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Following the usual event announcements, the 29th episode of the Munich Startup Podcast focuses on hydrogen, starting at minute 2:05. To begin, we'll discuss the various "colors" hydrogen can take. However, this isn't about the color of the gas itself—it's always colorless—but rather its origin. The most well-known example is probably so-called green hydrogen. This is produced through electrolysis using green, i.e., renewable, electricity.
In contrast, there is grey hydrogen, which is either produced using energy from fossil fuels or from the methane contained in natural gas in another chemical process. If the CO2 produced in this process is captured and not released into the atmosphere, it is referred to as blue hydrogen. According to the Business Week primarily the USA and Japan. Hydrogen can also take on other colors, which we will only briefly address.
Hydrogen production
The hydrogen startup world can be roughly divided into two areas: startups working on the production of the raw material and young companies that then use it. For example, Hydrogen Rise (from minute 5:10). Founded in 2018, the company aims to handle everything from conception to production and export. It is currently heavily focused on Oman, where it has been working with the Omani Ministry of Energy since 2019 to transform the country into a hydrogen exporting nation.
However, both production and use have White Energy Solutions The startup, which we introduce starting at minute 7:45, not only operates its own laboratory for improving hydrogen production from solar power, but also a hydrogen house. This is powered by a photovoltaic system, which it also uses to generate hydrogen. The raw material is stored in a storage facility to supply the house with electricity at night and in winter. The ultimate goal of the project is to develop a renovation plan for existing buildings that can be used to convert them into self-sufficient, hydrogen-powered homes.
Engines and fuel cells
With Keyou Starting at minute 10:20, we discuss a startup that converts diesel and gas engines into hydrogen engines. Even though the automotive industry is currently focusing more on battery-powered vehicles, hydrogen engines remain an important topic for trucks, ships, and trains. For this purpose, Keyou has already developed a 7.8-liter engine for 18-ton trucks together with Deutz.
Another way to use hydrogen is in fuel cells, which directly generate electricity. The Munich startup Siqens (from minute 13:00) uses this technology to offer mobile generators for construction sites, cell phone towers, or remote buildings such as mountain huts. The device can also be used as an emergency power generator or in the automotive sector. Siqens operates its fuel cells with methanol, not hydrogen.
Sirius Venture Partners
That the VC Sirius Venture Partners The company's interest in renewable energies is clearly evident in its portfolio: in addition to the Munich-based power-to-gas startup Electrochaea, it also includes the TU spinoff Munich Composites and Berlin-based My Energy Solution. We reveal what else the VC has to offer starting at minute 14:50.
