Hadean Energy’s hydrogen tech named global New Energy finalist

Hadean Energy, a Sydney-based clean-tech startup, has been named as one of the global finalists in the Shell-backed New Energy Challenge 2025, in recognition of its hydrogen production technology that claims to use 30% less energy than conventional processes.

The startup was selected as one of 12 global finalists out of 160 applicants for the New Energy Challenge, an international competition supported by Shell, Rockstart, Unknown Campus, and YES!Delft. The competition is designed to identify energy transition technologies and foster connections between startups, investors, and energy stakeholders.

Technology details

Hadean Energy, which was co-founded by Australia's national science agency CSIRO and decarbonisation-focused investment firm RFC Ambrian, is commercialising a tubular Solid Oxide Electrolyser (tSOE) system. The technology is designed to produce green hydrogen and syngas using renewable electricity and industrial waste heat. By operating at high temperatures and leveraging waste heat, the system requires up to 30% less electricity than standard alkaline or proton exchange membrane electrolysers, which could mean significant cost and energy savings for industry users. Additionally, the tSOE system avoids the use of rare or expensive metals, potentially further reducing its environmental impact and cost of deployment.

Chris Rowland, Chief Executive Officer of Hadean Energy, commented on the company's selection for the final round:

"We're incredibly proud to be recognised as a global finalist and to see an Australian science-led venture standing out on the world stage," Hadean CEO Chris Rowland said. "This is a rare opportunity to collaborate with some of the most influential players in the energy sector and advance our mission of delivering affordable, zero-emissions hydrogen and e-fuel technology at scale."

Pilots and partnerships

Hadean Energy's finalist selection follows recent operational milestones. Earlier in the year, the company completed a 1,000-hour industrial pilot of the tSOE system at BlueScope Steel's Port Kembla facility. The pilot provided evidence of the technology's performance and durability under industrial conditions.

The company is also working with NGV Earth to set up a pilot-scale sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF) plant. This project will utilise Hadean's syngas production technology alongside new downstream catalytic synthesis techniques. In a separate initiative, Hadean is preparing to deploy a multi-kilowatt demonstration unit as a part of the Australia-UK Renewable Hydrogen Innovation Partnership, further extending its reach into both domestic and international markets.

Role in industry decarbonisation

Green hydrogen and syngas are positioned as key components in reducing carbon emissions from so-called hard-to-abate industries such as steel production and ammonia synthesis. In these processes, green hydrogen can supplant fossil fuels as a reduction agent or energy source, while syngas derived from waste or biomass could potentially replace natural gas in heavy industrial applications.

Syngas can also be produced from waste gasification or biomass sources, offering a substitute for natural gas in existing high-temperature industrial equipment. This approach could assist companies in lowering their dependence on fossil fuels and transitioning to less carbon-intensive operations.

New Energy Challenge overview

The New Energy Challenge provides a platform for selected startups to participate in an accelerator programme before the final event in Helsinki, Finland, later in the year. Finalists will have access to mentorship, increased exposure, and the possibility of collaboration through Shell's GameChanger or Shell Ventures initiatives.

Since its creation, the New Energy Challenge has facilitated coaching and support for startups aiming to make an impact on the energy transition. For Hadean Energy, the selection as a finalist offers access to industry leaders and an opportunity to further develop its hydrogen technology with support from established networks and potential partners.