ZeroAvia has developed a revolutionary AI-driven, scalable smart microgrid optimisation software named SHAIPS (Smart Hydrogen AI Production Software), that promises to minimise the cost of hydrogen production for clean aviation and other applications.
Real-world testing of the smart hydrogen AI production software has shown a reduction of more than 20% in the levelised cost of hydrogen (LCOH) compared to an electrolyser generating all H2 based on the average electricity wholesale price. To test the software on real hardware, the company's advanced software division, based in Silicon Valley, collaborated with its hydrogen infrastructure team to develop a working sub-scale smart microgrid in California, inclusive of renewable generation (solar), a battery storage system, electrolysers, and gaseous hydrogen storage.
The hardware testing has validated many of the underlying assumptions in modelled scenarios, proving the applicability of the software for delivering cost-effective and eco-friendly hydrogen production. SHAIPS will allow producers to set a limit on the carbon intensity of hydrogen production, ensuring the hydrogen can qualify for the most generous subsidies in their region.
With ZeroAvia's approach, excess renewable electricity can be stored as hydrogen, in batteries, or sold back to the grid. The system will also draw capacity from the grid for H2 production during periods of low carbon intensity energy and low cost, with the microgrid solar energy preserved in battery storage for use when it is most economical and environmentally sound.
Major policy initiatives are already pushing the world towards an era of low-cost hydrogen production. In the U.S., the DOE targets US$1 per kg of hydrogen by 2030 and is investing US$7 billion in hydrogen hubs across the country, while the Inflation Reduction Act established up to US$3 per kg of hydrogen as part of a production tax credit. In the EU, mandates now require member states to build hydrogen refuelling stations at fixed intervals and a newly established EU Hydrogen Bank will provide projects with fixed premium support.
