At Auris Noble, we are thrilled to announce our collaboration with Pajarito Powder, LLC, and other esteemed partners to spearhead advancements in green hydrogen production. This joint initiative, bolstered by a $10 million award from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), marks a significant milestone in our commitment to sustainability and innovation.

A Groundbreaking Project

On March 25, 2024, Pajarito Powder received a $10 million grant from the DOE to accelerate the development and manufacturing of catalysts that minimize the use of precious metals in green hydrogen production. This project aims to scale up production capacity and create a stable supply of catalysts essential for proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis. Auris Noble, alongside Nel Hydrogen, is proud to be a key player in this groundbreaking endeavor.

Strategic Partnerships

Pajarito Powder is collaborating with several industry and community partners to achieve the project's goals. These partners include:

• University of New Mexico (UNM) Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering
• UNM’s STEM-H Center
• New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD)

Additionally, the project will leverage national laboratory expertise through the H2NEW Consortium, ensuring the highest standards of scientific and technological innovation.

Enhancing Iridium Sustainability

Auris Noble is deeply involved in the effort to enhance iridium sustainability within this project. Our collaboration with Pajarito Powder focuses on developing advanced engineered PEM catalysts that significantly reduce iridium usage. These catalysts can decrease the amount of iridium needed by 14 percent to 60 percent, extending the precious metal's supply and reducing the overall cost of green hydrogen production.

Patrick Deeringer, our Chief Operations Officer, expressed our excitement: "We are proud to be involved with this project and look forward to working even closer with Pajarito Powder on the effort of iridium sustainability."

Meeting DOE Targets

Under the DOE agreement, Pajarito Powder will meet specific production targets and demonstrate innovative ways to conserve iridium without compromising performance. This initiative aligns perfectly with Auris Noble's mission to advance sustainable practices in metal recycling and refining.

Expanding Capabilities

Pajarito Powder’s new manufacturing facility in Albuquerque will enable a hundredfold increase in green-hydrogen catalyst production. This expansion is crucial for meeting the growing demand for green hydrogen and accelerating the transition to a clean-energy future.

A Bright Future

These efforts represent a significant step forward in creating a green hydrogen ecosystem in New Mexico. Dr. Michele Ostraat, COO of Pajarito Powder, emphasized the project's importance: "We’re going to staff up, add equipment, install new systems, and accelerate our growth – all to advance the goals we share with DOE. This is a big step in creating a green hydrogen ecosystem in New Mexico."

Continued Innovation

Our collaboration doesn't stop here. Pajarito Powder also received a second $10 million award from the DOE to build out the supply chain for its fuel cell catalysts used in hydrogen-powered transportation. Working with Brookhaven National Laboratory, General Motors Co., Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and Strategic Analysis, Pajarito Powder continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in green hydrogen production.

Conclusion

Auris Noble is excited to be part of this transformative journey towards a sustainable future. Our collaboration with Pajarito Powder and other partners underscores our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence in the metal recycling and refining industry.

To learn more about this exciting project and our involvement, read the full article here.