Vytas makes green hydrogen a reality

Green hydrogen has emerged as a potential enabler of decarbonisation, yet the reality of deploying the technology and establishing the industry has yet to be fully realised through conventional methods.

Like other renewables, green hydrogen at-scale is restricted by costs and logistics tied to production, transport and storage. Methods such as electrolysis and ammonia-based storage introduce additional inefficiencies and environmental concerns.

These challenges underscore the need for a fundamentally new approach to hydrogen.

Vytas is disrupting the hydrogen landscape with its Green Hydrogen On Demand technology. Unlike traditional methods that rely on complex storage systems or hazardous substances, Vytas produces hydrogen on-site and only when needed, using a proprietary nano-porous silicon material.

Vytas chief executive David Cornell says the mining industry is in urgent need of a reliable, scalable and cost-effective alternative to diesel.

“Our Green Hydrogen On Demand technology offers a solution that not only reduces emissions but also eliminates many of the logistical and safety issues associated with conventional hydrogen production,” he said.

“Imagine a scenario where you don’t need refuelling stations because water, silicon and silica are all you need.

“This creates a completely decentralised model.”

How it works

The technology uses a specially engineered nanoporous silicon material to generate hydrogen gas from water on demand, without the need for electrolysis, high energy input, or hazardous byproducts.

The process begins by manufacturing a nanoporous silicon material. This is done by mining silica (silicon dioxide), stripping the oxygen from the water molecule using a carbon-free, low-energy process and producing pure silicon with a highly porous structure.

When this nanoporous silicon is placed in water, the silicon reacts with the water. The nanoporous structure enables the silicon to efficiently strip the oxygen atoms from the water molecules, releasing hydrogen gas on demand — right at the moment it is needed, rather than storing it in advance.

Unlike traditional methods, this process does not use electrolysis or require electricity to split water. Instead, it relies on the chemical reaction between the nanoporous silicon and water.

The only byproduct is silica, as the oxygen from the water recombines with the silicon. This silica can then be recycled back into silicon, making the process sustainable.

The technology can use various water sources, including seawater and even human waste and it produces fresh water as a byproduct, supporting both energy and water needs.

Energy dilemma

The mining sector is increasingly looking to clean energy alternatives to reduce its carbon footprint. Diesel generators are commonly used in remote mining sites to provide power for everything from heavy machinery to lighting and ventilation systems. These generators, however, come with several drawbacks: they are costly to operate, emission-intensive and rely on complex logistical chains for fuel supply — factors that are particularly challenging in remote and off-grid locations.

Hydrogen fuel cells can provide a clean alternative to diesel generators, offering zero emissions and the ability to generate power from renewable sources. However, traditional hydrogen production methods come with their own set of problems.

The most widely used process, electrolysis, uses electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. This can be energy-intensive and expensive, making hydrogen production less viable for many industries. Additionally, hydrogen produced through electrolysis must be stored and transported at high pressures or low temperatures — both of which present significant safety and cost challenges.

Because Vytas’ Green Hydrogen On Demand technology relies on chemical reactions, there is no need for high electrical input. Hydrogen is produced on-demand, so there is no need for high-pressure storage tanks or cryogenic infrastructure.

This eliminates significant logistical challenges and safety concerns which can be especially problematic in remote mining locations.

Moreover, the byproduct of this process — silica — is recyclable and can be reintroduced into the production cycle, creating a closed-loop system that minimises waste and environmental impact.

This makes Vytas’ Green Hydrogen On Demand a carbon-free technology, aligning with the mining industry’s growing commitment to sustainability.

“Our technology is designed to produce hydrogen at the point of use, dramatically reducing the need for complex infrastructure and minimising energy losses,” Mr Cornell explains.

“For the mining sector, this translates into both lower costs and a reduced carbon footprint.”

Hydrogen on demand solves two major problems for mining companies — cost and emissions. By eliminating the need for diesel and complex hydrogen storage infrastructure, Vytas makes clean, reliable energy more accessible and affordable.

“This product has a cost advantage and a safety advantage,” Mr Cornell said.

“We’re PFAs free, which is interesting — electrolysers and systems related to electrolysers are full of PFAs, which are forever chemicals related to cancer, diabetes and fetal mortality.

“Electrolyser companies like to talk about the cost at the point of production, but the cost should be at the point of consumption. What does it cost the consumer?”

As the global demand for green hydrogen grows, Vytas is well-positioned to meet the needs of industries that require reliable, low-emission energy solutions. The scalability of Vytas’ Green Hydrogen On Demand system means it can be deployed across a wide range of applications — from small mining operations to large-scale industrial complexes.

“Our technology is designed to scale efficiently,” Mr Cornell said.

“Whether it’s a small mining site or a large industrial facility, our system can provide the clean hydrogen needed to power the world’s future.”

Beyond mining

While the mining sector stands to benefit significantly from Vytas’ Green Hydrogen On Demand technology, the solution has broad applications across several industries.

In addition to mining and transportation, Vytas’ hydrogen production system is gaining interest in defence and emergency response sectors. The technology offers mobile, on-site hydrogen production, which can be crucial for military operations or disaster recovery scenarios. From tactical refuelling of vehicles to providing emergency power in isolated areas, Vytas’ solution is adaptable to a wide range of critical situations.

Hydrogen can also play a vital role in off-grid communities and agriculture, providing reliable power for remote operations. Hydrogen fuel cells can power irrigation systems, farm equipment, or rural infrastructure, reducing the need for diesel generators and enabling communities to generate their own clean energy.

Vytas’ ability to produce hydrogen on-demand at the point of use, with minimal infrastructure, makes it a game-changer in the global push for sustainability. For the mining industry, this represents a tangible opportunity to reduce emissions, lower energy costs and increase operational efficiency.