A new federal project aimed at reducing the cost of clean hydrogen will include a local professor.
Jamie Gomez, a senior lecturer and researcher at the University of New Mexico is part of a team that will also focus on advancing electrolysis technologies to improve manufacturing and recycling capabilities for clean hydrogen systems and components.
Inspiration to others
Gomez said her background, which includes studying at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering in Tallahassee, Florida, enables her to serve as an inspiration to UNM students. She said the joint engineering school at historically Black Florida A&M University and predominantly white Florida State University, along with her family’s Hispanic, Portuguese and Afro-French heritage have “not only shaped my worldview but also my approach to engineering and problem-solving.”
“In contributing to a Hispanic-serving institution like UNM, I bring a unique perspective that celebrates diversity and inclusivity,” Gomez said. “I believe this array of experiences will not only help but also inspire students at UNM and across the broader New Mexico community, showing them the power of embracing their own diverse backgrounds in their professional and personal growth.”
The project
Gomez will be working on an OxEon Energy project. As part of that project, she will conduct a techno-economic analysis to help company leaders plan for growth. She’ll focus on assessing performance, efficiency, and cost implications.
Just what is techno-economic analysis? It’s a data-driven field that rigorously blends quantitative analysis of technology assessment with detailed financial considerations, Gomez said in a UNM press release.
She said such analysis is crucial for the advancement of early-stage engineering projects, especially those that aim for breakthroughs in cost efficiency and scalability.
Making hydrogen more efficiently
The OxEon project will foster low-cost manufacturing of solid oxide electrolyzers, which split water into hydrogen and oxygen, the release states.
OxEon Energy LLC, based in North Salt Lake, Utah, also works with universities in Utah, Florida and Georgia. They work with two national laboratories and the Utah Advanced Materials & Manufacturing Initiative.
The U.S. Department of Energy considers solid oxide electrolyzers a promising device for the transition to a renewable-energy economy and sees high potential with renewable power generation, according to the release.
Students and real-world learning
Gomez is also participating in a community research partnership with Pajarito Powder, a startup company launched by former UNM faculty Plamen Atanassov.
That collaboration is tailored to enrich the experience of UNM undergraduate chemical and biological engineering students, Gomez said, applying their acquired skills and knowledge to solve real-world problems.
“This initiative not only highlights my pivotal role in connecting theoretical learning with industry applications but also aims to prepare UNM graduates for significant contributions to solving energy issues in the U.S,” she said.
The projects were announced by the Department of Energy this month as part of $750 million in awards for 52 projects designed to substantially reduce the cost of clean hydrogen and support U.S. leadership in the hydrogen industry.
Pride and promise
Gomez told City Desk ABQ being selected symbolizes recognition and validation of her efforts and specialized skills.
“It underscores a recognition of my dedication to applying engineering principles for a sustainable future, fostering a sense of responsibility and pride,” she said. “This new opportunity not only validates my past endeavors but also propels me towards future achievements, inspiring a commitment to excellence and a desire to make a lasting impact in my field.”
As the sole principal investigator from UNM, Gomez said she’ll be providing opportunities for students to engage in the practical aspects of clean energy technology development.
Gomez said the benefits from the research will be more efficient and cost-effective clean hydrogen production, which will lead to lower energy costs and reduced carbon footprints for consumers. Additionally, she said, advancements in electrolysis could spur innovation in sectors such as transportation and agriculture, by providing a cleaner, sustainable energy source, thereby contributing significantly to global efforts against climate change.