Staying ahead of the technology curve means strengthening your competitive advantage. That is why we give you data-driven innovation insights into the energy industry. This time, you get to discover 5 hand-picked startups developing hydrogen storage solutions.
Global Startup Heat Map highlights 5 Top Hydrogen Storage Solutions out of 53
The insights of this data-driven analysis are derived from the Big Data & Artificial Intelligence-powered StartUs Insights Discovery Platform, covering 1.379.000+ startups & scaleups globally. The platform gives you an exhaustive overview of emerging technologies & relevant startups within a specific field in just a few clicks.
The Global Startup Heat Map below reveals the distribution of the 53 exemplary startups & scaleups we analyzed for this research. Further, it highlights 5 energy startups that we hand-picked based on criteria such as founding year, location, funding raised, and more. You get to explore the solutions of these 5 startups & scaleups in this report. For insights on the other 48 hydrogen storage solutions, get in touch.
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NPROXX develops Stationary Hydrogen Storage Solutions
Many fossil fuel-dependent industries are transitioning towards renewable sources of energy such as hydrogen. Hydrogen has a high level of energy when measured by mass but has low levels of energy by volume. For this reason, it is essential to store hydrogen at high densities for commercial applications. Storing hydrogen at high volumes and pressures pose a variety of risks which is why startups develop special containment systems.
Dutch startup NPROXX develops stationary hydrogen storage solutions. The startup’s storage solutions store more than 1000 kg of hydrogen at pressures of 500 bar. The modular designs of the storage solutions also allow for their easy transportation from hydrogen production plants. Nproxx’s solutions find applications in refueling stations and hydrogen production plants.
GRZ Technologies offers Ambient Pressure Hydrogen Storage
As renewable and clean energy becomes more popular, effective energy storage is a challenge. Renewable energy production, such as wind and solar farms, uses the energy generated to create hydrogen through electrolysis. The process of storing hydrogen effectively requires the use of very high pressures. However, this isn’t always economical or viable in renewable energy farms.
Swiss startup GRZ Technologies creates solutions for ambient pressure hydrogen storage. The startup’s Dense and Safe Hydrogen Storage (DASH) modules integrate with renewable energy generation systems. On coming in contact with the material of the containers, hydrogen molecules dissociate into hydrogen atoms. The hydrogen atoms are then absorbed in the interstitial sites of the metallic compound at near-ambient pressures. The stored hydrogen has pressure twice as high liquid hydrogen and four times higher than pressurized gas.
H2Heat Technology develops Solid State Nanocompsite Hydrogen Storage
Current hydrogen storage methods involve storing hydrogen as either highly pressurized gas or cryo-cooled liquid. Hydrogen is more commonly stored as gas for large-scale commercial applications. The downside of the storage of high-pressure hydrogen gas is the high infrastructure cost to ensure its safety. To make hydrogen gas storage more viable in commercial applications startups are developing safer and more economical hydrogen storage equipment.
Canadian startup H2Heat Technology develops high capacity, low cost, and low-pressure hydrogen storage systems for hydrogen and thermal energy. The startup’s hydrogen storage solution uses a solid-state nanocomposite. Based on complex metallic alloys using atomic bonds and micro-heat transfer systems, it stores a large number of hydrogen atoms. In addition to having a high capacity, the startup’s solution is low-cost and low-pressure.
Kontak creates Liquid Hydrogen Storage Solutions
Hydrogen has an energy content of 120 MJ/kg, which is significantly higher when compared to 44 MJ/kg for gasoline. However, hydrogen has a lower density compared to gasoline and more of it required to power vehicles and machines. This, and other challenges in liquid hydrogen, mean that current storage solutions do not meet the required quantity and safety need to replace fossil fuels. Startups are developing hydrogen storage solutions that offer safe and effective storage in large quantities in liquid or gaseous form.
US-based startup Kontak specializes in hydrogen on liquid carrier storage and transportation solutions. The startup’s liquid storage solution improves the output of hydrogen as a source of energy for small and large-scale applications. Kontak’s proprietary catalysts and precise reactor temperature enable the removal of hydrogen from the carrier without damage. This ensures high recyclability, keeping hydrogen costs low.
HySiLabs provide Liquid Hydrogen Transportation Solutions
While hydrogen gains more traction as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, technical challenges remain. The transportation of hydrogen is among the biggest challenges to the large-scale commercialization of hydrogen-based fuel. Hydrogen transport is difficult due to its ability to embrittle materials, wide flammability range, and low ignition temperature. This is why startups are developing specialized containers to overcome these challenges in transporting hydrogen.
French startup HySiLabs provides a specialized process for the safe transportation of liquid hydrogen. The startup’s solution facilitates hydrogen transportation by charging and releasing hydrogen in HydroSil, a liquid carrier. The technology’s value chain begins at hydrogen production sites that charge HydroSil. It is stable during transportation to charging stations and refueling points through conventional means.
Discover more Energy Startups
Energy startups such as the examples highlighted in this report focus on hydrogen fuels, energy storage, and carbon capture. While all of these technologies play a major role in advancing the energy industry, they only represent the tip of the iceberg. To explore more energy technologies, simply get in touch to let us look into your areas of interest. For a more general overview, you can download our free Energy Innovation Report to save your time and improve strategic decision-making.
