Siemens to scale hydrogen production method turning scrap aluminium into clean fuel
A novel hydrogen production process that needs no electricity, no natural gas, and no electrolyser is being backed by Siemens for scale-up and industrial deployment.
The method, developed by Aylesbury-based Paragon Resources, uses recycled aluminium and water in a proprietary chemical reaction to produce hydrogen gas, aluminium hydroxide and heat – all without any external energy input.
Under a new Memorandum of Understanding, Siemens will serve as Paragon’s preferred technology partner, supporting the firm’s transition from pilot phase to full-scale rollout.
The deal will see Siemens integrate automation, digital twins, and AI-driven control systems into Paragon’s process via its Xcelerator platform – aiming to optimise thermal efficiency, improve process monitoring, and enable remote operation.
No grid, no gas
Unlike conventional hydrogen production routes – whether through electrolysis or methane reforming – Paragon’s system sidesteps the need for fossil fuels, grid electricity, or carbon capture.
If that sounds a bit like perpetual motion to you, just hang on for a minute.
Treated aluminium waste is reacted with water in the presence of a proprietary catalyst, releasing hydrogen and producing aluminium hydroxide as a by-product.
That hydroxide can be used across a range of industrial applications – including water purification, fire retardants, ceramics, and cosmetics – while the exothermic reaction produces heat that can be converted into electricity, enabling self-sufficient operation.
Paragon says the process has a minimal environmental footprint and turns what would otherwise be waste material into useful fuel and industrial feedstocks.
Digital tools for clean fuels
Siemens’ role in the collaboration focuses on enabling Paragon to scale efficiently and securely. The firm will apply its expertise in industrial automation, remote diagnostics, and AI optimisation to maximise performance and accelerate deployment.
“Tackling the challenge of upscaling hydrogen production will be impossible without a willingness to collaborate,” said Andy Lane, Senior Commercial Manager at Siemens. “As a technology company, we have an integral role to play in supporting businesses such as Paragon Resources in developing, scaling and commercialising their innovative new processes.”
“By integrating our automation and digitalisation expertise, we look forward to working with the team at Paragon to drive the creation of a robust hydrogen market for the UK that also supports other facets of sustainability including resource efficiency and circularity.”
A different route to green hydrogen
Paragon’s system represents an alternative to electrolysis in regions where power supply is limited or where off-grid operation is desirable.
The company holds patents for its reactor design and control system, and sees particular potential in hard-to-abate sectors such as chemicals, metals and high-temperature manufacturing.
“Our mission is to enable a new standard for green hydrogen production: one that’s clean, efficient, and commercially viable without compromise,” said Ian Calvert, CEO of Paragon Resources. “Siemens brings the industrial know-how and digital tools we need to rapidly move from pilot to full-scale deployment.”
If the system proves scalable, it could offer a decentralised, resource-efficient method of generating hydrogen and industrial chemicals – while diverting aluminium waste from landfill.
