cars to ensure its long-term rarity value.
The Jovian™ — The Jovian™ is a hydrogen-heavy goods vehicle powered by the same hydrogen powertrain that powers the Apricale™. It will have a freight capacity comparable to a typical diesel HGV. The Jovian™, which is yet to launch, will be made of composite materials and incorporate the company’s patent-pending structural hydrogen tank design.
The SkyWolf™ —The SkyWolf™ is made of graphene composites and incorporates Viritech’s patent-pending pressure vessels in the airframe construction. It also utilizes Apricale’s engine and control systems. The company has no immediate plans to build the SkyWolf™ but plans to build an aviation mule in early 2022 to evaluate the viability of its hydrogen powertrains for flight.
How Many Patents Does Viritech Have?
Viritech has filed 2 patent applications in the UK. Both applications are still pending.
4. PowerUP Energy Technologies
| Website | https://www.powerup-tech.com/ |
| HQ | Estonia |
| Funding | $741.1K |
| Innovation | Hydrogen fuel cells with Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) |
What makes PowerUP Energy Tech different from other Green Hydrogen Startups?
Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Technology — PowerUP uses technology 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.
What Innovative Products/Services Does PowerUP Energy Tech Offer?
Powerup is working on smart generators powered by Hydrogen fuel cells, with varying power output and charging capabilities. Below is their primary product line:
 | 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. |
The Other Solutions of PowerUP Energy Technologies include UP6K and a Pressure regulator.
Which Awards have been received by PowerUp?
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.
Which Companies are using PowerUP Energy Tech’s Solutions?
PowerUP Energy last year collaborated with Fuga, a sailing expedition project. They have provided their powerful UP400 Hydrogen generator as a backup power source for the Sail.
How many patents does PowerUP Energy Tech have?
PowerUP Energy Tech has filed 2 patent applications. Both applications are still pending. Do you want us to dig deeper into PowerUp’s patent and see how their tech works?
5. HiiROC
| Website | https://hiiroc.com/ |
| HQ | United Kingdom |
| Funding | $35.2 Million |
| Investors | Centrica, Kia Motors, Melrose Industries, HydrogenOne Capital |
| Innovation | Low-cost, zero-emission hydrogen production using thermal plasma electrolysis |
What makes HiiROC different from other Green Hydrogen Startups?
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.
What Innovative Products/Services Does HiiROC Offer?
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 the combination of multiple units for local and industrial production.
How many Patents does HiiROC have?
HiiROC has filed 5 patent applications in the UK, all of which are still pending.
Which Companies are using HiiROC’s Solutions?
AFC Energy, a leading Hydrogen power generation technology provider, entered an agreement with HiiROC in 2020 to use their plasma torch technology to power AFC Energy’s H-Power fuel cell systems.
6. Plantery Technologies
| Website | https://www.planetarytech.com/ |
| HQ | Canada |
| Funding | $600K |
| Investors | Canadian Technology Accelerator, Ramen Ventures, Capital Angel Network |
| Innovation | Ocean Air Capture technology to generate hydrogen using electrolysis |
What makes Planetary Technologies Different from Other Green Hydrogen Startups?
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 using the ocean’s natural chemical capabilities. CO2 is immediately absorbed from the air and stored 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.
What kind of Innovative Technology does Planetary Technologies Offer?
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. This atmosphere-scrubbing compound actively bonds with carbon dioxide and produces ‘ocean antacid’ similar to baking soda. Consequently, CO2 is captured and stored directly from the air, while pure hydrogen is produced.
Which Awards have been received by Planetary Technologies?
At the annual Start-Up Yard Pitching Event 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.
How many Patents does Planetary Technologies have?
Planetary Hydrogen has filed 3 patent applications. All patent applications are still pending.
Want us to examine Planetary Hydrogen’s patents more thoroughly and see how their technology is working? Send us a message here.
Which Companies are using Planetary Technologies Solutions?
