Power to Hydrogen (P2H2), a Columbus-based clean energy startup, is embarking on an ambitious mission. Partnering with a consortium of international electrical utilities, including American Electric Power (AEP), EDP, E.ON, and ESB, P2H2 is set to pilot its innovative low-cost clean hydrogen production and energy storage systems.
This groundbreaking collaboration, born from the 2022 Free Electrons Program, marks a significant step toward a greener, more resilient electric grid, with green hydrogen at its core.
The origins of this collaboration trace back to the 2022 Free Electrons Program, a renowned innovation initiative for global utilities. Throughout the program’s duration, P2H2 and these international utilities joined forces to explore the potential of hydrogen in revolutionizing the energy landscape. Their shared vision bore fruit when P2H2 clinched the $200,000 Grand Challenge Prize in October 2022 during the program’s Final Showcase in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Now, these pioneering partners are taking their commitment further by launching pilot projects to demonstrate the practicality of hydrogen technologies. This collaborative effort stands as a groundbreaking endeavor, with utilities in the Free Electrons program working collectively to push the boundaries of technology in pursuit of cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions.
Taking the First Steps
The initial phase of implementation is led by P2H2’s growing team of engineers, bolstered by AEP’s expertise at the Dolan Technology Center in Columbus, Ohio. Together, they are testing P2H2’s prototype and industrial-scale AEM electrolysis technology. Additionally, they are exploring P2H2’s reversible fuel cell technology, which holds the potential to revolutionize long-duration energy storage.
P2H2 CEO Dr. Paul Matter expressed enthusiasm for this milestone, stating, “The team is excited to begin the demonstration of our technology with a group of forward-thinking global utilities so we can show them what the technology is capable of.”
P2H2’s reversible fuel cell technology, partially funded by NASA for lunar applications, is a key player in this endeavor. Initially designed to collect and store solar energy on the moon for use during extended lunar nights, this technology has found applications on Earth as a decarbonized energy resource. By combining hydrogen production with electricity generation within a single system, this innovative approach promises efficient energy storage performance.
Commercializing Green Hydrogen
P2H2 is on a mission to commercialize its patent-protected electrolyzers, aiming to reduce hydrogen production costs by eliminating costly precious metals and connecting directly to renewable energy sources for cleaner, more affordable electricity.
