The Oxford University spin-out develops high-surface-area coatings and characterisation technology for electrolysers.

However, under Hodgson, the former Chief Technology Officer at James Cropper, the company plans to double down on its electrolyser test stations and hardware solution, particularly for alkaline and anion exchange membrane (AEM) applications.

Dr. David Hodgson © TFP Hydrogen Products

“ONS offers state-of-the-art test stations,” explained Hodgson. “Our focus will be on advancing this segment of the green hydrogen sector, providing material and process developers with essential tools for performance characterisation.

Additionally, strategic partnerships will be a “major focus” for the firm moving forward. Partnerships will accelerate innovation and broaden market reach, according to ONS.

An Academic Loan Scheme has also been introduced, which allows universities and research institutions to borrow its state-of-the-art test stations on a long-term basis.

By reducing the financial barrier to access, the initiative provides researchers with hands-on experience with equipment they might not be able to afford.

In short, ONS could help academia push the technology forward, while also positioning its hardware as the go-to choice for future electrolyser development.

“Participation in this scheme will encourage collaboration with leading researchers, enabling us to jointly identify future characterisation requirements,” Hodgson added.

Last year, ONS commissioned a demo plant for its nanoFLUX metallic-alloy electrode coating, which it said could boost alkaline electrolyser output by more than 50% and “radically” cut hydrogen production costs.