Exploring the Clean Hydrogen Energy Sector's Future

Rishab Jayakumar (MEM '25) was a senior engineer at Bosch India, where he worked on the design and development of high-pressure common rail diesel fuel pumps. When the company pivoted toward clean energy, he got hands-on experience with hydrogen projects that focused on converting existing diesel fuel pumps into hydrogen compressors for usage in HVAC systems. 

That pivot got Jayakumar thinking about how other products could be retrofitted to run on cleaner energy sources. 

He turned to Northwestern's Master of Engineering Management (MEM) program to better understand how to solve complex problems like adopting clean energy solutions. 

"We are at a critical juncture as a species, where it's imperative to transition away from conventional, non-renewable energy sources that contribute heavily to our carbon footprint and environmental waste," Jayakumar said. "The urgency to embrace sustainable, clean energy alternatives has never been greater, and the advancements in hydrogen technology and other renewable solutions are paving the way for a more sustainable future."

Jayakumar witnessed that firsthand in October when he, Nandini Rajput (MEM '25) and Rahul Vashisht (MEM '25) volunteered at the RENMAD H2 USA Conference in Chicago. The event featured more than 200 executives discussing how to advance the clean hydrogen energy sector.

The two-day event featured a wide variety of panel discussions on topics such as barriers and drivers to hydrogen refueling stations, sustainable aviation fuels, and powering heavy-duty trucks with clean hydrogen. 

Rajput volunteered to assist at the event because she wants to help companies transition to greener technologies and optimize operations to reduce their environmental impact.

"Volunteering at this conference allowed me to gain first-hand exposure to cutting-edge developments in the hydrogen space, network with industry professionals, and deepen my understanding of the hydrogen economy," she said. "Long term, the networking and industry insights gained will be valuable as I pursue a career in energy development or utilities." 

Vashisht saw the conference as an opportunity to learn about the latest developments in the hydrogen space. Prior to MEM, Vashisht spent nearly eight years in the energy sector. During that time, cleantech and sustainability became his particular areas of interest.

"Hydrogen as an energy source holds a solution to many of the sustainability and environment-related concerns that the world is facing today," he said. "I found the conference a great opportunity to deeply dive into the current state of the industry and learn about the possible areas where the industry is set to grow."

Rajput was struck by the complexity and innovation needed for any hydrogen-based energy solution, particularly when it comes to the technology and policy frameworks needed to support their growth. She also developed an appreciation for how important collaboration across the technology, policy, and finance sectors is for the successful implementation of clean energy initiatives.

It's a lesson she believes will help her throughout her time in MEM.

"I now have a stronger appreciation for the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration, which will help me in team-based projects during MEM," she said. "Additionally, the exposure to hydrogen technology and sustainability trends will inform my approach to projects and case studies."