Shaw School of Sciences Earns “Game-Changer” Grant to Help Produce Clean Hydrogen Energy

February 7, 2025

Asbury University is playing a pivotal role in a cutting-edge project to produce clean hydrogen energy. Partnering with Virginia Tech and Cincinnati-based Shepherd Chemical, the Shaw School of Sciences will receive $320,000 to help develop innovative methods for breaking down methane into hydrogen. This three-year initiative seeks to create scalable, carbon-free hydrogen production, revolutionizing the clean energy landscape.

Hydrogen, often called the “gold standard” of energy, burns cleanly to produce water. The challenge lies in producing it efficiently and sustainably on an industrial scale. This project tackles that challenge through catalytic methane decomposition, a process that splits methane into valuable hydrogen without emitting greenhouse gases.

Dr. Wilson Shafer, associate professor of chemistry, will lead the University’s contributions to this transformative effort. “This grant is a game-changer for Asbury,” Shafer said. “We are addressing one of the world’s most urgent energy needs while positioning our university as a hub for impactful research. Hydrogen’s potential to reshape energy systems makes this work critical, and I’m thrilled to contribute.”

Shafer’s team will focus on developing a dual-reactor catalytic system to ensure continuous hydrogen production. This system will alternate between active and standby modes, reducing downtime and improving efficiency. Asbury’s funding will support a postdoctoral researcher and provide essential materials for the project. The team also will engage with intellectual property strategies to advance the technology’s application.

This grant represents the largest single award the Shaw School of Sciences has received, highlighting the University’s growing presence in high-impact research.

“It’s inspiring to see Asbury at the forefront of such a significant project,” Shafer added. “By combining our strengths with Virginia Tech and Shepherd Chemical, we’re driving innovation that could lead to sustainable solutions for future energy systems.”

The broader project, led by Virginia Tech, aims to establish a hydrogen innovation hub in Appalachia. Leveraging abundant regional natural gas resources, the initiative seeks to produce clean energy while fostering economic growth and environmental sustainability. The partners’ efforts align with state and federal goals for advancing renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Asbury’s involvement goes beyond research. The team plans to recruit top-tier postdoctoral researchers to foster innovation and build future leaders in clean energy. Dr. Shafer’s collaboration with colleagues at Virginia Tech and Shepherd Chemical ensures a seamless transition from academic research to scalable industrial applications.

Research likely will begin this summer, marking a significant step for Asbury University. This initiative reflects the University’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and meaningful global impact. By advancing hydrogen technology, Asbury strengthens its role in shaping a cleaner, greener future.

The Shaw School of Sciences offers 14 majors and six minors, including biology, chemistry, and physics. The Walt and Rowena Shaw Collaborative Learning Center (Shaw CLC) offers 11 laboratories, with spaces dedicated to eDNA research, cell and molecular biochemistry, ecology and environmental science, physics, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, instrumentation, biology preparation, chemistry preparation, and collaborative innovation.