Australian Hydrogen Firm Star Scientific Announces Expansion into New Mexico for Heat Research

Star Scientific Limited to open a new campus in Albuquerque focusing on a novel, environmentally friendly hydrogen technology to generate heat, planning to erect up to 10 buildings for research and possible manufacturing.

• Star Scientific Limited, an Australian hydrogen company, plans to build a facility in New Mexico, where it intends to accelerate research and development of its innovative hydrogen technology that generates heat.
• Instead of burning gas, Star Scientific's system triggers a reaction in the hydrogen gas, producing heat energy and water as a byproduct, distinguishing it from typical hydrogen fuel cells, which generate electricity.
• The company hopes to locate up to ten buildings on sufficient land in Albuquerque, intended for laboratory research, testing, and possible manufacturing. They could be eligible for public incentives supporting infrastructure investment and job training.
• The company's technology is currently sponsored in two Australian pilot projects associated with a food-production company and a plastics packaging firm, aimed at substituting natural gas-derived heat systems, thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Despite enthusiasm from the New Mexico governor and other policymakers, environmentalists have raised concerns about potential pollution and climate risks associated with hydrogen, dependent on the production methodology and leakage precautions.

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