Element 1
Element 1 Corp. is a Bend, Oregon-based privately held hydrogen technology company that designs and manufactures methanol-to-hydrogen generators using proprietary membrane purification, serving marine, material handling, critical infrastructure, data center, and fuel cell vehicle customers globally via direct sales and technology licensing.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2010
- HeadquartersBend, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Element 1 does
Element 1 Corp. is a privately held hydrogen generation technology company founded in 2010 in Bend, Oregon, specializing in on-demand, on-site, and onboard methanol-to-hydrogen generation systems. The company's core technology combines catalytic steam reforming of methanol and water with a proprietary membrane-based hydrogen purification module developed over 35 years by founder and CEO Dr. Dave Edlund, producing fuel cell grade hydrogen (>99.99% purity, <0.2 ppm CO) that meets ISO 14687 standards at scales from 1 kW to 500 kg/day. The proprietary IP estate comprises 116 US patents and more than 350 foreign patents, and the technology claims up to 75% lower cost versus delivered bulk gas hydrogen, 25% lower CapEx and 50% lower OpEx versus electrolyzers, and a 35% energy reduction versus diesel generators in marine applications.
The product portfolio includes the S-Series hydrogen generator (1-10 kW, small-scale backup and critical infrastructure), L18-Series (50-500 kg/day, refueling and heavy-duty applications), L18-PSA variant, M-Series (compact/onboard vehicle propulsion), Containerized Hydrogen Generators (CHG), and the CPG-150 mobile power generator (140 kW in a 10-foot shipping container). Element 1 monetizes through a hybrid model: direct sales of manufactured equipment from its Bend facility (a $5.3M+ five-year L18-PSA purchase order with a North American exclusive distribution partner anchors the forward book), technology licensing to global manufacturing partners (Rix Industries, Methanol Reformer S.L., Hylium Industries, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical), joint ventures historically (e1 Marine, divested to Maritime Partners in June 2025), and technical solutions services.
Target customers span the marine industry (IMO 2030/50 compliance, the Hydrogen One towboat with American Commercial Barge Line), material handling and warehousing (hydrogen fuel cell forklifts), critical infrastructure backup power, fuel cell electric vehicles, stationary power generation, and emerging data center power applications (Aurosi Precision Taiwan MOU, MGC/Fuji Electric Japan collaboration). Pricing is custom-quoted with $3-4/kg hydrogen cost economics and $100-150K capital cost for a 170 kg/day L18-Series unit. Distribution is direct for enterprise accounts and via exclusive licensing or distribution partners across North America, Europe, Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea.
Element 1 firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Element 1
- Legal name
- Element 1® Corp.
- Website
- https://e1na.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2010
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Element 1 Corp. is a Bend, Oregon-based privately held hydrogen technology company that designs and manufactures methanol-to-hydrogen generators using proprietary membrane purification, serving marine, material handling, critical infrastructure, data center, and fuel cell vehicle customers globally via direct sales and technology licensing.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Element 1 industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Hydrogen Generation Equipment
- NAICS
- Industrial Gas Manufacturing (32512)
- SIC
- Oil & Gas Field Machinery & Equipment (3533)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Hydrogen (Industrial & Mobility) (IMAEACAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Hydrogen Energy Storage & Power-to-X Equipment (electrolyzers, storage, fuel cell systems) (IMAGAHAM), Green Methanol & E‑Alcohols (e‑methanol, ethanol, higher alcohols) (EUABAIAB), Alternative Low-Carbon Marine Fuels Bunkering (Methanol, Biofuels, Ammonia, Hydrogen) (TLAHAKAC)
Keywords
Where Element 1 is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Bend
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Element 1 business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Hydrogen Generator Equipment Sales: Sale of hydrogen generation equipment including S-Series, L18-Series, CHG containerized systems, and CPG power generators. The company manufactures units at its Bend, Oregon facility and sells directly to enterprise customers. Multi-year purchase orders include $5.3M+ guaranteed five-year multi-unit order for L18-PSA generators.
