Oort energy, a pioneering UK-based company specialising in hydrogen electrolysis, has achieved a critical milestone by completing the construction of its groundbreaking 1MW electrolyser.
Established in 2021 by electrolyser industry veterans, Oort Energy is committed to reducing the costs associated with green hydrogen production and driving forward sustainable energy solutions. The company’s next-generation electrolysers produce green hydrogen using water and renewable electricity, setting new benchmarks in efficiency, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. This latest development marks a significant step in Oort Energy’s journey to revolutionise the green hydrogen sector. In just three years, Oort Energy has already become a major player in the global energy transition.
Scaling up with 1MW electrolyser deployment
The completion of Oort Energy’s 1MW electrolyser represents a pivotal moment in the company’s scale-up process. With the build process now complete, the system is being subjected to a rigorous routine of tests and inspections to ensure it meets Oort Energy’s high operating standards. This advanced system is now being primed for deployment in Morocco, where it will play a crucial role in the region’s burgeoning green hydrogen production ecosystem.
The 1MW electrolyser is engineered for high performance across multiple parameters, including superior power conversion efficiency, minimised hydrogen loss through advanced drying technologies, and optimised gas production through a cost-effective stack design. These innovations enable Oort Energy to produce ultra-pure green hydrogen that meets the stringent standards required for industrial applications such as the Haber-Bosch process for green ammonia production. By deploying in Morocco, Oort Energy aims to validate its technology under real-world conditions, setting the stage for further expansion into global markets.
Next-generation hydrogen electrolysis technology
Oort Energy’s mission is centred on transforming the hydrogen industry by making green hydrogen more affordable and accessible. The company’s proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysers leverage proprietary technologies, including ultra-thin membranes and advanced coatings, to achieve industry-leading efficiencies. Its first-generation system set a new standard with an impressive 87% efficiency, while its upcoming second-generation model is projected to achieve 91% efficiency without an increase in energy costs.
Achieving such high efficiencies is critical to Oort Energy’s strategy of redefining the economics of green hydrogen production. With its focus on innovation, Oort Energy has optimised its stack design for mass production, significantly reducing overall costs. This approach has allowed the company to cut production expenses by up to 50% in comparison to its competitors, positioning its electrolysers as some of the most capital-efficient options available in the market today. This cost reduction is essential in making green hydrogen competitive with traditional, fossil-fuel-derived grey hydrogen.
Oort Energy sets an industry standard
The successful completion of the 1MW electrolyser build is Oort Energy’s largest project to date, but it is far from the company’s first major achievement. Earlier in 2024, Oort Energy became the first UK company to produce green hydrogen entirely off-grid using its advanced electrolyser technology.
In April 2024, the company’s 250kW demonstrator in Harlaxton was announced as running continuously on solar power, marking a historic milestone in the hydrogen sector. This achievement represented the first instance of a company achieving direct solar-powered hydrogen production in the UK at a commercial scale. Operating at high efficiency, the demonstrator produced green hydrogen with a purity level exceeding 99.9995%, setting a new benchmark for sustainable hydrogen production. Even while operating off-grid, the Oort Energy system managed to produce pure, dry green hydrogen that met the stringent ISO14687 fuel cell specifications, demonstrating the robustness and reliability of its technology. The system also successfully passed a rigorous series of key performance tests, underscoring Oort Energy’s commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship in the renewable energy field. This off-grid success serves as a powerful validation of the company’s technological capabilities and sets the stage for future off-grid and grid-connected deployments.
A strategic business model for the green hydrogen revolution
Oort Energy’s business strategy is designed to capitalise on the rapidly expanding green hydrogen market, which is expected to be a cornerstone in the global transition towards sustainable energy. With green hydrogen playing a pivotal role in decarbonising industries and achieving net zero targets, Oort Energy is positioning itself at the forefront of this revolution.
In the initial phase, the company is focused on selling complete electrolyser systems, allowing customers to fully experience the superior performance and efficiency of its cutting-edge technology. By demonstrating the capability of its systems in real-world applications, Oort Energy aims to build credibility and establish a solid foundation for long-term growth.
The expanding global green hydrogen market
The global hydrogen market, currently valued at approximately £123bn, is projected to exceed £1tn by 2050, driven by the increasing adoption of green hydrogen as a cornerstone of the low-carbon economy. As industries such as chemicals, fertilisers, and heavy transport seek to reduce their carbon footprints, green hydrogen is emerging as a vital solution for achieving net zero emissions. Oort Energy’s advanced electrolyser technology positions the company to play a significant role in this transition, providing a cost-competitive alternative to fossil-fuel-derived hydrogen.
A vision for the hydrogen economy
Oort Energy’s progress is driven not only by technological innovation but also by a clear vision of a sustainable future. The company’s efforts to make green hydrogen more economically viable have the potential to transform entire industries, enabling them to decarbonise and contribute to global climate goals. As Oort Energy continues to grow and innovate, it aims to play a central role in building the green hydrogen infrastructure necessary for a net zero future.
Nick Van Dijk, CEO of Oort Energy, encapsulates the company’s mission, stating: “We’re at a very early stage and we have a long way to grow, but we’re going to do it profitably. By running a lean operation, Oort Energy can run both profitably and with a reduced carbon footprint. The best way to achieve environmental change is to get the market to drive it. Once the market grows, our customers will make the move not just because it’s better for the environment but because it’s the most cost-effective solution.”
Oort Energy’s strategy is designed to ensure that the critical market crossover between green and grey hydrogen happens sooner rather than later. By driving down costs and proving the viability of its technology, Oort Energy is helping to accelerate the adoption of green hydrogen, potentially preventing gigatonnes of carbon emissions and laying the foundation for a sustainable energy future. As the company continues to innovate and expand, it stands at the forefront of a green hydrogen revolution that promises to reshape the global energy landscape for decades to come.
Ultimately, Oort Energy’s rapid progress in the green hydrogen sector marks it as a frontrunner in the global energy transition. With the successful completion of its 1MW electrolyser and upcoming deployments, Oort Energy is well-positioned to revolutionise hydrogen production by driving down costs and enhancing efficiency. Its strategic focus on innovation, scalability, and cost effectiveness underscores the company’s potential to make green hydrogen a competitive alternative to fossil fuels. As Oort Energy continues to expand its global footprint, it is set to play a pivotal role in contributing to a sustainable, low-carbon future.
Please note, this article will also appear in the 20th edition of our quarterly publication.
