ABOUT SUPERCRITICAL
Discover the team behind the world’s first high-pressure, efficient electrolyser for the production of hydrogen energy.
No individual will solve the climate crisis.
We embrace partnerships and collaboration within our team and externally. We believe that bringing brilliant minds together in an innovation conducive environment will catalyse the world’s path to net zero.
A culture built on transparency and trust across the team is the foundation for accelerated problem solving.
No one has ever done what we’re doing.
We bring together impassioned individuals from all sorts of diverse backgrounds, disciplines and industries to enable us to think differently and challenge one another. Progress is never linear. When you’re developing something completely novel, things will not always go to plan.
We cannot fail so long as we learn and take that learning forward to our next attempt. We embrace the challenges and we celebrate success.
We’re thinkers.
We’re enablers.
We’re problem solvers.
We’re Supercritical.
We are on a mission to create pioneering hydrogen technology that enables industry to transition beyond fossil fuels.
meet the team
"I'm driven to create a better world for my daughters. Embracing challenges, I find innovation and value working with intellectually-driven teams. Dyslexic and proud, it's my superpower—shaping unique perspectives. Let's pioneer clean technology together for a brighter future"
Matt Bird
Matt, co-founder, is captain of the ship. He has a 26 year career at the highest levels in corporates and startups. After successfully taking his latest startup from an empty desk to exit within 3 years, he found his next exciting challenge in heading up Supercritical. Get in touch for investment or partnerships.
If not now, when? If not us, then whom?
Mike Russ
Mike, co-founder, with a unique career to augment his PhD, was on a one-way road to CTO at Supercritical. He is our genius in residence in electrochemical systems and supercritical reactors. Mike's a natural inventor, leading all things technical.
“Green hydrogen today is where the car was in 1900. We have to strive for better. We have to think differently to build the technologies of tomorrow.”
Luke Tan
Luke has lived and breathed hydrogen for his entire career, driving innovations into new markets globally with a world leading catalyst company. Always looking to solve the problem, Luke is the person to talk to about how Supercritical's technology can work for you.
"All of us come to work to make a difference. To date I've been fortunate enough to see my input launch products and services across big data, telecoms and ad-tech. I joined supercritical for the opportunity to do something about the biggest challenge the planet faces."
Taza Mohammedbhai
Taza keeps things in order With 20+ years in product, project and programme management, brings a wealth of experience to a rapidly growing business. Taza keeps ambitions on target ensuring Supercritical's increasing number of projects continue to deliver against the critical path of development.
"Working on the design of a new class of electrolysers is very rewarding, every day is a new challenge. Being part of a brilliant team to overcome these challenges with innovative solutions is what keeps me motivated and excited for the future."
Antoine Zaarour (Tony)
Antoine (Tony), having cut his teeth at one of the leading OEMs of the Oil & Gas industry, brings his expertise to clean technology design. Tony is refining and optimising Supercritical’s proprietary electrolyser components.
"Working here is very much like my PhD research, finding fulfilment in ambiguity and thriving to overcome the next set of challenges, while keeping eye on the bigger picture."
Dr Alexander Wilson
Alex (PhD), Aeronautical Engineer turned Materials Scientist, brings characterisation and corrosion expertise to the R&D team. Alex is hands on, building the next generation of electrolyser.
"I come to work knowing that I contribute to an important and meaningful mission that will help the world. As a plus, I also have fun with a really awesome team of top-notch researchers and engineers, targeting the next complex technical challenge as a team."
Dr Geraldine Torin Ollarves
Geraldine is an expert in Thermodynamics, she has been experimenting with high pressure gases for projects supporting the net zero journey. Her experience in cutting edge research, ensures that our Supercritical’s proprietary electrolyser is safe and functionally sound for the defined technical specification.
As an engineer, I want to tackle the tough challenges that will make a positive impact; at Supercritical, I love that I get to take on these challenges alongside a fantastic team. Bringing brilliant minds, keen insights and fresh perspectives from a range of backgrounds, we are consistently striving for a better electrolyser product and system design, as we support the transition to a cleaner, greener world.
James Stephens
James leads on process engineering mixing technical expertise and strategic thinking. Having learnt the ropes in traditional energy at leading consultancy Genesis. Passionate about the environment and technology, he took his technical and strategic mind to supporting their clean-tech clients before joining Supercritical.
"The Supercritical electrolyser technology is a key game changer in the green hydrogen industry. Ensuring that this is developed and implemented in a safe and sustainable way is a non-negotiable factor. It is a great opportunity to take on this challenge with other brilliant engineers at Supercritical Solutions."
