Roger F. Wicker Center for Ocean Enterprise Partners with AQST USA to Demonstrate Innovative Hydrogen Power for Maritime Uncrewed Systems

Wed, 12/06/2023 - 09:41am | By: Gabriela Shinskie

In a significant move towards sustainable and reliable maritime technology, The University of Southern Mississippi’s (USM) Roger F. Wicker Center for Ocean Enterprise has partnered with AQST USA LLC, a Mississippi-based hydrogen technology developer who in partnership with Global Warming Solutions Inc. (GWSO) of California, is set to integrate their revolutionary Trinity Power Nexus© (TPN) in a maritime uncrewed system.

This collaborative research project is designed to extend the endurance of maritime uncrewed systems using clean energy solutions to demonstrate enhanced mission endurance for Department of Defense mapping and sensing missions, representing a leap forward in the autonomous maritime and hydrogen economy sectors.

AQST will spearhead integrating the TPN© technology into a USM test platform, embarking on a comprehensive journey of technical documentation, rigorous feasibility testing, and extensive pier-side and on-water acceptance testing. The focus is evaluating the TPN© as a combined fuel power and propulsion system for maritime unmanned platforms which was developed for on-demand hydrogen and oxygen production using a patented Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cell (SOEC) reactor.  Integration and subsequent testing and evaluation will occur in Gulfport, Miss and adjacent waters in early 2024.

This initiative represents a strategic advancement in the pursuit of sustainable, reliable, and efficient energy solutions to enhance uncrewed operations. Hydrogen technology, while facing challenges with current methodologies, stands as a game-changer, offering the potential to improve energy security, efficiency, resilience, and sustainability.

“AQST's TrinityPower Nexus (TPN) technology is at the forefront of this effort, delivering a groundbreaking on-site, on-demand hydrogen solution. It's uniquely non-flammable, non-explosive, and designed for extreme environmental and operational conditions. With a lifecycle of over 25 years and hydrogen production costs under $3 per kilogram, we are positioning it as an unparalleled energy solution for today and the future,” said AQST President Joel Smith

“The potential to deliver an almost continuously operating uncrewed system for DoD missions via hydrogen power is an exciting development. We are proud to help demonstrate this emerging capability with our partners at AQST and GWSO here in Mississippi,” said Dr. Jason McKenna, Director of Research, Development, Testing, Evaluation & Training (RDTE&T) at USM’s Roger F. Wicker Center for Ocean Enterprise.

"We are excited to work with the talented researchers at the Roger F. Wicker Center for Ocean Enterprise to leverage our hydrogen expertise to address critical fuel and power challenges facing uncrewed maritime vessels," said AQST Chief Executive Officer Raymond Caldas.

"Successfully demonstrating our technology's capabilities and solutions in this arena has the potential to open up significant new market opportunities in the military and commercial sectors while supporting the transition to hydrogen as a primary sustainable and clean maritime fuel."

Echoing this sentiment, Michael Pollastro, CEO of GWSO Inc, states, "This effort confirms our leadership in sustainable tech and will accelerate licensing opportunities in the multibillion-dollar hydrogen industry. This is only the beginning as, together with AQST and USM, we capitalize on our proven track record to revolutionize the energy sector.” 

About AQST USA LLC

AQST USA LLC (AQST) a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Smal Business stands at the forefront of innovation as a multifaceted research and manufacturing company specializing in space systems, advanced technologies, and clean energy solutions. Our vision is to offer 'One Platform - Infinite Solutions' that caters to both terrestrial and space applications. At AQST, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of science and defense, harnessing the power of cutting-edge technologies to pave the way for a sustainable and brighter future on Earth and in Space.

About Global Warming Solutions Inc.

Global Warming Solutions Inc. (GWSO) is a publicly traded worldwide developer of technologies that help mitigate climate change and its effects on the planet. The company’s mission is to develop and bring innovative market technologies that address the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.