Paul Barrett’s firm, Hysata, is revolutionizing the green energy sector with its innovative technology that aims to produce the cheapest hydrogen in the world by eliminating bubbles.
The Dublin-born chief executive of Hysata explains that the traditional process of electrolysis, which involves passing electricity through water to split it into hydrogen and oxygen, often faces efficiency challenges due to the formation of bubbles. However, Hysata has developed a special material that sits in the water and significantly improves the efficiency of its electrolyser, requiring 20% less electricity than conventional methods.
Hydrogen is seen as a key solution to reducing carbon dioxide emissions, especially in heavy industries like steelmaking and chemical production. With different types of hydrogen production available, including green, grey, blue, and black, the focus is shifting towards increasing the supply of green hydrogen, which is produced using renewable energy sources.
Hysata’s technology has recently attracted significant investment to scale up production, signaling a growing interest in green hydrogen as a viable alternative to traditional energy sources. Dr. Ema Frery, a research team leader at CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, is also exploring the potential of extracting naturally produced hydrogen from rocks in Australia, known as geogenic hydrogen.
While some skeptics doubt the feasibility of exporting hydrogen from Australia due to logistical challenges and costs, proponents of hydrogen technology remain optimistic about its role in the global energy transition. Bahman Shabani, a professor at RMIT University, highlights the increasing investments in hydrogen technology worldwide, emphasizing its importance in the shift towards sustainable energy solutions.
As the world continues to seek cleaner and more efficient energy sources, Hysata’s breakthrough in producing cost-effective green hydrogen without bubbles could pave the way for a greener future in the energy sector.
