Hysata secures debut order for ‘megawatt-scale’ capillary-fed electrolyser

Australian hydrogen start-up Hysata has received the first commercial order for a “megawatt-scale” capillary-fed alkaline electrolyser, which it claims achieves 95% efficiency.

The system will be delivered to an unnamed “significant global customer” in the first half of next year, for operation in a hard-to-abate industry with secured hydrogen offtake. The deal’s value has not been revealed.

It follows a 2025 trial deployment of a system with Saudi Arabia’s state-backed Acwa Power.

The technology doesn’t use liquid electrolyte reservoirs found in alkaline and PEM systems, instead using capillary action to deliver electrolyte to reaction sites.

Hysata claims the approach reduces resistance losses and prevents bubble formation at electrodes, and can achieve an electrical efficiency of 95%.

The inaugural order comes five years after the firm’s launch and follows funding milestones, including AUD $20.9m ($14.5m) (ARENA) in 2023, and $111m in 2024 led by bp Ventures.

Paul Barret, CEO of Hysata, said it demonstrates market readiness for the company’s novel technology.

“Electricity is the largest cost component in green hydrogen production, so improving efficiency is the most powerful lever to reduce the costs to our customers,” he added.

It says it is now collaborating with partners on three continents and attracting “potential customers and investors” in Europe and the Middle East as it moves into a phase focused on scaling electrolyser production.