The green hydrogen industry faces significant challenges in technology readiness and cost, particularly the need for more efficient and cost-effective electrolysers to improve production economics. Leading this innovation is Supercritical Solutions, a pioneering green hydrogen technology company that has secured a £14 million Series A funding round, co-led by Shell Ventures and Toyota Ventures.
The investment round includes participation from Lowercarbon Capital, Al Mada Ventures, Blackfinch Ventures, Kibo Invest, Global Brain / Niterra, Thai Oil, Anglo Platinum Marketing Limited, and Alumni Ventures. The total funding is $18M, and the valuation is undisclosed.
The capital infusion will accelerate the development of Supercritical’s proprietary ultra-efficient, supercritical electrolyser — a breakthrough technology set to transform the economics and practicality of green hydrogen production. The company will focus on enhancing the technology, scaling manufacturing capacity, and expanding into high-demand markets such as ammonia production, refineries, and methanol synthesis.
How Supercritical Solutions makes green hydrogen production more cost-effective
Founded in 2020 in London by Gaël Gobaille-Shaw, Mike Russ, Matt Bird, and Luke Tan, Supercritical Solutions develops ultra-efficient electrolysis technology for green hydrogen production. The company, which spun out of Deep Science Ventures, aims to make green hydrogen production more cost-effective than traditional methods while addressing the most challenging 20% of global emissions.
This deep tech startup tackles the hydrogen industry’s substantial environmental impact. Historically, the industry has produced as much CO2 as the aviation sector, with green hydrogen representing only a tiny fraction of production. The founders saw an opportunity to transform this market through more efficient and cost-effective green hydrogen production technologies.
Supercritical Solutions’ technology reduces green hydrogen production costs by improving efficiency and eliminating the need for downstream pressurisation. This makes green hydrogen more economically viable, helping industries transition from fossil fuels. The increased market share of green hydrogen also helps reduce carbon emissions in hydrogen-dependent sectors like chemicals and fuels.
The technology: A simpler, better way to make clean hydrogen
Supercritical Solutions has created a new machine that makes clean hydrogen more efficiently. Their device directly produces high-pressure hydrogen, eliminating the need for expensive compression equipment that traditionally wastes energy.
The technology is both environmentally friendly and cost-effective. It doesn’t use harmful chemicals like PFAS or rare materials like iridium, and it aims to make hydrogen at a much lower cost – under £1 per kilogram – within the next few years.
Supercritical Solutions’ innovation addresses two significant challenges in hydrogen adoption: storage and transport. As the hydrogen is released at high pressure, it occupies less space, facilitating easier storage in vehicles and industrial facilities. It is also more cost-effective to transport and ready for use in factories that require pressurised hydrogen. Furthermore, green hydrogen can generate new economic opportunities, including export markets for green hydrogen derivatives like ammonia and methanol, which contribute to inclusive growth by creating jobs and providing financial benefits to local communities.
This matters because hydrogen is crucial for many industries, from fertilisers to chemicals. Currently, most hydrogen production creates massive pollution, releasing about 1 billion tonnes of CO2 yearly. Supercritical’s clean technology could help these industries reduce their environmental impact while saving money.
The global demand for green hydrogen is increasing, driven by efforts to decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors like heavy industry and transportation. Different regions, including Africa, Latin America, and Asia, are positioning themselves in the green hydrogen market, which can drive innovation and cost reductions. However, significant investments in production, storage, and transportation infrastructure are needed to support widespread green hydrogen adoption.
Looking ahead
Supercritical Solutions is already achieving impressive results. In collaboration with Scottish Power and Proton Ventures, they’ve demonstrated their technology can reduce green ammonia production costs by 21%. The WhiskHy project with Beam Suntory revives century-old direct-fired practices in Scotch whisky distillation.
They’re also advancing zero-emission shipping through their green methanol project with project developer HAMR Energy in Australia. This Series A funding positions Supercritical to scale these innovations globally, accelerating the transition from grey to green hydrogen and advancing the world toward net zero.
