Role of new technology While electrolytic hydrogen’s role in
reforming occurs, with steam reacting with the remaining methane to yield additional hydrogen and carbon monoxide. This dual reaction mechanism allows for efficient hydrogen production while simultaneously generating the heat necessary for the endothermic steam reforming reaction. As the ATR process does not require external heat input, there is no CO 2 generated from combustion. Used alone, the heat generated from the ATR process can be recovered to produce steam, making it an ideal solution where steam is a valuable co-product. However, where this is not the case, the ATR flowsheet can be further enhanced by including a GHR. The GHR increases the overall energy efficiency of the system by using the excess heat generated by the ATR to drive reforming reactions. This results in best-in-class energy efficiency, requires less natural gas per unit of hydrogen, and can achieve a lower carbon intensity for the same capture rates. JM LCH technology As the world transitions to hydrogen as a clean energy source, meeting carbon intensity and carbon capture requirements is paramount for the environment and to harness policy incentives effectively. These incentives encompass a range of financial benefits, such as feed-in tariffs, tax credits, grants, and loan guarantees. JM has developed its LCH processes to not only meet these demands but exceed them, as well as provide a versatile solution
decarbonising our energy mix is undeniable, scaling up its production faces some short-term challenges. Rapid development of decarbonised hydrogen production technologies, especially those that can be deployed at scale, is required. The traditional method of producing hydrogen is via the steam methane reforming (SMR) process, which converts natural gas into syngas. However, while SMR is a highly efficient and cost-effective method for large- scale production of unabated hydrogen, it is suboptimal for low-carbon hydrogen. In comparison, other production techniques provide significant benefits. For low-carbon hydrogen production, autothermal reforming (ATR) and ATR coupled with gas heated reforming (GHR) offer more efficient and cost-effective solutions than SMR. These processes are proven at scale and represent advanced approaches to generating hydrogen with improved efficiency and flexibility compared to conventional methods. ATR and ATR with GHR processes Within the ATR process, a mixture of hydrocarbons is introduced into a reformer reactor. Unlike conventional SMR, ATR involves a simultaneous combination of partial oxidation and steam reforming reactions enabled by adding oxygen. Inside the reactor, the oxygen partially oxidises the hydrocarbons, producing heat and syngas. Subsequently, steam
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Hydrogen will play a key role in decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors. Achieving this will require an innovative blend of sustainable hydrogen technologies. In the UK, JM’s LCH low - carbon hydrogen technology has already been selected for several projects, including HyNet North West at Stanlow re nery and H2H Saltend in the Humber. JM’s LCH technology is a cost-effective and scalable option, forming a crucial part of the integrated energy jigsaw puzzle needed to build a net zero future.
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Figure 1 JM LCH technology offers a pathway to meet the increasing demand for low-carbon hydrogen
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