NSW Government funds startup turning organic waste into hydrogen

A Newcastle-based startup developing technology that can turn organic waste into green hydrogen will accelerate its commercialisation plans after receiving funding through the NSW Government’s MVP Ventures Program.

EM Energy has developed the Organic Hydrogen Electrolyser Cell (OHEC), which produces green hydrogen from organic materials and eliminates the need for energy and heat in hydrogen generation. The company said the technology has the potential to be a game changer for clean energy production with around 95% of hydrogen currently produced from fossil fuels.

“Conventional methods for producing green hydrogen without the use of fossil fuels involve a process called water electrolysis, which requires significant amounts of energy and water,” said EM Energy Co-Founder Chris Wilson. “To produce just one kilogram of hydrogen using water electrolysis, you need enough energy to power two average homes a day.

“The OHEC doesn’t require any energy or heat, and instead uses organic waste and chemistry to produce green hydrogen. The OHEC device can also be deployed directly onsite, removing the need to transport hydrogen, which is an expensive and difficult exercise in its own right.”

EM Energy is continuing to test and validate the production of green hydrogen from the OHEC at the University of Newcastle. The $50,000 MVP grant will support the patenting of the technology internationally to open up further investment opportunities.

The MVP Ventures Program offers grants to early-stage startups as well as small and medium enterprises to drive the commercialisation of new and highly innovative products or processes in NSW.

“The NSW Government is focused on nurturing innovation that can bring economic opportunity to this state by tackling our biggest challenges such as the transition to net zero,” said Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong. “With grants of up to $50,000, the MVP Ventures Program provides much-needed support to assist startups on their commercialisation journey while ensuring we attract and retain entrepreneurial talent in NSW.

“EM Energy is pushing the boundaries when it comes to innovation and we’re delighted to support the development of its green hydrogen production technology, which has the potential to be a game changer for sustainable energy generation globally.”

Applications are now open for the 2024/25 funding round, with information on the program and how to apply available here.

Image credit: iStock.com/Parradee Kietsirikul