Titi Oliyide
Titi brings experience and varied perspectives from her time in safety, risk and reliability in both the oil and gas and rail sectors. She was listed in the Women’s Engineering Society’s prestigious Top 50 Women in Engineering Awards in 2023. She's ensuring the safe scaling of our technology with our partners.
"Working on new and exciting technological challenges is a huge motivator for me, and working on a unique product with a great team in the rapidly growing green hydrogen sector ticks those boxes."
Owain Williams
Owain offers a detailed systems perspective on Supercritical’s technology as well as offering expert leadership on our high pressure designs. Owain is an experienced Chartered Mechanical Engineer who joined us from CERN, where he worked as lead mechanical safety engineer on projects with extreme operating conditions.
"The future of green hydrogen holds immense potential and it brings me great joy in working with Supercritical’s cutting edge technology which has a positive environmental impact and is at the heart of innovation."
Dunya Kamel Saleem
Dunya is a bright and passionate process engineer. She brings systems engineering experience from liquid nitrogen focused startup; Clean Cold Power and operational experience from her time at Air Liquide. Dunya is working towards Chartered engineer status.
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"I have worked in the energy sector since 2006, first in energy conservation, later with solar technology research, and now with hydrogen production. I have lived off grid several times and am acutely aware of energy storage and conservation needs. I am focused on turning electrical power as a utility into a tradable commodity."
John Glyn-Woods
Engineer and entrepreneur, John will find a way. Leveraging his wide breadth of experience in highly technical innovative arenas, John keeps things moving at Supercritical pace when the ideas are flowing.
"As an engineer, my motivation springs from the challenge itself, not merely the solution. Facing the immense task of combating climate change and delivering green energy amplifies this drive. Surrounded by an exceptionally skilled team, I am confident in our collective ability to achieve significant breakthroughs.”
Dr Eleni Andreou
Eleni brings expertise in electrochemistry to the real world. Complimenting her PhD in Electrochemical Engineering with industrial experience in applications like electroforming, Eleni is building the future in Supercritical's labs.
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I am an electrochemist with experience in creating nanomaterials tailored for green energy solutions. With a knack for problem solving, I thrive in overcoming challenges in my field. My passion lies in using scientific innovation to contribute to a sustainable future. Whether it’s creating novel materials or optimising processes, I am driven by the opportunity to make a difference.
Josh White
Josh’s expertise lies at the intersection of cutting-edge research and practical application. With a Master's in Chemistry and a PhD in Electrochemistry from the University of Southampton, he brings profound insights into materials science and electrochemical systems. His experience spans synthesising nanoparticles to characterising advanced catalytic materials, pivotal to our pioneering R&D.
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This is a chance to create something that can make a real difference in the world. I'm ready to embrace the challenge and soak up as much knowledge as possible.
Huw Griffiths
Huw Griffiths brings a robust foundation in mechanical and systems engineering, Huw has thrived in the high-pressure, competitive realm of Formula 1, notably as a part of the six-time world championship-winning team at Mercedes AMG. Huw's passion for driving engineering excellence in high-performing environments provides the drive behind our R&D team.
Our open positions
Is it time to make the leap? We’re looking for brilliant and passionate people to join us!
Technology PARTNERS
See the Technology Partnerships that we have. The partnerships that extend our team far more widely than Supercritical’s four walls!
supercritical's press kit
Request access to our high-resolution image assets and business summary documents here.
EXTENDED FAQs
Explore the world of Supercritical, clean hydrogen production and how it can help create a more sustainable world.
Hydrogen is a chemical element with the symbol H and atomic number 1. It is the lightest and most abundant element in the universe, making up about 75% of its elemental mass. Hydrogen is the primary building block of the universe, formed shortly after the Big Bang.
In its most common form, hydrogen consists of a single proton and a single electron. It is the simplest and lightest element, and it is odourless, colourless, and highly flammable. Hydrogen has the lowest boiling point and density of any known substance.
Hydrogen is versatile and has numerous applications in various industries. Some key uses of hydrogen include:
- Fuel: Hydrogen can be used as a clean and efficient fuel in fuel cells to produce electricity. When hydrogen combines with oxygen in a fuel cell, the only byproduct is water, making it a potentially sustainable and environmentally friendly energy source.
- Chemical production: Hydrogen is used in the production of various chemicals, including ammonia, methanol, and petroleum products. It is an essential component in industries such as fertilisers, pharmaceuticals, and refineries.
