While water electrolysis has captured much of the attention for “green” hydrogen production, the landscape of clean, low-carbon hydrogen generation is actually much broader and more technologically varied. Many innovative companies are actively developing alternative methods. They’re using different raw materials and pioneering advanced processes to produce hydrogen with a significantly reduced carbon footprint.
Based on current research for our multi-client study, “Navigating the Hydrogen Downturn,” this article explores some of these compelling alternative pathways (see Exhibit 1 at the end of this article). We’ll highlight key hydrogen companies that are leading advancements in these areas.
Methane pyrolysis: unlocking hydrogen and solid carbon
Methane pyrolysis stands out as a prominent alternative in the clean hydrogen ecosystem. Unlike traditional steam methane reforming (SMR), which generates carbon dioxide emissions, this process involves heating methane to high temperatures. This breaks it down into hydrogen and a valuable solid carbon byproduct.
This elemental carbon can then be used in various industrial applications. For example, it can be used to manufacture carbon black for tires, as seen with Monolith (US), or to create high-value graphitic materials, as demonstrated by Hazer Group Limited (Australia) through their iron ore-catalyzed process. Other companies contributing to this field include Ekona Power (Canada), Graphitic Energy (US), and Modern Hydrogen (US). Modern Hydrogen, in particular, focuses on distributed, on-site hydrogen generation to reduce transportation costs and associated emissions. The key advantage of methane pyrolysis—which produces what the industry refers to as “turquoise” hydrogen—is that it helps with decarbonization while also creating a marketable co-product.
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