Despite facing challenges in the past, hydrogen is gaining traction as a climate-friendly fuel. Ecolectro, a startup based in Upstate New York, is revolutionizing green hydrogen production with its innovative approach to electrolysis. By developing compact electrolyzers that can be placed on-site, the company aims to overcome the limitations of transporting hydrogen, making the process more cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Ecolectro's technology combines the best of proton-exchange membrane (PEM) and alkaline electrolysis, utilizing nickel as a catalyst to reduce costs compared to traditional materials like iridium or platinum. By avoiding PFAS compounds in their membranes and focusing on efficiency, Ecolectro is paving the way for sustainable hydrogen production. The startup has already developed a small 10-kilowatt electrolyzer for testing, with promising results. Currently, Liberty Utilities in Upstate New York is exploring the use of this technology to blend hydrogen into its natural gas supply. Ecolectro is now working on scaling up its production with a 250-kilowatt model that is expected to be available in the market by the first quarter of next year. Supported by a $10.6 million Series A funding round led by Toyota Ventures and other partners, Ecolectro is on track to achieve its goal of producing hydrogen at $1.35 per kilogram by the end of the decade. This cost efficiency aligns closely with the Department of Energy's target price for hydrogen. With its modular and scalable approach, Ecolectro aims to attract customers looking to incorporate green hydrogen into their operations, offering a more accessible solution for those currently reliant on trucked-in hydrogen.