ClearSign Technologies (CLIR) Shares Surge 36.26% on Strategic Hydrogen Deals, $1.5M Grant Fuel Momentum

Shares of ClearSign Technologies Inc. (CLIR) surged 36.26% on Thursday, reaching a peak not seen since September 2025, with an intraday rally of 90%. The sharp rebound came amid a confluence of strategic developments and institutional validation for the clean energy firm’s hydrogen-focused initiatives.

A pivotal catalyst was the company’s collaboration with Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) to co-develop a hydrogen-fueled ultra-low NOx process burner, announced on September 20. The partnership, which includes technical and financial support, underscores growing industry confidence in ClearSign’s role in decarbonization. This follows a $1.5 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Energy in late August, earmarked for advancing hydrogen combustion technologies. Such funding not only accelerates R&D but also signals regulatory alignment with national clean energy priorities, a key draw for institutional investors.

Market expansion efforts further bolstered momentum. In late September, ClearSign secured an engineering order for 36 of its Core burners at a Gulf Coast refinery, marking its first major contract in the refining sector. The multi-phase project, expected to conclude by late 2026, provides long-term revenue visibility. A separate order in August to enhance process burners for a California refinery highlights the company’s ability to penetrate capital-intensive industrial markets, traditionally dominated by larger competitors.

Leadership changes and analyst activity added to the positive sentiment. Brent Hinds was promoted to CFO in early August, while Tina Oby Unachukwu joined as Director of Customer Relationships in late July. Institutional credibility was reinforced by H.C. Wainwright’s “Buy” rating reaffirmed in early September and StockNews.com’s initiation of coverage mid-month. These moves, coupled with the company’s Nasdaq compliance regained in May, signal improved governance and operational stability.

Technical indicators, however, remain mixed. The stock briefly dipped below its 200-day moving average in late September, a level often watched by traders. Yet, the company’s recent contract wins and federal backing suggest a shift toward execution-driven growth. Investors will now monitor project milestones and Q3 performance to gauge whether this rally reflects a sustainable turnaround or a short-lived rebound.