Decarbonisation Technology – August 2021

Reducing CO 2 emissions through process electrification Hydrogen production from catalytic microwave methane reforming could jump-start the hydrogen economy

Stephen B. Harrison sbh4 Consulting

M ore than 95% of the hydrogen produced worldwide today is derived from thermolysis of fossil fuels. Reforming of natural gas is by far the largest source of hydrogen, accounting for around 80% of hydrogen production. In this category, steam methane reformers (SMRs) lead the way, and auto thermal reformers (ATRs) play a supporting role. Gasification of coal and petcoke is the second largest hydrogen production pathway. POX, or partial oxidation of natural gas, a process that is like gasification, is also a significant thermal process to produce hydrogen. Electrolysers are being built at an increasing pace and on an ever-larger scale. When fed with renewable electricity from sources such as wind, hydropower or PV solar panels, ‘green’ hydrogen

is the result. Hydrogen production on electrolysers is growing at around 50% per year; from a low base, this kind of growth is not surprising. To meet the need for additional hydrogen required to support the decarbonisation of industry, transportation and the energy sector, hydrogen production from fossil fuels, such as natural gas, is also likely to see growth in future decades. When combined with carbon capture and utilisation or storage (CCUS), low-carbon hydrogen, or ‘blue’ hydrogen, is the result. In a paradigm shift away from conventional reforming processes and post-combustion CCUS, Nu:ionic, a start-up based in Atlantic Canada, has a new take on hydrogen production. Their process uses catalytic microwave reforming of methane to generate hydrogen. Only one-quarter

SMR

ATR

POX

Air Fuel

Oxygen

Feedstock & steam

Feedstock

Flue gas

Syngas

Notes: 1. In the SMR the air/fuel combustion reaction takes place in a separate part of the process to the reforming reaction. 2. SMR may alternatively be side-fired or upwards fired 3. Shaded area denotes catalyst bed.

Figure 1 SMR, ATR and POX processes for syngas production