In a world racing toward decarbonization, two U.S.-based innovators are teaming up to turn carbon dioxide into a clean energy powerhouse. Oxylus Energy and Element 1 are pioneering a groundbreaking partnership that could redefine how we produce hydrogen—and it all starts with methanol.

Turning CO2 into Clean Fuel

Oxylus Energy, a trailblazing tech start-up, has developed a proprietary CO2-to-methanol technology that transforms industrial carbon emissions into green methanol. Now, they’re collaborating with Element 1, a leader in hydrogen generation, to explore how this methanol can be used as a feedstock for point-of-use hydrogen production.

The partnership aims to validate a circular carbon economy, where CO2 emissions are repurposed into green methanol, which is then converted into hydrogen. This process could provide a sustainable pathway for industries to reduce their carbon footprint while producing clean energy.

A Game-Changer for Multiple Industries

If successful, this collaboration could unlock a host of applications across various sectors. From hydrogen refueling stations to decentralized power generation, and even onboard hydrogen production for fuel-cell-powered vehicles, trains, aircraft, and maritime vessels, the potential is staggering.

Perry Bakas, CEO of Oxylus Energy, shared his vision: “We’re creating a circular economy for carbon dioxide. By partnering with Element 1, we’re transforming industrial CO2 emissions into a clean hydrogen supply chain. This isn’t just about reducing greenhouse gases—it’s about eliminating harmful pollutants like PM, NOx, and SOx, too.”

A Global Network of Innovation

Element 1 is no stranger to ambitious collaborations. In 2025, the company joined forces with Mitsubishi Gas Chemical, a Japanese methanol giant, and Methanol Reformer, a Spanish manufacturer of methanol-to-hydrogen generators. Together, they’re working to commercialize hydrogen solutions using methanol reforming technology.

Mitsubishi Gas Chemical will supply methanol feedstock, including circular carbon methanol, leveraging its global presence in the methanol value chain. Meanwhile, Methanol Reformer will manufacture methanol-to-hydrogen generators under Element 1’s license. Element 1, in turn, will contribute its cutting-edge methanol steam reforming and hydrogen purification intellectual property.

This global alliance underscores the growing momentum behind methanol as a key player in the clean energy transition.