PTQ Q2 2024 Issue

Methane pyrolysis technologies Methane pyrolysis is an important, economically attractive, emerging clean hydrogen production process along with solid carbon (char). It can be affected in three ways: ther- mal, plasma, and catalytic. Currently, technology is at a lower maturity level than electrolysis or SMR with CCUS. Research efforts are focused on improving the reliability of the pyroly- sis process and attaining economy-of-scale operations. The hydrogen produced is termed ‘turquoise’, on the colour spec- trum between blue and green. The thermal process in the absence of oxygen proceeds as per the following reaction: CH₄ (gas)  C (solid) + 2H₂ (gas) ΔH -76KJ/Mole The reaction is highly endothermic with an equilibrium that shifts toward hydrogen and carbon around 300°C and goes to completion around 1,300°C. Compared to SMR with CCUS, the methane pyrolysis pro- cess has a major advantage. It does not produce CO 2 and avoids the need for CCS. Compared to water electrolysis, the process needs no renewable electricity or water as a feed- stock. The carbon produced is in the elemental solid form. Part 2: Looking ahead Fostering the creation of appropriate technologies and their applications is essential to promote environmentally friendly blue hydrogen technologies. To enhance effectiveness, and to overcome current limitations while improving economic viability, additional research and development efforts are

needed in blue hydrogen production techniques. Advancing blue hydrogen production techniques necessitates critical investments in new technologies and pilot initiatives. Part 2, to be presented in PTQ Q3 2024, will focus on col- laborative partnerships involving governments, businesses, and academia that can expedite the development of novel and environmentally friendly methods for hydrogen pro- duction, contributing to the overall progress in sustainable energy solutions. The findings of this study may prove useful for decision-making at various levels. References 1 Progressive Energy. Blue Hydrogen Production Review (Report on Behalf of Becton Energy Hub), 20 Sept 2022. 2 IDTechEx Forecasts the Global Blue Hydrogen Market to Reach US$34 Billion by 2033, 21 Feb 2023, 3 Liu N, Shell blue hydrogen process . https://decarbonisationtechnol - ogy.com/article/64/shell-blue-hydrogen-process 4 Oni A O, et al, Comparative assessment of blue hydrogen from steam methane reforming, autothermal reforming, and natural gas decom- position technologies for natural gas-producing regions, https://www. sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0196890422000413 Dr Himmat Singh is a consultant in petroleum refining and natural gas. He was previously a Scientist ‘G’ at the CSIR Indian Institute of Petroleum and a professor/head of department with several institutions of higher education/universities. He holds an MSc in chemistry, Diplome D’Ingeniuer form ENSPM of IFP France, and a PhD in refining of lube basestocks. He has published 200+ articles, 12 patents, and three books. He has served on CSIR and government of India committees/ academic councils and been the recipient of many prestigious awards.

ac24_Decarbonisation Technology Magazine_178x125.indd 1

23.10.2023 07:52:37

PTQ Q2 2024