PHOENIX, July 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ – EarthEn Energy, a US-based climate-tech startup, is proud to announce that it has received funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program, also known as America’s Seed Fund. This award supports the development of a novel Thermal Energy Storage (TES) system, aka heat battery for EarthEn’s sCO2-based, thermo-mechanical, long-duration energy storage. The NSF STTR program is a highly competitive award that funds innovative technologies with high potential for commercialization and societal impact.

The maritime shipping industry is at a pivotal point, facing increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint and transition to sustainable energy sources. Ammonia, specifically in the form of NH₃, is emerging as a highly feasible fuel option for maritime shipping, largely due to its capacity to utilize green hydrogen. As market analysts delve deeper into the potential of ammonia, several factors underscore its viability and the transformative impact it could have on the industry.

The rapid shift to nuclear power in France is often hailed as a benchmark for efficient and effective climate action. Beginning in the 1970s, France embarked on an ambitious nuclear energy program that has since positioned it as a global leader in nuclear power generation. Today, approximately 70% of France’s electricity is derived from nuclear energy. This transition was motivated by the oil crises of the 1970s, which highlighted the need for energy security and independence.

The energy sector has been experiencing a transformative shift over the past decade, marked by an increasing emphasis on renewable energy sources. However, amid this shift, biofuels find themselves in a precarious position, squeezed by the rapid advancements and growing investments in hydrogen, wind, and solar energy. Once hailed as a promising alternative to fossil fuels, biofuels are now facing significant challenges that are stalling their progress and development. Biofuels, derived from organic materials such as plant biomass, algae, and waste, were initially seen as a sustainable way to reduce carbon emissions and reliance on crude oil.

Clean hydrogen, touted as a cornerstone of a future low-carbon economy, remains stunted by the formidable hurdle of high production costs. Despite its promise of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and providing a sustainable energy alternative, the economic barriers have impeded its widespread adoption and commercial viability. This persistent issue stems primarily from the intricate and expensive processes required to produce clean hydrogen, particularly green hydrogen, which is generated through electrolysis powered by renewable energy sources.

Hydrogen, often termed the fuel of the future, stands at the forefront of the global energy transition. As the world grapples with the imperative to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change, hydrogen emerges as a pivotal player, offering a clean, versatile, and sustainable energy solution. Unlike traditional fossil fuels, hydrogen, when used as an energy vector, emits only water vapor, making it an environmentally benign option. Its potential to revolutionize energy systems across multiple sectors—transportation, industry, and power generation—underscores its significance in the quest for a greener future.

Key Business Models for Electrolyzer Firms in Green Hydrogen Projects Electrolyzer firms play a crucial role in the emerging green hydrogen industry by providing the technology necessary to produce hydrogen from renewable energy sources. As the demand for green hydrogen grows, these firms need to adopt robust business models that can sustain long-term growth and profitability while contributing to the decarbonization of various industries. One viable business model for electrolyzer firms is to develop and license their proprietary technologies to other companies.

e-Zinc, the company pioneering sustainable, long-duration energy storage with its zinc-air battery technology, today announced it has secured an additional USD $31 million in follow-on funding to its $25 million Series A round. This oversubscribed Series A2 round was spearheaded by Evok Innovations, with additional investments from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Export Development Canada (EDC), and Ultratech Capital Partners. The round also saw participation from e-Zinc’s existing shareholders, including Toyota Ventures, Eni Next, Anzu Partners, BDC, and Graphite Ventures.

Plug Power Inc. (NASDAQ: PLUG), a global leader in hydrogen solutions for the green hydrogen economy, began commercial operations of its electrolytic hydrogen facility in Woodbine, Georgia, earlier this year. The company plans to leverage the benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) Section 45V Credit for the Production of Clean Hydrogen (PTC) in its upcoming financial reports. Plug will be one of the first U.S. producers of clean hydrogen to utilize this new incentive, which was enacted by Congress and signed by President Biden.

Sungrow Hydrogen has recently secured the bid for the China Energy Engineering Corporation (CEEC) Songyuan Hydrogen Energy Industrial Park project in Jilin, China. This project, recognized as the world’s largest integrated green hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol production facility, represents a significant milestone in the industry. Sungrow Hydrogen’s 1000Nm³/h ALK hydrogen production system will be a key component of this groundbreaking venture. The CEEC Songyuan Hydrogen Energy Industrial Park project is among the initial batch of “Green and Low-carbon Advanced Technology Demonstration Projects” endorsed by the China National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).