US electrolyser start-up Ecolectro has raised $10.5 in a Series A round to accelerate the development and deployment of its AEM systems, which it claims can already produce green hydrogen for under $2.5/kg.
Seeing participation from Starshot Capital, DNX Ventures, Energy Revolution Ventures, New Climate Ventures and more, the round led by Toyota Ventures brings the start-up’s capital raise to $27.7m following on from US state and federal grants.
Founded by two Cornell PhD chemists, Ecolectro is developing a PFAS and iridium-free AEM electrolyser, which it says uses readily available, recyclable and eco-friendly materials to produce hydrogen.
Slated to offer a highly durable membrane that operates efficiently in high temperatures and alkaline conditions, the firm says it had achieved over 70% efficiency – 47.5 kWh/kg of hydrogen – in typical operating environments.
Ecolectro has already launched its first 10kW electrolyser pilot with Liberty New York Gas for a blending trial in Massena, New York to heat commercial buildings, where it claims to have produced green hydrogen for under $2.5/kg.
Following on from the trial, Liberty plans to scale up the deployment to 1MW.
“Hydrogen is key to decarbonising heavy industry and other hard-to-abate sectors, but cost-prohibitive barriers have delayed widespread adoption,” said Dr. Rodríguez-Colero, co-founder and CEO of Ecolectro.
“We’re breaking down those barriers today – not years from now.”
The Series A funds are set to be used to speed up the development of the firm’s commercial 250-500kW and 1-5MW electrolysers, with plans to begin prototype testing early next year before commercial availability in late 2025.
Five essential steps to prevent electrolyser degradation
Optimising cell design, system control, managing water quality management, material selections and efficient operation are crucial to preventing electrolyser degradation, an H2 View webinar has heard.
James Cropper’s Chief Technology Officer, Dr. David Hodgson, explained that by implementing these key measures, hydrogen producers can effectively prevent electrochemical corrosion, hydrogen embrittlement, catalyst poisoning and other issues.
As a result, the company’s proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysers can maintain high efficiency and reach their expected 10-year lifespan…
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