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.
7. Hydrogen in Motion
| Website | https://www.hydrogeninmotion.com/ |
| HQ | Canada |
| Innovation | Solid-State and Portable Hydrogen Storage Solution |
What makes Hydrogen in Motion different from other Green Hydrogen Startups?
Hydrogen Fuel Technologies — Hydrogen In Motion provides a breakthrough in solid-state hydrogen storage nanomaterial. The nanomaterial stores hydrogen at low pressure (50 bar), high density (5wt%), and under ambient temperatures. The company simplifies the logistical uses of hydrogen fuel technologies and redefines their utilization.
What kind of Innovative Solution does Hydrogen in Motion Offer?
Their solutions focus on portable and solid Hydrogen storage containers and delivery services.
H2M Hydrogen Storage 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. They can be tailored to match the application requirements, extending from drone flight time to grid-scale renewable energy storage for solar, wind, and wave energy.
H2U provides innovative hydrogen delivery solutions to customers. It establishes a direct-to-consumer delivery method, alleviates the necessity for refueling stations, and transports portable H2M hydrogen storage tanks.
Which Awards Did Hydrogen in Motion Win?
In 2019, Hydrogen in Motion secured the Clean50 award for their invention of developing nanomaterials to store hydrogen in solids.
How many Patents Does Hydrogen in Motion Have?
Hydrogen in Motion has filed 10 patent applications, of which 2 were granted. The startup has filed patents in Canada, Europe, China, South Korea, and the US.
Which Companies Are Using Hydrogen in Motion’s Solutions?
H2M has various partnerships through which it provides solutions to many corporations and entities.
- On September 1, 2021, H2M announced a partnership with Loop Energy to convert a Southern Railway of British Columbia-owned and operated diesel-electric switcher locomotive to hydrogen-electric.
- In July 2021, H2M announced a collaboration with H2e Power to develop a Hydrogen 3-wheeler for the Indian and global markets.
8. H2GO Power
| Website | https://www.h2gopower.com/ |
| HQ | United Kingdom |
| Funding | £6.7 Million |
| Investors | Crowdcube |
| innovation | Hydrogen Storage Module Storing Solid-state Hydrogen In Small Space |
What Makes H2GO Power Different from Other Green Hydrogen Startups?
H2 Energy Storage Technology — H2GO features an innovative H2 energy storage and delivery technology portfolio that includes Zero-emission solid-state hydrogen storage modules, 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.
What kind of Innovative Products does H2GO Power Offer?
H2GO products include storage modules and units to store Hydrogen. Further, the startup has drones for 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. It is made with advanced technology to meet high power and energy density requirements. The system has a flexible shape and design, as well as a patent-pending energy system.
How many Patents does H2GO Power have?
H2GO Power has filed 29 patent applications, 13 of which have been granted. The startup has filed the majority of applications (18) in the UK and a few in Australia, Europe, and the US.
Do you want us to dig deeper into H2GO’s patents and see how their tech works?
9. NPROXX
| Website | https://www.nproxx.com/ |
| HQ | Netherlands |
| Innovation | High-Pressure Hydrogen Storage For Both Stationary And Mobile Applications |
What Makes NPROXX Different from Other Green Hydrogen Startups?
Unique Storage Technique — NPROXX has a unique storage technique that creates several ways to safely store hydrogen at high pressure. NPROXX storage systems are modular applications that allow huge volumes of hydrogen to be securely and conveniently stored, whether at the point of production, filling stations, or other facilities. NPROXX is working on a new hydrogen storage system that can store more than 1,000kg of hydrogen at a nominal working pressure of 500 bar.
What kind of Innovative Products does NPROXX Offer?
Hydrogen Storage for Filling Stations — The Hydrogen Storage for Filling Stations solution is a Type 4 composite pressure vessel embedded in standard containers for use at H2 fueling stations. It allows several vehicles to be fueled faster. The systems can be certified according to ADR and have a nominal working pressure of 300 or 500 bar.
