Gloucestershire, UK-based Wild Hydrogen has developed a novel method of producing carbon-negative hydrogen that could be used to power trucks, ships and airplanes.
The patented technology converts biogenic materials such as waste wood, plants, compost, plastic waste and seaweed into ‘clear hydrogen, while also capturing and storing carbon dioxide (CO2).
Founded in 2022 by two friends, the company first trialled its technology with a machine designed on CEO James Milner’s kitchen table.
To prove the potential of the technology to produce its so-called ‘clear hydrogen’ at scale, the company now plans to build its first commercial demonstrator.
“We plan to build our commercial demonstrator in 2026, which will be a major step in the UK’s drive to Net Zero,” said Milner.
This aligns with Gloucestershire County Council’s targets to reduce emissions by 80% by 2030 before achieving Net Zero by 2045, as outlined in its Climate Change Strategy.
“With clear targets and a strategy in place, it is up to innovators like us to create the solutions that will achieve these goals.”
As part of a global hydrogen market valued at £100bn ($127bn), Wild Hydrogen hopes for clear hydrogen to set itself apart from traditional ‘grey’ hydrogen production methods.
“I have looked on in disbelief at the complexity of traditional gasifier systems for more than 20 years – we have developed this new technology because it is simple, bullet proof and highly cost-effective,” said Mark Wickham, co-inventor of the technology.
Wild Hydrogen has teamed up with local institutions, including the National Composites Centre in Bristol and the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester, to develop its product and work with farmers on growing fuel crops.
The company was recently welcomed by David Eccles, Director of regional hydrogen cluster Hydrogen South West as a new member.
“The barriers that have been overcome through [Wild Hydrogen’s] unique method and creation of carbon-negative Clear Hydrogen highlights their sustainability efforts towards reaching Net Zero by 2050,” said Eccles.