- Technology Licensing: Licensing of proprietary methanol-to-hydrogen technology to strategic partners for manufacturing, distribution, and product development. Licensing partnerships include Rix Industries (licensed manufacturer of M-series), Methanol Reformer S.L., Hylium Industries (assembly license), and others globally.
- e1 Marine Joint Venture: Joint venture with Maritime Partners and Ardmore Shipping for marine applications. e1 Marine commercializes methanol-to-hydrogen technology for maritime vessels including the Hydrogen One towboat. Maritime Partners later acquired e1 Marine.
- Technical Solutions Services: Product development, rapid prototyping, system design and integration, and technology transfer services provided by the Element 1 Technology Solutions team to accelerate fuel cell generator deployment.
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels7 records
Element 1 product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Element 1 designs, develops, and manufactures proprietary methanol-to-hydrogen generation systems and membrane-based hydrogen purification modules that convert methanol and water into fuel cell grade hydrogen on-demand for enterprise and licensing customers. The company sells hardware directly to fuel cell OEMs, system integrators, and fleet operators, and licenses its methanol-to-hydrogen technology to manufacturing and distribution partners globally across marine, material handling, critical infrastructure, data center, FCEV, and stationary power markets.
Product overview
Element 1 is a hardware-focused company offering a portfolio of methanol-to-hydrogen generation products. The core product line consists of the S-Series (small-scale, 1-10 kW for critical infrastructure backup), L18-Series (large-scale, 50-500 kg/day for refueling and heavy-duty applications), and M-Series (mobile/compact for onboard vehicle propulsion). Supporting products include the Hydrogen Purifier Module (membrane-based purification exceeding ISO 14687 standards), Containerized Power Generator (CPG-150, 140 kW mobile power), and Containerized Hydrogen Generator (CHG, for stationary/mobile hydrogen production). The L18-PSA variant works with third-party PSA units for high-purity applications. Products utilize patented methanol steam reforming technology to produce fuel cell grade hydrogen on-demand at up to 75% lower cost than delivered bulk gas hydrogen.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- S-Series Hydrogen Generator Small-scale, on-demand hydrogen generator designed for critical power applications requiring 1-kW to 10-kW fuel cell power solutions. Converts a methanol and water mixture into high-purity hydrogen for telecom, security, and railroad signaling applications. Produces 20-130 sLm hydrogen, requires less than 100 W during generation and less than 700 W in standby, with a compact design fitting standard 23-inch racks.
- L18-Series Hydrogen Generator Large-scale, on-demand hydrogen generator designed for refueling solutions and heavy-duty applications. Produces fuel cell grade hydrogen from methanol and water feedstock, scalable from 50 kg/day to 500 kg/day with up to 84% energy efficiency. Requires less than 1 kW electrical power and supports fuel cell vehicle refueling, material handling, and stationary power applications.
- Hydrogen Purifier Module Membrane-based hydrogen purification module producing fuel cell grade hydrogen with greater than 99.99% purity and less than 0.2 ppm CO, meeting ISO 14687 standards. Single module (33 cm x 16 cm x 16 cm) produces up to 38 kg/day; multiple modules can be aligned for larger quantities. Solid-state design with no moving parts achieves greater than 15,000 operational hours lifetime with unlimited standby hours. Scalable from 5 sLm to 300 sLm.
- CPG-150 Power Generator Mobile containerized power generator combining fuel cell modules with methanol-to-hydrogen generators. Nominal rating of 140 kW packaged in a 10-foot shipping container, includes an onboard battery bank for black-start capability. Designed for off-grid and mobile power applications.
- CHG Containerized Hydrogen Generator Containerized hydrogen generation system producing methanol-based PEM fuel cell power for stationary and mobile applications including data centers and off-grid power systems. Provides scalable hydrogen generation in a portable containerized format.