Stationary Hydrogen Storage Applications — NPROXX offers various applications for the long-term storage of large amounts of hydrogen. It allows the installation of refueling stations and storage depots to refill hydrogen-powered vehicles of all types. At a nominal working pressure of 500 bar, it can store more than 1,000kg of H2.
Hydrogen Infrastructure — NPROXX provides a Hydrogen Infrastructure solution for more nimble demands, such as fueling light vehicles or in difficult-to-reach places where pipelines are unavailable and mobile hydrogen infrastructure is necessary. NPROXX is working on or has completed the development of a hydrogen refueling station for city buses and local and regional trains.
Which Awards did NPROXX Receive?
NPROXX has been awarded the ‘2020 AC2 Innovation Prize, District of Aachen’ for developing carbon fiber high-pressure storage vessels for gaseous hydrogen storage.
How many Patents does NPROXX have?
NPROXX has filed 19 patent applications, 5 of which have been granted. The startup has filed patent applications in the US, Germany, and Europe.
10. Steelhead Composites
| Website | https://steelheadcomposites.com/ |
| HQ | United States |
| Funding | $16.4 Million |
| Investors | Sandusky Ventures, 9th Street Investments, Andrew Coors, Arosa Capital |
| Innovation | High-Performance Type III and IV Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessels |
What Makes Steelhead Composites Different from Other Green Hydrogen Startups?
Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessels (COPVs) Technology — Steelhead introduces the High-Performance Type III and IV Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessels (COPVs) technology for storage, which aids in the development of high-performance carbon fiber composites with low weight and extended life.
These vessels include ‘Steelhead’ patent-protected extended port openings with hydrogen-ready, stainless steel or aluminum threaded connections wide enough to contain an in-tank valve and regulator. Steelhead’s thermal phase-change material (PCM) allows for faster filling and larger capacities and has proven durable against drop and impact damage.
What kind of Innovative Products do Steelhead Composites Offer?
HydrogenCube™ Containerized Storage — The Hydrogen Cube™ is a large-volume integrated storage system that provides a portable and cheaper compressed hydrogen gas storage solution. It includes swappable modules with an operating temperature range of 40° to 85°C and may be used with any fuel cell, compressor, or electrolyzer. It is available in two sizes: 8kg vessels and 18kg vessels.
HydrogenCube™ Module Storage Systems — Hydrogen CubePlus™ is a mobile-friendly containerized storage system with quick-connect filling and discharging receptacles and Pressure line isolation valves. It is a lightweight multiple-element gaseous container permanently mounted to high-strength steel frames. CubePlus Mini 10, CubePlus 20, CubePlus 40, and CubePlus 53 are some of the models available.
COPV — COPV is a hydrogen gas cylinder in Type III and IV vessels with 350, 500, and 700 bar pressure ratings. It is built of Epoxy-impregnated, high-strength composite materials and features a fully digital quality control system. Aluminum linear is used in Type III pressure vessels, while polymeric linear is used in Type IV pressure vessels.
Which Awards Did Steelhead Composites Receive?
In 2019, Steelhead Composites won the Top Advancer Award and was awarded the Gold Leader by the Colorado Environmental Leadership Program.
How many Patents does Steelhead Composites have?
Steelhead Composites has filed 4 patent applications, of which 2 patents have been granted. The startup filed all the applications in the US.
Conclusion
As the world seeks to wean off Russian hydrocarbon, the transition to green fuel is 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 entire 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.
If you wish to make a mark in the energy industry, you 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 to your inbox.
Authored By: Vipin Singh, Market Research.
Edited By: Naveen Kumar, Marketing
Thank you for putting together this excellent comparison of these companies. I am interested in this industry and the format of your article is perfect for comparing apples to apples.
Excellent Article !! Thanks for collecting this information