The company selected construction engineering firm Kiewit to conduct the early-stage design and engineering work on its planned project in Delaware, which it says could be the first of a “multi-plant project.”
Formerly known as First State Hydrogen, Aternium has expanded the project’s focus from pure-play green hydrogen to also produce heavy water or deuterium – an isotope of hydrogen used in nuclear fusion, medicinal chemistry, and more.
An engineering services contract with KBR and an energy systems design contract with Siemens, which were both awarded in 2024, remain in place.
In 2025, Aternium secured $1m in funding from the State of Delaware to support its engineering phase.
Deuterium occurs naturally in small amounts. It can be produced through electrolysis, which leaves the isotope behind in the remaining water, allowing for it to be concentrated and extracted.
While the project’s timeline remains undisclosed, Andrew Cottone, CEO of Aternium, said it will address both clean hydrogen and deuterium supply in the Mid-Atlantic region.
The company sees opportunities for deuterium to enhance a range of advanced technologies and processes, including nuclear fusion, semiconductor fabrication, microchips, fibre-optic cables, and pharmaceuticals.
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