HUI reconnects with PHE as it eyes waste plastic-to-hydrogen plants in Poland

Hydrogen Utopia International (HUI) is re-engaging with Powerhouse Energy (PHE) as it looks to roll out waste plastic-to-hydrogen systems in Poland after the firms parted from a joint venture (JV) agreement in 2023.

HUI has secured a non-exclusive license from PHE to use its distributed modular generation (DMG) technology across “selected European markets.”

This would help it support Polish energy firm Mithra Energy, which has sent HUI a letter of intent to explore setting up waste plastic-to-hydrogen projects.

PHE said the license agreement would allow HUI to market the DMG technology, but any subsequent plant operator or developer would need to pay additional operating license fees.

, HUI and PHE entered a non-binding collaboration agreement for deploying PHE’s DMG technology, which converts waste plastics into syngas and/or hydrogen, but deferred commitment to the deal in 2023.

At the time, PHE cited a reprioritisation of projects for the split.

In March 2026, HUI US-based Inentec’s plasma-enhanced melter gasification technology in the Middle East and Northern Africa region under a deal with Saudi systems integrator Hydrogen Systems.

While HUI has announced numerous projects, partnerships, and strategies since the initial 2020 agreement, the firm currently has no operational systems deployed.

Paul Emmit, CEO of PHE, said the revival of the pair’s relations was an “unexpected opportunity.”

“This provides PHE, at no cost, access to a team of experienced people who are knowledgeable of our technology in central Europe,” he said.

Waste-to-hydrogen systems have gained attention in recent years. Its dual purpose of turning waste streams into a valuable energy carrier while supporting effective waste management partially mitigates the high electricity costs involved in conventional green hydrogen generation.

However, drawbacks such as feedstock variability and contamination can complicate process stability and gas purification. Additionally, many pathways – particularly gasification and pyrolysis – still result in carbon dioxide emissions.