- Hydrogenation: Hydrogen is used in the hydrogenation process to convert unsaturated fats and oils into saturated fats, making it important in the food industry for the production of margarine, shortening, and other products.
- Metal refining: Hydrogen is used in the refining of metals, such as removing impurities from steel and other alloys. It can also be used in the production of electronics, semiconductors, and other high-tech materials.
- Aerospace: Hydrogen is used as rocket fuel for space exploration due to its high energy content and the ability to react with oxygen in a combustion chamber.
In recent years, hydrogen has gained increased attention as a potential solution for decarbonizing energy systems and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It is seen as a promising alternative to fossil fuels in transportation and energy storage, with ongoing research and development focused on improving hydrogen production, storage, and utilisation technologies.
In terms of atomic mass, the atomic weight of hydrogen is approximately 1.008 atomic mass units (u) or 1 gram per mole (g/mol). This represents the average mass of a hydrogen atom.
In terms of weight per volume, the density of hydrogen gas depends on the temperature and pressure conditions. At standard temperature and pressure (STP), which is defined as 0 degrees Celsius (273.15 Kelvin) and 1 atmosphere of pressure, the density of hydrogen gas is approximately 0.0899 grams per litre (g/L) or 0.0899 kilograms per cubic metre (kg/m³).
It's worth noting that hydrogen is the lightest and least dense element, making it significantly lighter than most other gases. Its low density contributes to its ability to quickly disperse and rise in the atmosphere.
The energy content of hydrogen is typically measured in terms of its higher heating value (HHV) or lower heating value (LHV).
The higher heating value represents the total energy content of hydrogen, assuming that the water produced from the combustion process remains in a vapour state. It is approximately 141.9 megajoules per kilogram (MJ/kg) or 3.54 kilowatt-hours per normal cubic metre (kWh/Nm³) or 39.5 kilowatt-hours per kilogram (kWh/kg).
The lower heating value takes into account the energy required to convert the water vapour back into a liquid state. It is slightly lower than the higher heating value and is approximately 120.7 megajoules per kilogram (MJ/kg) or 3.00 kilowatt-hours per normal cubic metre (kWh/Nm³) or 33.5 kilowatt-hours per kilogram (kWh/kg)
These values indicate the amount of energy that can be released by burning hydrogen as a fuel or by utilising it in a fuel cell to generate electricity. Hydrogen has a high energy content per unit mass, making it an attractive option for various energy applications.
Hydrogen is generally considered safe when handled and used properly. However, there are certain safety considerations associated with hydrogen due to its unique properties:
- Flammability: Hydrogen is highly flammable and can ignite easily. It has a wide flammability range in air (4% to 75% by volume), meaning that even a small concentration of hydrogen mixed with air can be combustible. Special precautions must be taken to prevent leaks, control ignition sources, and ensure proper ventilation in hydrogen storage, handling, and usage.
- Explosive Limits: Hydrogen forms explosive mixtures with air or oxygen. When hydrogen concentrations are within the flammable range and there is an ignition source present, it can lead to a rapid combustion or explosion. This highlights the need for careful monitoring and control of hydrogen concentrations in confined spaces or areas where leaks may occur.
- Leak Hazards: Hydrogen has small molecular size and can easily leak through small gaps or cracks. Leak detection systems and proper sealing of hydrogen storage and transportation systems are essential to prevent potential hazards.
- High-Pressure Handling: Hydrogen is often stored and transported under high pressure, which requires appropriate engineering and safety measures to prevent ruptures or leaks in the equipment and piping systems.
- Embrittlement: Hydrogen can cause embrittlement in certain materials, particularly metals. It can lead to structural weaknesses and failures over time. Proper material selection is crucial for hydrogen infrastructure to prevent embrittlement issues.
- Asphyxiation Risk: While not toxic, hydrogen can displace oxygen in an enclosed space, potentially leading to oxygen depletion. Proper ventilation and monitoring of oxygen levels are necessary when working with hydrogen in confined areas.
It is important to note that safety practices, guidelines, and regulations exist to mitigate the risks associated with hydrogen. Adequate training, proper equipment design, strict adherence to safety protocols, and regular maintenance are essential to ensure safe handling and usage of hydrogen.
Read Titi Oliyide’s blog here to learn more about hydrogen’s safety.
Hydrogen itself does not have an expiration date in the sense of a chemical degradation or decay over time. It is a stable element and does not undergo radioactive decay or other processes that would cause it to degrade naturally.