Supercritical Solutions Ltd (Supercritical), a provider of renewable hydrogen technology, and Valterra Platinum, a producer of the platinum group metals critical for the hydrogen value chain, have launched a joint pre-feasibility study to help decarbonise Berlin’s transport sector. The study will determine how Supercritical’s membraneless electrolyser technology can be used to provide on-site hydrogen refuelling for fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) taxis.
The study will help build towards the further deployment of electrolysers in Europe. By co-locating production, the project aims to eliminate current supply chain bottlenecks and benefit from a more resilient, cost-effective refuelling infrastructure.
The partnership centres on Supercritical’s game-changing electrolyser, which offers a unique set of advantages over traditional systems. The first is its superior economics with ultra-high efficiency that delivers a significantly lower Levelised Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH). The electrolyser also operates at uniquely high pressures, delivering 220 bar outlet pressure and reducing both capex and opex by minimising the need for multi-stage hydrogen compression. Finally, by removing membranes – a frequent point of 'cliff-edge' failure in electrolysers – the technology ensures a steady, reliable supply of fuel.
While this initial demonstration focuses on road mobility, Supercritical’s core technology and its benefits remain the same for a wide range of markets, including such core targets as chemicals and sustainable fuels. Success in Germany will substantiate the technology’s performance for large-scale industrial decarbonisation.
“Real-world test beds are crucial to progress technology,” said Luke Tan, Chief Product Officer and Co-Founder of Supercritical. “Our pilot project with Valterra Platinum is our second major commercial opportunity in close succession. Whether powering a taxi fleet or a chemical plant, we are ready to deliver on every milestone to showcase the global demand for our technology.”
The announcement comes during a period of rapid expansion for Supercritical and on the heels of its recent collaboration with Shell and as it prepares for the upcoming opening of its new facility that will house testing, workshops, and collaboration spaces. Within the past year, Supercritical has grown from 15 to 43 experts and continues to advance its dedicated demonstration unit in Teesside, UK, supported by its regional team.