Wollongong-based start up, Hysata has been given $20.9 million from ARENA to demonstrate its next generation hydrogen electrolyser technology.

Spun out of ARENA-funded research at the University of Wollongong, Hysata was established to commercialise the pioneering electrolysis technology. The company is set to develop and test its 5MW unit in its new manufacturing facility in Port Kembla before it is installed and relocated to Queensland

Hysata’s proprietary ‘capillary fed’ electrolyser cell eliminates almost all resistance in the electrolysis process. Existing electrolysers face energy losses from electrical resistance and gaseous bubbles forming on electrodes, reducing the overall efficiency of the system.

Hysata’s technology has been proven to produce hydrogen with 95 per cent (41.5 kWh/kg) efficiency, well ahead of incumbent technologies that operate with efficiencies close to 75 per cent (52.5 kWh/kg).

The demonstration will be completed near Rockhampton, Queensland as the demonstration unit has water, grid connection and land available.

The company states that it has the potential to reduce the cost of renewable hydrogen production through reduced electricity inputs, with the technology also offering a lower balance of plant costs and reduced cooling requirements

Hysata CEO, Paul Barrett, said that the grant from the Australian Government is a milestone in helping further develop the company’s plan to scale its technology,” said Mr Barrett.

“Green hydrogen is critical for decarbonisation of hard-to-abate sectors, and we are committed to helping our customers deliver the world’s lowest cost green hydrogen.

“With exceptional 95 per cent (41.5 kWh/kg) efficiency combined with cost-effective materials and reduced engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) costs, Hysata’s electrolyser will transform the economics of green hydrogen production.

“We look forward to creating more local jobs and strengthening Australia’s sovereign manufacturing capabilities through this project, which will pave the way for Hysata’s scaling to fulfil a multi-billion-dollar pipeline of orders from around the world.”

Stanwell Corporation, a Queensland government-owned power company is providing further financial support, fronting $3 million to Hysata, as well as providing the site and facilities for the field deployment of the electrolyser.

ARENA previously awarded Hysata $8.98 million under the German-Australian HyGATE program, with an additional contribution from the German Government’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research of €5.9 million.

Through the HyGATE grant, Hysata is working on the construction and development of a 200kW electrolyser system which is set to demonstrate the key components of the 5MW commercial scale demonstration unit.

ARENA CEO, Darren Miller, said that the hydrogen technology project is a crucial step to enabling purchase orders for the technology.

“Hysata is a great example of Australian innovation leading the way in renewable energy. This electrolyser technology could be a game-changer for renewable hydrogen.

“The demonstration at Stanwell’s site will be key to unlocking commercial demand for Hysata’s product by proving the technology works at scale.

“ARENA has been involved in this technology since it was just a concept in a laboratory, so we’re pleased to be supporting this next step toward commerciality,” Mr Miller said.

Initial development of the system is currently underway, with the field pilot due to commence in 2025.