Wedoany.com Report-Jul. 19, Sumitomo Corporation, via its U.S. subsidiary Sumitomo Corporation of Americas, has made a strategic investment in Independence Hydrogen, Inc., a Virginia-based company, to advance decentralized hydrogen production and distribution in the U.S. The partnership focuses on supplying fuel cell-grade hydrogen for industries such as material handling, mobility, remote infrastructure, and industrial gases.

Independence Hydrogen focuses on a decentralized hydrogen model

Based in Petersburg, Virginia, Independence Hydrogen recycles waste hydrogen into high-purity fuel at its facility, using a decentralized hydrogen (DeHy) model. This approach ensures cost-effective, reliable supply with faster market delivery. Hydrogen fuel provides advantages like longer range, quick refueling, and stable performance without environmental impact.

Tsutomu Sakamoto, General Manager of Energy Innovation Initiative Americas at Sumitomo, said: “Sumitomo Corporation Group has a long-term favorable view of hydrogen development. We strongly believe that Independence Hydrogen’s distributed business model approach will unlock growth in an underserved segment. We are confident that our robust collaboration with Suburban Propane and Hivers & Strivers will serve as a cornerstone for further expansion.”

Dat Tran, CEO of Independence Hydrogen, stated: “Sumitomo has a storied history of sustainable business success, and brings deep and broad experience in the energy, and specifically, hydrogen sector. We are extremely excited to work with Sumitomo, along with the expertise and support of our foundation investors, Suburban Propane and Hivers & Strivers, to accelerate the growth of our business.”

Supported by Suburban Propane and Hivers & Strivers, the partnership enhances Independence Hydrogen’s growth, promoting sustainable energy solutions across the U.S.