GTI Energy and The University of Texas at Austin – Centre for Electromechanics (UT-CEM) co-manage the ProtoHub, located at UT Austin’s J. J. Pickle Research Campus. It expands upon the success of the H2@scale in Texas and Beyond project, which built and demonstrated the technical feasibility of an integrated hydrogen ecosystem.
The Hydrogen ProtoHub is a first-of-its-kind hands-on demonstration and training site where emerging technologies, ranging from hydrogen to renewable natural gas, are tested, validated, and showcased under live conditions.
More than a single pilot installation, the ProtoHub is designed as a multi-purpose platform:
Technology Demonstration: A host site where innovators can install, integrate, and operate advanced energy technologies, from electrolyzers and fuel cells to hydrogen blending systems and RNG applications.
Workforce Training: A unique facility for training operators, engineers, and codes and standards officials, giving professionals direct, hands-on experience with properly designed and installed systems. It helps set industry expectations for safe and effective deployments.
Data Centre and System Modelling: A living laboratory for collecting operational data from component-level demonstrations. These learnings are being used to model larger, commercial-scale systems, such as future data centre power control and supply solutions, ensuring the transition from pilot to practice is grounded in evidence.
With advanced infrastructure, strict safety systems, and experienced technical staff, the ProtoHub serves as a launchpad for projects that can shape the future hydrogen economy.
SunHydrogen’s pilot system will feature sixteen solar-to-hydrogen production reactors, each 1.92 square metres, configured in a scalable modular array totalling more than 30 square metres of active area. The demonstration marks the company’s first multi-panel system deployed in an outdoor environment, operating solely on sunlight and water. Over a six-month period, the project will validate performance, durability, and scalability, while generating data critical for commercialisation. A successful demonstration will confirm real-world viability, paving the way for larger deployments and commercial partnerships.
“This collaboration represents a pivotal step in continuing to bring SunHydrogen’s vision to life,” said SunHydrogen CEO Tim Young. “Deploying a pilot demonstration system at the Hydrogen ProtoHub allows us to validate our technology under real-world conditions and generate the data needed for commercialization. With GTI Energy’s decades of leadership, including its Hydrogen Technology Centre operations experience and role in major national hydrogen programs, GTI Energy is the right collaborator to help ensure safe and successful execution.”
GTI Energy specialises in energy technology development, safety, and oversight. With more than 80 years of innovation, 1,300+ patents, and a state-of-the-art Hydrogen Technology Centre, GTI Energy has played a central role in advancing safe, scalable energy solutions. The organisation also leads national collaborations such as the Low-Carbon Resources Initiative and participates in multiple regional clean hydrogen hub projects in the US GTI Energy’s involvement adds credibility and underscores the commercial significance of SunHydrogen’s demonstration system.
“We are pleased to collaborate with SunHydrogen and UT Austin in taking the next step in showcasing direct solar-to-hydrogen capabilities” added Ted Barnes, Executive Director, Low Carbon Energy Solutions, GTI Energy. “We look forward to working with the teams on demonstration of this renewable hydrogen production technology.”
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