Imagine a hydrogen generator that works like a tiny, high-efficiency plumbing system instead of a giant tank. It uses very thin channels to move water, which removes the need for expensive separators and cuts down on energy waste. It can even turn wastewater into fuel using cheap materials instead of rare metals.
Green hydrogen is currently too expensive ($3/kg - $6.55/kg) compared to fossil-based hydrogen (~$1.80/kg). High costs are driven by expensive rare materials and energy-intensive compression and separation processes.
A system model describing the total MacGhyver system, including the electrochemical hydrogen compressor (EHC), microfluidic device, and peripherals for energy management.
If you are a treatment plant dealing with high operational costs and waste disposal — this project developed a dual-purpose device that treats wastewater while producing green hydrogen. This allows you to turn a waste stream into a value stream using non-precious metal electrodes.
If you are a chemical plant dealing with the high cost of fossil-based hydrogen (~$1.80/kg) — this project developed a modular microfluidic stack that targets a production cost of $1/kg H2. This significantly lowers the feedstock cost for ammonia synthesis.
If you are a grid operator dealing with energy storage in remote areas — this project developed 100 kW+ modular systems for decentralized power. These systems use an electrochemical hydrogen compressor to store energy at lower costs than traditional methods.
The project aims to reduce costs significantly, targeting a production cost of $1/kg H2, which is lower than the current fossil-based cost of ~$1.80/kg.
The project starts with a 1 kW prototype and plans to scale to 10–20 kW systems by 2028, eventually reaching 100 kW+ modular systems.
Based on available project data, the project focuses on developing a system model and prototypes; specific licensing terms are not mentioned.
The project runs until December 2026, with a specific goal to scale to 10-20 kW systems with industrial partners by 2028.
The system is designed as a modular unit suitable for microgrids and decentralized industry, including an integrated electrochemical hydrogen compressor for efficiency.
The consortium is heavily research-oriented, consisting of 5 universities and 1 SME (EDEN TECH). With an industry ratio of only 17%, the project is currently in a technology-push phase. However, the inclusion of an SME as coordinator and the stated goal to engage industrial partners for 10-20 kW scaling by 2028 indicates a clear path toward commercialization.
Contact EDEN TECH in France for technical specifications on the microfluidic stack.
Contact us to connect with the MacGhyver consortium for early adoption of their 1kW prototype.
