The Global Water Institute’s Tom Darrah was named the Innovator of the Year at a special reception on Thursday, April 20 for his groundbreaking research on green hydrogen. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the field of sustainable energy, as green hydrogen could revolutionize the way we produce and consume energy.

Green hydrogen is a type of hydrogen that is produced using renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar power. Unlike traditional hydrogen, which is produced using fossil fuels, green hydrogen is a clean and sustainable alternative that does not emit carbon dioxide or other harmful greenhouse gases.

Darrah's research has focused on developing a new method for producing green hydrogen using a process called photoelectrochemical water splitting. This process uses sunlight to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen, which can then be captured and used as fuel.

Darrah's breakthrough research has the potential to transform the energy sector, reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and contributing to a more sustainable future. By commercializing his research, Darrah has made it possible for his technology to potentially produce green hydrogen at scale, bringing us one step closer to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

Ohio State University's recognition of Darrah as the Innovator of the Year is a testament to the importance of his work and the impact it could have on our planet. We celebrate Darrah's achievement and look forward to seeing how his research will continue to drive innovation and progress in the years to come.

Others honored at the event included Jinghua Li, PhD, assistant professor of materials science and engineering in the College of Engineering was named Early Career Innovator of the Year and Oluwatosin Ayinde, a doctoral student in the College of Pharmacy, was named Next Generation Innovator of the Year.

Update: Watch the YouTube video: Innovator of the Year - Thomas Darrah, PhD.