The Challenge of Creating Clean Hydrogen

Hydrogen, despite being the most plentiful element in the cosmos, presents significant challenges when it comes to producing it sustainably on Earth. Siva Yellamraju, co-founder and CEO of Fourier, emphasizes the dual hurdles facing hydrogen production: the need for efficient manufacturing and distribution.

Innovative Modular Solutions

Recent ventures in hydrogen production have shifted towards the development of modular electrolyzers, which can be mass-produced and easily shipped. Fourier has taken this concept further, aiming to create units that are comparable in size to two standard server racks positioned next to one another. This compact design has attracted significant investment, leading to an impressive $18.5 million in Series A funding, spearheaded by General Catalyst and Paramark Ventures, with participation from other prominent investors like Airbus Ventures and Borusan Ventures.

Inside Fourier’s Technology

The company’s innovative approach involves deploying multiple small electrolyzers, referred to as “blades,” within each production module. These blades utilize a shared water pump and power supplies commonly found in data centers, which are reprogrammed for electrolysis. Yellamraju highlights the benefits of leveraging existing components that are already widely manufactured.

Fourier’s system operates akin to a lithium-ion battery setup. Yellamraju draws parallels with Tesla, which effectively utilizes small battery cells in a string configuration. Tesla’s battery management system monitors individual cells, balancing their performance and signaling any potential issues.

Optimizing Hydrogen Production

In a similar vein, Fourier’s solution includes software that supervises the electrolyzer blades, continually adjusting their performance and detecting signs of wear. Yellamraju’s ambition is to transform efficiency and production challenges into data-driven optimization problems.

The startup has successfully operated two pilot projects, producing around one kilogram of hydrogen per hour in collaboration with both a pharmaceutical manufacturer and a solar energy provider. They are on track to launch two commercial-scale plants within the next few months, one in Ohio and another in California, aiming to meet the demands of industries that require between 6 to 20 kilograms of hydrogen per hour.

Competitive Pricing for Commercial Clients

Fourier is targeting various sectors, such as pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and ceramics, where current hydrogen prices hover between $13 to $14 per kilogram. Yellamraju asserts that his company has the capability to reduce this cost to approximately $6 to $7 per kilogram, exclusive of any governmental subsidies. This competitive pricing ensures substantial savings for clients, potentially halving their hydrogen expenses while maintaining healthy margins for Fourier.