A new podcast investigates a hydrogen energy breakthrough that nearly reached mass use.
Going Clean Is Dirty Business has launched from Deckchair Productions, telling the story of a clean energy technology that came close to changing global power systems before disappearing from view.
The series follows Nick Abson, who recounts his journey from television production into the energy sector, where he built what became Europe’s largest fuel cell company. The podcast sets out how that work collapsed, including the loss of £250 million in the aftermath of 9/11.
Across six episodes in its first season, Abson speaks with filmmaker Harry Otto Brünjes, retracing events that move between media, finance and politics.
The narrative covers developments from factory production to legal disputes, including activity linked to the Houses of Parliament, Wall Street and the US Supreme Court.
The podcast has been developed over more than ten years, using first hand testimony and recorded material gathered during that time.
It focuses on the rise and fall of a business that aimed to deliver low cost hydrogen energy, alongside claims about why the technology did not reach widespread adoption.
Nick said: “I’ve always believed cheap clean energy is not only possible but realistic. The destruction of our companies, facilities, endless court cases and threats have never made me think differently.”
Harry said: “I thought I was meeting a colourful character with an unbelievable story, but I soon realised we were sitting on one of the most important and disturbing clean energy investigations of our time.”
The first three episodes are available now on major platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube. A second and third season are planned for release later this year.
