SHINe story: Aich2
Aich2 is an energy technology company developing a novel approach to hydrogen generation and storage. Through the SHINe commercial support programme, our team worked closely with Aich2 to strengthen its commercial positioning and build an evidence-based investment case. Find out more below.
08 October 2026 | 3 minute read
Introduction to Aich2
Aich2 is an energy technology company developing a novel approach to hydrogen generation and storage. Its approach uses sodium borohydride (NaBH₄) as a solid hydrogen carrier.
The technology offers a practical alternative to conventional hydrogen supply chains which are often challenged by energy losses, leakage, and deterioration risks.
Aich2 combines this with a patent pending regeneration process which converts used material back into sodium borohydride. This circular hydrogen system optimises both the carbon footprint and economics of hydrogen across the value chain.
The approach supports a more distributed energy model, reducing reliance on centralised production and transport infrastructure.
Aich2’s early commercial focus includes applications such as backup power for telecommunications infrastructure and materials handling equipment. In these cases, reliable, low carbon energy solutions are crucial.
Innovation and opportunity
Aich2’s approach uses sodium borohydride as a solid hydrogen carrier, allowing hydrogen to be stored, transported and released safely and efficiently. The system combines two integrated capabilities:
- Producing hydrogen on demand from sodium borohydride at the point of use
- Regenerating the used material (sodium metaborate) back into usable sodium borohydride
Together, these capabilities create a closed-loop system, where hydrogen can be generated and reused within a circular value chain powered by renewable energy.
Sodium borohydride is already widely used across industrial sectors such as pharmaceuticals, chemical manufacturing, and pulp and paper. However, existing production methods are highly carbon intensive.
Aich2’s technology is a dual opportunity to decarbonise these existing supply chains while also enabling new applications in hydrogen storage and transport. This is particularly the case in use cases where conventional hydrogen infrastructure is challenging to deploy.
SHINe’s role in supporting Aich2
Through the SHINe commercial support programme, our team worked closely with Aich2 to strengthen its commercial positioning and build an evidence-based investment case.
The support focused on developing a clearer understanding of both the existing sodium borohydride market and emerging hydrogen carrier opportunities. This includes quantifying the total size of the opportunity.
Our commercial support to Aich2 included:
- Assessing global demand for sodium borohydride across established industrial applications
- Identifying clear opportunities for Aich2's regeneration technology, and how it could support decarbonisation in these existing markets
- Analysing emerging hydrogen markets to quantify the long-term potential for hydrogen carriers
Next steps for Aich2
Aich2 is headquartered in the USA and registered in Scotland, where it has identified a key market for early deployment and commercial activity.
Scotland offers a strong foundation for this innovation, with a supportive hydrogen policy landscape, growing industrial demand, and opportunities for commercial trials. The team is also exploring potential collaboration with Heriot-Watt University to support development and deployment activities.
Aich2 is actively seeking funding from both private and government entities to take its patent pending regeneration process to scale. This important step will enable the entire hydrogen ecosystem, as well as provide an early avenue to revenue.
Contact SHINe for more information
If you’re interested in how we’re supporting companies like Aich2 to strengthen its commercial positioning and build an evidence-based investment case, contact the SHINe team.