An ultra-efficient electrolyser to cut the production costs for renewable (green) hydrogen
We speak to Matt Bird of Supercritical Solutions about his company’s high-pressure hydrogen electrolyser. Supercritical Solutions was a New Energy Challenge runner-up in 2021 but was offered the same value support as the 2021 winner.
Having Shell involved at crucial stages of development underlines the importance of the relationship that has developed since we won the NEC.
How would you describe your technology and what it does?
Our electrolyser technology offers an ultra-efficient system for converting water to high-pressure renewable (green) hydrogen and oxygen. Our high-pressure hydrogen is produced with a system efficiency of 95%.
Previous generations of electrolyser are less efficient (typically 50–60% efficiency) and require a separate compression step to deliver the hydrogen at a specification that meets industry needs. Delivering hydrogen at over 200 bar eliminates the need for compression for industry, reduces capital and operating expenditures and makes the option of green hydrogen more appealing.
The approach we have taken is to simplify the process. For example, our system has no need for a membrane, which removes a complex and fragile part of typical systems. We do not use rare earth metals or polymers, and there is no stack cooling system, because we do not require cooling. In essence, our system offers higher pressure, greater efficiency and a simpler supply chain. The result is the lowest-cost renewable hydrogen.
What did winning the NEC mean for the company?
Winning the NEC at the end of 2021 was extremely helpful for our seed funding. Success in the competition and Shell’s involvement helped us attract three new investors who would support us through the technology derisking process. One key part of this was ensuring and improving the purity of produced gases. It’s vitally important not to have oxygen and hydrogen mix in proportions that would lead to an explosive mixture. The membrane in a conventional electrolyser is a safety mechanism to prevent mixing. Winning the NEC helped us to develop the second-generation cell with new patent families. This offers 99% gas purity at the oxygen and hydrogen outlets.
In December 2024, we closed our Series A funding round with a group of investors led by Toyota and Shell. Shell’s involvement at key stages of development highlights the value of the relationship built since our NEC participation. Shell has provided ongoing support, contributing to the development of our technology.
Did the Shell New Energy Challenge process make you think differently about what you were doing?
Coming through the Shell New Energy Challenge process, and now working with Shell Ventures and Shell Hydrogen, has helped us to grow our business maturity. Shell Ventures operates a directorship on the company board, and they have helped guide us on things like policy, process, procedures and compliance. The opportunity to work with Shell Hydrogen has been extremely useful. They are one of the few companies with experience of managing hydrogen plants at scale, and we have had open and honest discussions with them about the routes to commercial development.
What are your next steps in developing the technology or the business?
Our focus is continued growth, building towards commercial scale by the end of 2026 and exploring the potential of establishing a pilot with Shell Hydrogen in 2027. The company has doubled in size over the past six months. During that time, we have worked on enhancing and extending our operations while maintaining our culture.
What advice would you give to a company that wins this year?
If you put in energy and effort, you will get a lot out of the process. There are many ways to benefit from the NEC, from opportunities in public relations to working with Shell’s business units to develop pilots. I would advise winners to lean into what the team can offer and concentrate on maximising the value of the opportunities available.
