Star Scientific, a renowned Australian green hydrogen research and development company, has chosen New Mexico as the location for its first North American operation. This exciting announcement was made by Star Scientific’s Global Group Chair, Andrew Horvath, and New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.
The decision to select New Mexico was influenced by the state’s long-term commitment to hydrogen and its strategic advantages for a company like Star Scientific. Horvath was particularly impressed by the comprehensive approach taken by New Mexico officials, encompassing manufacturing, logistics, higher education, research, and future plans for hydrogen utilization. Additionally, New Mexico’s focus on providing housing, education incentives, and lifestyle infrastructure for employees and their families played a crucial role in the decision.
This year alone, Governor Lujan Grisham has successfully attracted companies from Singapore, Taiwan, Germany, and now Australia to invest in New Mexico. The state has emerged as a prime destination for companies seeking the best opportunities in clean energy solutions that drive global economic growth.
In line with this announcement, Star Scientific has signed a Letter of Intent with Governor Lujan Grisham, solidifying its commitment to establishing a joint research and mass manufacturing facility in Albuquerque’s Mesa del Sol district. The company intends to acquire up to 50 acres of land and invest $100 million in New Mexico, constructing multiple buildings for administration, design, testing, manufacturing, and laboratory research.
Moreover, Star Scientific plans to hire up to 200 employees in New Mexico. Currently, negotiations are underway with the state’s Economic Development Department for an incentive package, including assistance from the Job-Creation Fund under the Local Economic Development Act (LEDA), along with job training support. The company will also be eligible for manufacturing tax credits and incentives for hiring high-wage workers.
For Albuquerque, this decision reaffirms its commitment to developing a modern clean energy economy. The city has been successful in attracting global companies, with Star Scientific joining MTex and Maxeon in making significant investments in New Mexico. These investments not only create high-paying, diverse jobs but also present compelling career opportunities for future generations.
With its locations in Australia and Switzerland, Star Scientific is renowned for its development of the award-winning and patented HERO® catalyst. This cutting-edge technology enables the chemical catalysis of hydrogen and oxygen, efficiently generating industrial-scale heat without any combustion or greenhouse gas emissions. The only byproduct of this process is pure water.
Star Scientific plans to utilize this groundbreaking catalyst for off-grid power generation, desalination projects, and heavy industrial production that requires high temperatures.
Andrew Horvath emphasized that the facility in New Mexico will mirror the one in Australia, serving customers in the United States, Canada, and initially South America. Alongside the deployment of GHG-free process-heat systems and stand-alone power systems, Star Scientific will continue its research on other pioneering projects.
The success of this venture is indebted to the commitment of New Mexico’s state agencies and environmental protection measures. Secretary James Kenney of the Environment Department lauded Star Scientific’s investment and its invaluable contribution to the state’s clean hydrogen manufacturing and research campus.
This monumental decision marks a significant milestone for both Star Scientific and New Mexico, as they join forces to revolutionize the clean energy sector. The collaboration between an Australian industry leader and a state committed to sustainable solutions will undoubtedly propel the region forward and position them as global players in the hydrogen economy.
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