Bspkl an exciting step towards a zero-carbon future
GNS Science’s first spin-out company – Bspkl – which launches today, represents an exciting step towards a zero-carbon future, meaningfully powered by green hydrogen.
Green hydrogen is a safe and clean fuel source that can accelerate the delivery of Aotearoa’s zero-carbon ambitions. But, in the current global context of supply chain issues, rising costs, and shortages of raw minerals, its affordability and availability faces a number of challenges.
Bspkl technology is set support the transition to a sustainable and low-carbon future through their innovative approach to manufacturing Catalyst Coated Membrane (CCM) for hydrogen electrolysers, helping to accelerate hydrogen’s widespread adoption as a clean energy source.
The Bspkl company has been created to “spin-out” the first of GNS’ world-class green hydrogen expertise and innovation, making the technology accessible for application in real-world solutions. It’s supported and funded by WNT Ventures and the wider WNT Group, as well as Investible, and other investors.
Sheena Thomas, GNS Science Commercial and Business Partnerships Manager, says the Bspkl technology is a big step forward in unlocking the potential of green hydrogen as a carbon-zero energy source.
Getting to carbon-zero is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, and GNS Science is well positioned to support Aotearoa’s transition to a sustainable energy future
“According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) green hydrogen demand is projected to almost double to 180Mt by 2030. Right now there is almost 100Mt of hydrogen being used every year that is made from fossil fuels, so it’s an urgent issue to address.
“The Bspkl technology accelerates replacing that with green hydrogen, by enabling enough electrolysers to be produced to meet the demand. This opens up enormous possibilities to decarbonise key industries like aviation, shipping, and steel that are extremely hard to electrify”.
At the heart of Bspkl’s innovation is a Catalyst Coated Membrane (CCM) invented by Jérôme Leveneur, GNS Ion Beam Materials Scientist and Chief Technical Officer of Bspkl. The CCM uses significantly less platinum and iridium (one of the rarest naturally occurring elements) required to manufacture Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolysers.
“PEM electrolysers are widely acknowledged as most efficient way of manufacturing sustainable hydrogen – but their reliance on rare and finite elements has been a significant and growing issue for scaling the technology” says Jérôme.
Peter Benfell, Interim Chief Executive of GNS Science, says the Bspkl technology is built on decades of GNS Science materials science expertise and innovation.
“GNS Science will play a major role in enabling New Zealand’s transition to a carbon-zero future, and Bspkl is a brilliant example of the impact our green hydrogen programme of work is generating.
Our organisation has a legacy of world-class materials science research and discovery – and as we celebrate the successful launch of Bspkl, I’m also celebrating the many GNS Science experts that have contributed to this innovation
Christina Houlihan, Chief Executive of Bspkl, says the team is excited as they now prepare to launch their technology to the global market.
“We are very proud to be launching the company and completing our seed funding round. This funding will support our testing in preparation for product development and launch to the global community of electrolyser manufacturers”.
Maria Jose Alvarez, Managing Partner at WNT Ventures says Bspkl is a recipe for success.
“As investors, we are looking for breakthrough innovations that are focusing on solving the problems of tomorrow. Christina and Jérôme’s passion and combined scientific and commercial expertise are a recipe for success.
“New Zealand has world-leading research, and we are excited to partner with GNS Science by bringing their first spin-out to market.”
Sheena says GNS Science is committed to working with industry partners to supercharge GNS expertise and ensure impact from research.
“GNS’ energy and materials research is world-class and has vast commercial potential. We’re committed to working with commercial and research partners to ensure that we’re contributing our expertise where it matters – so if you’re working or researching in this space, get in touch!”
GNS Science as a shareholder will continue to assist with research and collaboration as Bspkl takes their product to market.
GNS’ energy and materials research is world-class and has vast commercial potential. We’re committed to working with commercial and research partners to ensure that we’re contributing our expertise where it matters – so if you’re working or researching in this space, get in touch!
GNS Science as a shareholder will continue to assist with research and collaboration as Bspkl takes their product to market.
