The University of Kansas (KU) has been chosen by the Department of Energy (DOE) for a significant investment in clean hydrogen research.
This initiative is one of 52 projects included in a $750 million program aimed at reducing the cost and enhancing American leadership in the hydrogen industry.
The funding will support a partnership between KU and Avium, a startup founded by KU School of Engineering researchers. Avium was established in 2017 after discovering new catalysts that improved the efficiency of green hydrogen production.
Kevin Leonard, a KU professor and chief science officer of Avium, highlighted the wide-ranging applications of hydrogen. Currently, nearly 100 million tons of hydrogen are produced annually for use in various industries, including fertilizers, cement, and metal processing. The conventional method uses natural gas and results in significant CO2 emissions.
KU and Avium aim to innovate catalysts and technologies for better green hydrogen production. These advancements could not only benefit traditional industries but also support new applications such as sustainable aviation fuels.
