The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) is backing Australian company HydGene Renewables, which has developed an innovative green hydrogen solution that converts biomass into hydrogen while being renewable and carbon negative.
This cutting-edge technique utilizes novel biocatalysts to convert sugars derived from organic waste into valuable hydrogen products. The process takes place in modular plants designed by HydGene, enabling localized green hydrogen production in rural and remote areas where transportation costs can be high.
HydGene has received a $2 million investment from the CEFC via the CEFC Clean Energy Innovation Fund. Lead investor Agronomics, a specialist UK investor, also contributed $2.5 million to HydGene’s $6 million seed raise. The additional capital will be used to establish a pilot plant, expand the team, and conduct further research.
The biocatalyst system developed by HydGene, based on engineered bacteria, efficiently converts biomass sugars into hydrogen gas. The system can be scaled up or down to meet demand, making it highly flexible.
The CEFC’s investment in HydGene reflects the growing urgency to accelerate the commercial development of green hydrogen technologies. The global shift towards clean energy and the potential for growth in the clean hydrogen sector are clear. HydGene’s technology aligns with Australia’s goal of becoming a global hydrogen leader by 2030 and contributes to the country’s net-zero emissions economy of the future.
The HydGene solution is particularly suitable for industries with abundant feedstock supply and waste, such as agriculture, forestry, paper and pulp, and food. The hydrogen production rate and volume are regulated through an automated and feedback-controlled process, eliminating the need for storage. The technology offers a decentralized solution to energy generation, fuel supply, and waste management, allowing hydrogen to be produced on-site where and when it is needed.
Australia’s hydrogen industry has the potential to generate $50 billion in additional GDP and create thousands of jobs. The Hydrogen Headstart program, announced in the recent Federal Budget, will provide support for renewable hydrogen production and bridge the early commercial gap for hydrogen projects. The CEFC will provide equity and debt financing for Hydrogen Headstart projects through the Advancing Hydrogen Fund.
HydGene’s breakthrough technology not only has the potential to revolutionize chemical manufacturing and energy industries but also plays a crucial role in the global transition to an affordable, green hydrogen economy. By efficiently converting waste biomass into green molecules, HydGene’s solution paves the way for the growth of decentralized manufacturing hubs while mitigating environmental concerns.
As demand for hydrogen continues to rise, reaching 115 Mt by 2030, the potential market for green hydrogen is projected to be worth $2.5 trillion by 2050. However, currently, low-emission hydrogen represents less than one percent of global production. HydGene’s technology offers a biomass-agnostic approach, utilizing existing resources that would otherwise be discarded or burned. This flexibility expands the geographical potential for green hydrogen production and contributes to a more diverse and sustainable energy mix.
HydGene joins other notable projects in the CEFC hydrogen portfolio, such as Hysata and Ark Energy. With the support of strategic investors like the CEFC and Agronomics, HydGene is poised to drive significant advancements in the chemical manufacturing and energy sectors, while accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy.
