The non-exclusive deal will see Shell Global Solutions International pay for a technology feasibility study, evaluating aspects including performance data analysis and process safety assessment. Shell will also provide a techno-economic evaluation.

The agreement builds on a relationship dating back to 2021, which later saw Shell Ventures lead Supercritical’s first £14m financing round in 2025.

Luke Tan, CPO and co-founder of Supercritical, said the partnership marks a significant step in the company’s commercialisation roadmap, and that it is “directly addressing the cost and complexity barriers facing the renewable hydrogen market”.

Supercritical says its “ultra-efficient” patented technology removes any dependency on rare-earth materials or membranes by operating at elevated pressure and temperature.

The firm’s electrolyser operates without a physical membrane, using fluid dynamics or buoyancy to separate gases naturally. This offers advantages in cost, durability, and maintenance.

According to Supercritical, the technology is aimed at industrial hydrogen markets where high delivery pressure is required, including ammonia and methanol production, refining, and other hard-to-electrify industries such as heavy-duty transport.

The company’s technology has received growing interest, with companies like Toyota Ventures, Anglo American, and Black Finch participating in its Series A funding round.