Transforming Green Chemistry: OCOchem’s Rise from Garage to Global Impact
In a world striving to combat climate change, the story of OCOchem highlights a powerful narrative of innovation and determination. Todd Brix, CEO of OCOchem, grew up in a family where green chemistry was more than just a concept; it was a way of life. His father, Terry Brix, was an early pioneer in the field, founding numerous companies dedicated to creating sustainable chemicals from biomass waste. Todd’s journey took him from his family garage to the forefront of cutting-edge technology, inspired by hydrogen’s potential and its storage challenges.
After obtaining a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Washington, Todd honed his skills at Chevron Research and Technology Company, where he engaged with early forms of green hydrogen. Todd’s curiosity about hydrogen’s safe storage, given its volatile nature, spurred him to delve deeper into research. Over six months, he explored global studies, refined innovative processes, and crafted a business model, which led to the birth of OCOchem in 2020.
The Role of Strategic Funding in Innovation
A crucial turning point for OCOchem came with financial support from the Department of Commerce’s Clean Energy Fund. The $1.5 million grant matched the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydrogen EarthShot initiative, catalyzing further investments from the U.S. Department of Energy, the Centralia Coal Transition Fund, and international private investors. Todd Brix emphasized, “I’m grateful to be in Washington state and have my state support me. It certainly helped to advance this technology.”
Scaling Technology: From Concept to Large-Scale Production
By January 2024, OCOchem had developed the world’s largest CO₂ electrolyzer cell, a 1.5-square-meter unit. This innovative device uses electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, subsequently combining the hydrogen with CO₂ to produce formate through CO₂ electrolysis. This process, which started on a smaller scale in 2020, eliminates the need to separately produce and store hydrogen gas, enhancing safety and reducing costs.
Brix describes the technology: “Think of an electrolyzer like a kitchen appliance that works in reverse of a battery. A battery stores electricity and gives it back when you need it. A CO₂ electrolyzer uses electricity to take water apart into hydrogen and oxygen and then uses that hydrogen to combine with CO₂ to make formate in a single step.”
Community Impact and Future Prospects
OCOchem’s advancements are set to revolutionize industries by turning CO₂ emissions into valuable resources, aiding decarbonization and fostering new markets. Their research and development labs in Richland are at the heart of these innovations. In 2025, a collaboration with ADM will see the establishment of a demonstration plant in Decatur, Illinois, converting 10,000 tons of CO₂ annually into formate, comparable to removing 16,000 cars from the road.
In addition, OCOchem is working on portable “green” generators powered by formate fuel, offering an eco-friendly alternative to diesel engines for various applications.
Leading the Way in the Hydrogen Economy
OCOchem’s journey from humble beginnings to influential global partnerships underscores the transformative power of innovation in combating climate change. With future plans to produce hydrogen for vehicles and other uses, the company is poised to play a significant role in the emerging hydrogen economy. Todd Brix, along with his family, continues to push the boundaries of green chemistry, turning CO₂ from a liability into a cornerstone for a sustainable future.
To learn more about OCOchem and its mission, visit the OCOchem website.
Original Story at www.commerce.wa.gov