The Future of Green Hydrogen Production: Our Investment in Ecolectro
Summary
However, despite its promise, it is clear that in order for hydrogen to reach commercial viability, the industry is in critical need for scalable and cost-effective methods to produce it — which is why I am excited to announce Toyota Ventures’ investment in Ecolectro. Born out of research in the laboratories of Cornell’s Center for Alkaline Based Energy Systems, Ecolectro is led by an elite team of PhDs, Gabriel G. Rodríguez-Calero (CEO) and Kristina M. Hugar (CSO) who co-developed the technology alongside world class experts in electrochemistry, molecular electronics, fuel cells, batteries, and electrocatalysis. At the core of Ecolectro’s value proposition is an AEM membrane that has demonstrated significantly superior performance under accelerated stress testing conditions recommended by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. In addition, Ecolectro’s stack — membrane, porous transport layer, and plates — uses readily available materials, including stamped stainless steel and inexpensive nickel-based electrodes in place of precious metal equivalents required by other electrolyzer technologies. An affordable supply of sustainable hydrogen is critical in order to achieve carbon neutrality, and we’re proud to join Ecolectro’s funding round led by Starshot Capital, with participation from TechStars, Energy Revolution Ventures, and others.