Clean tech company PyroGenesis Canada Inc., Montreal, reported on Nov. 10 that it has successfully produced hydrogen from methane using its Zero Carbon Emission (ZCE) hydrogen production technology. The company’s plasma-based process converts methane into both turquoise hydrogen as well as a solid carbon byproduct, which has several industrial applications.
“Water Electrolysis has been around for many years and is considered to be a ZCE technology as well,” said P. Peter Pascali, CEO and Chair of PyroGenesis. “The hydrogen generated from this process is generally referred to as ‘green hydrogen,’ however, it is recognized to (i) be expensive, (ii) require a lot of energy for its production, and (iii) use rare earth materials. PyroGenesis’ new technology is geared to combine the best of both worlds; it is expected to be cheaper than most existing hydrogen processes while at the same time producing ZCE hydrogen.”
The company said the next step is to convert its bench test into a pilot unit. PyroGenesis has filed an international application No. PCT/CA2021/000099 with WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) entitled “Hydrogen Production from Hydrocarbons by Plasma Pyrolysis.” This application covers the Company’s process for producing hydrogen from methane and other light hydrocarbons using thermal plasma without generating GHGs.