Hychor Ltd - Hydrogen Seawater Electrolysis Technology (HySET)

The Co-Location Problem in Green Hydrogen Production

By 2050, green hydrogen may account for up to 35% of the UK’s energy system. However, producing hydrogen through electrolysis is freshwater-intensive, withdrawing up to 32.2 litres of freshwater per kilogram of hydrogen. At scale, this presents a major bottleneck where taking from potable resources is unsustainable and relying on weather-dependent on-shore sources is a liability. Not only is vast amounts of freshwater required, but co-location near a large energy source and national infrastructure to off-take production. These three together limit feasible locations and threaten project success.

Seawater is a limitless alternative, but current methods require energy-intensive desalination, which drives up costs. Additionally, green hydrogen is also reliant on renewable energy input which fluctuates, contributing further costs and inconsistency, unsuitable for large-scale energy production.

Hychor’s solution - HySET: producing low-cost green hydrogen where and when needed

Hychor’s technology eliminates the need for desalination, reducing both capital and operational costs and has in-built battery storage capabilities. Unlike other seawater electrolysis technologies, our electrolysers do not produce by-products or modify the seawater with additives meaning we can return it to the sea with minimum environmental impact. Our battery storage allows us to absorb fluctuating renewable energy input and store electricity to power electrolysis when input is low, leveling out hydrogen production 24/7. 

This is a systematic approach, not a material one, meaning we use pre-exisiting electrolyser components for a unique outcome. 

By decoupling hydrogen production with battery storage and chlorine-free oxygen production, we have the goal to operate at the pressures of PEM with the performance of Alkaline at competitive energy efficiencies, maximising energy savings for the cheapest green hydrogen on the market. 

Using direct or excess renewable energy leads to the cheapest electricity and low-cost hydrogen. By producing on site, we save costly compression and storage costs. Installing our solution on/near site minimises infrastructure needs including electrical, gas, and/or water grids.