Materials Processing Institute

Torvex Energy has worked closely with the Material Processing Institute to validate an innovative and “game changing” method of generating environmentally-friendly hydrogen from seawater that does not produce oxygen gas.

The independent Stockton-on-Tees research and development company has patents pending on its unique electrochemical process and has collaborated with the Institute to establish proof of concept.

Backed by an angel investor, Torvex Energy has spent several years refining the process to ensure it generates green hydrogen of the highest purity and output.

It is now seeking partners and is meeting with interested parties to progress from pilot project to commercial production.

The simple and sustainable process is in sharp contrast to traditional electrolysis methods that result in toxic by-products, require a costly desalination process and result in rapid equipment corrosion – all of which have proved a significant barrier to increasing global hydrogen production.

Torvex Energy, which has more than 30 years’ experience in marine and chemical engineering, recognised the huge potential to revolutionise the efficiency and sustainability of green hydrogen production.

It has collaborated with the Teesside-based Materials Processing Institute to successfully demonstrate and validate the feasibility of the process.

Rob Hutchinson, a Director of Torvex Energy, said: “Seventy per cent of the earth’s surface is seawater, and our team has created an efficient and scalable means of generating hydrogen directly from this abundant natural resource.

“We are confident in the commercialisation opportunities for this breakthrough process and are ready to work with like-minded partners to take this exciting technology to the next stage.

“This could significantly accelerate the hydrogen economy, which is key to meeting the UK’s 2050 net zero pledge.”

Dr Richard Birley, Principal Researcher at the Materials Processing Institute’s Industrial Decarbonisation Group, said: “This could be a game changer for the large-scale competitive production of green hydrogen. The Institute is already playing a key role to develop hydrogen as a low-emission and sustainable energy source, and we are delighted to support this exciting development in green hydrogen.”

ENDS

ISSUED ON BEHALF OF MATERIALS PROCESSING INSTITUTE

MEDIA CONTACT: Andrew Douglas 01325 363 436

Notes to editors

Torvex Energy

Torvex Energy Ltd is an independent research and development company based in the North East of England. Founded in 2013, we specialise in hydrogen generation from green and sustainable sources, drawing on over 30 years’ experience in marine and chemical engineering. We are passionate about the role green Hydrogen can play in reaching a net-zero energy system, and how our innovations can support the scale, economic production of green Hydrogen.

For all enquiries, contact lynsey.morrow@torvexenergy.co.uk

Website: www.torvexenergy.co.uk

Materials Processing Institute

The Materials Processing Institute is a research and innovation centre serving global steel and materials organisations that work in advanced materials, industrial decarbonisation, the circular economy, and digital technologies. The Institute has served as the UK’s national steel innovation centre since 1944 having been set up by Sir Winston Churchill’s wartime government just before D-Day to equip the British steel industry for post-war reconstruction. It celebrates its 80^th anniversary in 2024.Through collaboration with its customers, the Institute provides a range of technology and R&D based services and consultancy. It also has pilot and demonstration facilities and an SME Technology Centre to support supply chain businesses with the development of new technologies and products. Works with: steel, metals and alloys, chemical processes, aerospace and defence, energy, mining and quarrying, construction, rail, transport, and infrastructure, offshore, subsea, and nuclear.The Materials Processing Institute includes developments funded through Tees Valley Combined Authority, through the Local Growth Fund (Growth Deal).

For more information: https://www.mpiuk.com/