Renewable Energy Leader's Forum: Graham Cooley, ITM Power

In this week's Forum we venture into the exciting yet somewhat unknown sector of renewable energy: hydrogen power. 

Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the known universe, which makes it almost inexhaustible, unlike fossil fuels.  When it is harnessed to produce electricity and power, it offers a completely clean energy source. 

There are many that question hydrogen's ability to be a large-scale energy source.  ITM Power has become a leader in developing hydrogen power, and offers several incredible consumer products.

Let's find out Graham Cooley and ITM Power's story:

PROFILE

Where are you headquartered?

Sheffield, United Kingdom.

Number of employees?

50 full-time employees.

How long has your company been around?

Eight years.

Public or Private? If public, what is your stock symbol?

Public: LON:ITM

Sales and operating revenues last fiscal year?

We are pre-revenue; but not for long!

Profits last fiscal year?

Not applicable.

Company Website:  http://www.itm-power.com/
YouTube Channel:  http://www.youtube.com/user/ITMPowerPlc
Flickr:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/itmpower/
Linkedin:  http://www.linkedin.com/companies/itm-power?trk=copro_tab

INTELLIGENCE

Tell us about your company's main technology/service?

ITM's electrolyser and fuel cell technologies have the potential to become the cornerstones of a future hydrogen economy based on 'green' hydrogen. Our hydrogen systems are able to convert renewable energy to a clean fuel, that can be indefinitely stored for use in transport, residential and industrial applications.

What is unique about your technology?

ITM has grown from its original platform of novel polymeric electrolytes (for water electrolysis and hydrogen fuel cells) to that of a technology provider. ITM now has both a strong base of intellectual property and engineering expertise for providing complete hydrogen solutions. 

How will your technology transform the energy sector?

We aim to decarbonise transport; improve air quality and reduce global dependence on fossil fuels.

How does your company compare to its main competitors?

There are no competitors; only potential partners; it's a huge market.

VISION

What are the guiding principles of your company?

ITM Power is committed to clean sustainable energy solutions based around water electrolysis. Our principal motivation is to engineer zero-carbon hydrogen energy systems that provide energy security and independence from fossil fuels.

What do you think is the role of government when it comes to growing the renewable and clean energy sector?

To provide tax incentives to change consumer behavior and grant funding to build technology companies.

When it comes to your business/product, what inspires you?

Making a zero carbon footprint fuel from renewable energy; who wouldn't be inspired by that?

What is your overall outlook of the renewable energy sector over the next 3 years? Is it: very positive -- positive -- neutral -- negative --- very negative? Please elaborate if you would like.

Very positive; there is a genuine need for renewable energy and a will on the part of Governments, industry, suplliers, and customers to make it happen.  All the arrows are in the right direction.

Graham Cooley's Bio

Graham joined ITM on 29 June 2009 as CEO. Before joining Graham was CEO of Sensortec and Universal Sensors, founding CEO of Metalysis Ltd, a spin out of Cambridge University, and founding CEO of Antenova Ltd.

Graham spent 11 years in the power industry developing conductive polymers, fuel cells, batteries and energy storage technologies. He was Business Development Manager for National Power Plc and International Power Plc and developed the Regenesys energy storage technology which was acquired by RWE from Innogy.

Graham specialises in turning intellectual property and technology into products; identifying the product strategy and business model required to enter a target market and generate growth.

He has a Degree in Physics, Phd in Materials Technology and an MBA.