Competitive Edge: Nzyme2HC’s Hydrogen Tech

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... There was no existing way to produce Hydrogen that was simultaneously renewable (no CO2 emissions) and price-competitive with fossil (Steam Methane Reforming of Nat Gas). If one wants demand for FCVs (Fuel Cell Vehicles) to be maximized and for the vehicles to proliferate, there must be a method that meets both criteria. We do. Our currently estimated TCP (Total Cost of Production) is $0.65 (US)/kg (That is generation only. No compression, storage, distribution). Hydrogen is $250B global market and growing at a rapid pace.

We generate H2 using minimal electricity (far less than electrolysis of water)+industrial acidic waste (proton source)+Hydrogenase enzyme as combining and generation platform. With US DOE funding we proved we can in fact make H2 this way at NREL. We believe we can be the absolute cheapest way to make Hydrogen.

Hydrogenase naturally makes a massive amount of H2 per unit time inside a microbe. Taking it in vitro allows the output to be even higher. We are working closely with Dr. Mike Adams at UGA, who is perhaps the world’s preeminent Hydrogenase expert, in this regard. And Dr. Eric Hoek at UCLA, who is a successful serial entrepreneur as well, and marquee expert on water/waste usage/separation techniques via membranes etc. While our CTO, Bill Schank is a global leader on electricity having run the USABC (US Advanced Battery Consortium) for 7 years, and is former Chief Engineer Ballard Fuel Cell, and was key executive with Ford Motor Company for 35 years on both EV and FCV projects.

Q: What stage of development are you?
Pilot stage – proven at small, non-integrated scale

Bottom line, Hydrogen is the “currency” of all fuels. It is the only element that creates any energy in any hydrocarbon. It is indeed a commodity, so price-sensitivity is tantamount to success. Having the lowest cost of production gives the US concrete competitive advantage in all fuels and chemicals that include Hydrogen. They key to the lowest price is that we source protons at a zero on net negative cost as the industries we source them from typically are paying to treat/dispose of said waste and benefit by avoiding those costs that lower EPS and also add a net-new revenue stream. READ MORE