- M-Series Hydrogen Generator Compact, mobile hydrogen generator designed for onboard vehicle applications including buses, heavy-duty trucks, and marine vessels. Displaces stored compressed hydrogen to support fuel cell propulsion with extended range capabilities. Licensed to Rix Industries for manufacturing and distribution.
- L18-PSA Hydrogen Generator Derivative of the standard L18 hydrogen generator designed to work alongside third-party pressure-swing absorption (PSA) units for high-purity hydrogen production in hydrogen refueling and material handling applications.
- Element 1 Technology Solutions Professional services offering providing product development, rapid prototyping, system design and integration, and technology transfer to accelerate fuel cell generator deployment for customers and partners.
Quantifiable outcome
- 75% lower cost than delivered bulk gas hydrogen
- +7 more outcomes
Companies that use Element 1
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Element 1 technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature7 records
Element 1 partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Aurosi Precision Co. Ltd.coreTaiwan-based manufacturing partner specializing in battery energy storage systems and hydrogen-powered product development. Aurosi intends to procure e1 Containerized Power Generators (CPG) and Containerized Hydrogen Generators (CHG) for a major off-grid data center power project in Taiwan providing up to 2 MW methanol-based PEM fuel cell power as part of a planned 5 MW system. Target project initiation: June 30, 2026.
- Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.minorPartnering with MGC to study development and demonstration of methanol-to-hydrogen power generation systems for data centers, factories, and other facilities.
- Maritime Partners LLCcoreLouisiana-based maritime financing leader that acquired e1 Marine (original JV between Maritime Partners, Element 1, and Ardmore Shipping). Maritime Partners integrates e1 Marine's hydrogen generation technology with operational expertise for marine propulsion. Developing Hydrogen One, the world's first hydrogen powered towboat.
- Oxylus EnergycoreJoint R&D initiative to explore use of Oxylus's CO2-to-methanol technology as sustainable feedstock for Element 1's hydrogen production units. Partnership aims to enable efficient on-demand hydrogen production while reducing emissions, supporting hydrogen refueling stations, decentralized power generation, and onboard hydrogen production for vehicles, trains, aircraft, and maritime vessels.
- Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc. (MGC)coreStrategic collaboration to develop and demonstrate power generation systems integrating fuel cells and hydrogen generators using methanol as feedstock. Joint announcement with Fuji Electric to study development of clean electric power systems for backup and base load applications for data centers, factories, and other facilities.
- Methanol Reformer S.L.coreStrategic partner developing and commercializing advanced technology for hydrogen generation through methanol reforming under license from Element 1. Supports decentralized, mobile, and stationary energy needs worldwide. Part of February 2025 strategic collaboration announcement with MGC.
- Hylium Industries Inc.minorStrategic Assembly License Agreement with Element 1 for hydrogen generation technology assembly and manufacturing.
- Ardmore Shipping CorporationminorOriginal co-founder of e1 Marine joint venture alongside Maritime Partners and Element 1 for developing methanol-to-hydrogen technology for maritime applications.
- Rix IndustriescoreGlobal leader in designing, developing, and manufacturing energy generation systems. Rix is a licensed manufacturer of Element 1 M-series hydrogen generation technology, bringing specialized hydrogen generation solutions to market.
- Kaizen Clean Energy (KCE)minorHouston-based future fuels company specializing in design, development, and manufacture of hydrogen generators for decentralized power in transportation, power, agricultural, EV charging, and hydrogen markets. Partnership aligns Element 1 L-Series Hydrogen generator with KCE's distributed hydrogen generation expertise.
- Methanol InstituteminorGlobal trade association for methanol industry founded in 1989, representing world's leading methanol producers, distributors and technology companies. Element 1 is a member supporting methanol market development and growth of emerging energy markets.
- CALSTARTminorNon-profit organization working nationally and internationally with businesses and governments to develop clean, efficient transportation solutions. Connects companies and government agencies across the clean energy sector.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Element 1 competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Nel ASA: Norwegian electrolyzer and hydrogen refueling station manufacturer. Directly competes in the hydrogen generation equipment space, though Nel focuses on water electrolysis rather than methanol reforming. Both target fuel cell vehicle refueling and industrial hydrogen applications.
