Hydrogen, the most abundant element in the universe, is rapidly emerging as a sustainable solution for the decarbonisation of the economy and a key piece of the energy transition picture worldwide. However, the cost and practical issues with generating and distributing hydrogen have held back its use.
Resolving this challenge is UK-based Suiso, which produces low-cost, low-carbon, or zero-carbon energy.
Plans to scaleup production capacity
In a recent development, Suiso which develops a hydrogen generator that could boost the uptake of green energy, has raised £3 million in funding from NPIF – Mercia Equity Finance that recently invested in Pimberly and Eventum Orthopaedics. The investor is managed by Mercia Ventures and is a part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, and Mercia’s EIS funds.
The latest investment will enable it to scale up its technology and begin a pilot project. It aims to produce generators that can produce 1,000 kg of hydrogen a day, which is equivalent to 1.6 MW of energy and enough to fuel 50 20-tonne trucks. The company, which currently employs five staff, expects to create seven new jobs in the next six months.
Low-cost, low-carbon energy
Based in Rotherham, Suiso was founded by engineer and financier Stuart McKnight and serial entrepreneur Dr SB Cha, whose father invented Suiso’s microwave technology. The company was one of the winners of the BEIS (Department of Business, Energy & Industry Strategy) Low Carbon H2 Supply scheme in 2023.
Suiso’s technology is lower cost and produces lower emissions than existing production methods such as grid-powered electrolysis, and 97% lower than steam methane reforming, making it one of the greenest forms of hydrogen available. It also uses 80% less electrical energy than electrolysis, therefore putting less stress on the grid network.
Stuart McKnight, CEO of Suiso, said: “Hydrogen is rapidly emerging as a sustainable way to decarbonise the economy, but cost, availability, and other practical issues have held back its use. Our technology offers a way to overcome these and provide clean, low-cost power on-site. For some organisations, Suiso’s on-site hydrogen generation may be the only realistic ‘green’ option – for example, energy-intensive industrial applications such as large boilers or furnaces, heavy lifting gear, or HGV and truck refuelling. This investment will help us move to the next stage on our journey to bring it to market.”
Ashwin Kumaraswamy, Investment Director with Mercia Ventures, added: “Suiso has found a way to decarbonise natural and biogas to produce ‘greener’ hydrogen than many current methods of production including grid powered electrolysis, and a zero-emission form of carbon black which is a valuable product in itself. This technology could make hydrogen a viable option for many businesses and drive rapid uptake. With growing global demand for clean energy, we are confident that Suiso will have many opportunities ahead.”
Keira Shepperson, Director, British Business Bank said: “Suiso’s dedication to the use of greener and cleaner energy showcases it as a future-focused business, committed to helping the country meet its net-zero targets. As it continues to prosper, we look forward to supporting it in its growth journey. The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund remains dedicated to investing in innovative businesses, and particularly those striving towards a greener future.”
