Supercritical Solutions Secures £14M to Scale Hydrogen Tech

British green hydrogen company Supercritical Solutions raised £14 million ($18 million) in a Series A funding round to further its high-pressure electrolyzer technology. The investment will be used to speed up the development and commercialization of its low-cost, energy-efficient hydrogen manufacturing system, which has the potential to be a key enabler of decarbonization in hard-to-abate industries.

The round was co-led by Shell Ventures and Toyota Ventures, with existing investors Lowercarbon Capital and Anglo American Platinum participating. The round also included new support from Al Mada Ventures, Blackfinch Ventures, Kibo Invest, Niterra / Global Brain, Thai Oil's TOP Ventures, Earth Ventures, and Alumni Ventures.

Established in 2020, Supercritical Solutions has invented an advanced electrolyzer technology running at significantly higher temperatures and pressures than traditional systems. Its system, the company asserts, uses 20% to 30% less energy, making it one of the most efficient hydrogen production technologies on the market. Unlike traditional electrolyzers based on membranes and rare metals like iridium, Supercritical's system is membrane-free, PFAS-free, and iridium-free, allowing for a greener and more cost-effective solution.

The acceleration for green hydrogen is building as companies look for sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. Although wind and solar power are optimal solutions for the decarbonization of the power market, industries like chemicals, steel, cement, and heavy transport present distinct challenges with their high energy needs and emissions from processes. Hydrogen, especially green hydrogen, is seen as one of the facilitators of deep decarbonization but has been hampered by high cost of production and infrastructure issues.

Supercritical Solutions hopes to disrupt this terrain with a cheaper and highly efficient process for the production of hydrogen. Supercritical Solutions has committed to making green hydrogen cheaper to produce at £1 per kilogram by the end of this decade—a feat much lower than current market prices.

The recently acquired funds will fund the ramp up of the company's electrolyzer technology to pilot-scale, enabling broader commercialization. Supercritical is also set to increase its manufacturing and operations and pursue additional new markets and commercial commitments.

Declaring the investment, Supercritical Solutions CEO Matt Bird highlighted the company's achievements amidst turmoil for others within the industry.

Where others cut and hit dead ends, Supercritical goes ahead in green hydrogen because its solution is considerably differentiated. We are excited to be working alongside such a esteemed group of investors who see like we do for a future built on sustainable energy. This represents a major pivot point in pursuing our goal to empower industry away from fossil fuels.". With demand worldwide for Supercritical's technology more robust than ever, I am delighted to report that our waiting list is now open.

Toyota Ventures Principal Ethan Sohn also emphasized the significance of Supercritical's game-changing technology in lowering the cost of hydrogen production.

"Supercritical Solutions' unique membraneless electrolyzer has the potential for revolutionary energy efficiency that is key to reducing the levelized cost of hydrogen. We are pleased to assist the team in scaling their technology to its maximum potential, as cost-effective green hydrogen is key to decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors."

The new investment is timely when the international hydrogen industry is experiencing unprecedented policy and investment momentum. Governments and companies globally are pledging hydrogen strategies to achieve net-zero goals, with billions spent on infrastructure, electrolysis capacity, and hydrogen transport and storage.

Supercritical Solutions' tech converges to such efforts in proposing a green route to making more affordable and large-scale production of green hydrogen possible. Its impending pilot-scale commercialization would get more attraction from industrial giants who seek effective yet cost-sensible energy sources.

Having higher global needs for green hydrogen, Supercritical's invention will be the bridge that cleans-up industries reliant on fossil fuel without making energy costs any less inexpensive or dispersed.