- Hydrogenious LOHC Technologies: German company developing liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) technology for hydrogen storage and transport. Similar business model of enabling hydrogen logistics through carrier liquids, though using different chemistry (dibenzyltoluene vs. methanol).
Broad incumbents
- Plug Power: Larger established hydrogen fuel cell and electrolyzer company serving material handling, stationary power, and mobility markets. Comparable in material handling use cases where Element 1 also targets fuel cell forklifts, though Plug operates at greater scale with broader product portfolio.
- Ballard Power Systems: Leading PEM fuel cell manufacturer targeting heavy-duty mobility, marine, backup power, and material handling. Overlap with Element 1 in marine (Hydrogen One towboat uses Ballard fuel cells with Element 1 reformers) and material handling segments.
- Cummins (Accelera by Cummins): Cummins' zero-emission business unit offering fuel cells and electrolyzers for trucks, trains, and industrial applications. Competes with Element 1 in heavy-duty mobility and stationary power segments, with greater scale and OEM relationships.
- Iwatani Corporation: Major Japanese industrial gas and hydrogen supply company. Partners with Element 1 in Japan-related projects and represents a potential competitive threat and channel partner for Japanese market entry.
- Air Products: Global industrial gas giant with significant hydrogen production, distribution, and refueling infrastructure. Competes with Element 1 in centralized hydrogen supply and could enter on-site generation if the market grows.
Emerging players
- Hyzon Motors: Hydrogen fuel cell truck manufacturer. Comparable in heavy-duty mobility applications targeting fleet decarbonization, though focused on Class 8 trucks rather than the broader application portfolio Element 1 addresses.
- H2Pro: Israeli hydrogen technology company developing E-TAC (electrochemical-thermally activated chemical) water splitting. Emerging player with alternative low-cost green hydrogen production technology that competes for similar fuel cell and mobility applications.
Others
- Methanol Holdings (Trinidad) Limited: Methanex and similar methanol producers are upstream feedstock suppliers to Element 1's technology. They represent the commodity supply chain that determines Element 1's hydrogen production economics and could vertically integrate into distributed hydrogen generation.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Element 1 social profiles
Digital presenceElement 1 financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Element 1 leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Element 1 subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Element 1 funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Element 1 M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Element 1
What does Element 1 do?
Element 1 designs, develops, and manufactures proprietary methanol-to-hydrogen generation systems and membrane-based hydrogen purification modules that convert methanol and water into fuel cell grade hydrogen on-demand for enterprise and licensing customers. The company sells hardware directly to fuel cell OEMs, system integrators, and fleet operators, and licenses its methanol-to-hydrogen technology to manufacturing and distribution partners globally across marine, material handling, critical infrastructure, data center, FCEV, and stationary power markets.
Is Element 1 a public or private company?
Element 1 is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Element 1 founded?
Element 1 was founded in 2010. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Element 1 based?
Element 1 is headquartered in Bend, United States, in the North America region.
How does Element 1 make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Hydrogen Generator Equipment Sales are the primary driver. The others are technology Licensing, e1 Marine Joint Venture and technical Solutions Services.
Who are Element 1's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Nel ASA and Hydrogenious LOHC Technologies. Broad incumbents are Plug Power, Ballard Power Systems, Cummins (Accelera by Cummins), Iwatani Corporation and Air Products. Emerging players are Hyzon Motors and H2Pro. Methanol Holdings (Trinidad) Limited is listed as an others.
Does Element 1 have an API?
No public API is recorded for Element 1.
What industry is Element 1 in?
Element 1's product category is Hydrogen Generation Equipment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAEACAB, Hydrogen (Industrial & Mobility), with a secondary code of IMAGAHAM, Hydrogen Energy Storage & Power-to-X Equipment (electrolyzers, storage, fuel cell systems). Its NAICS code is 32512 and its SIC code is 3533.