NW Natural and Modern Hydrogen have announced a three-year pilot project in Portland, Oregon, to produce clean hydrogen and capture solid carbon.
This initiative, based at NW Natural’s Central Resource Centre, utilizes methane pyrolysis to generate hydrogen while capturing carbon in solid form.
The pilot project employs methane pyrolysis, a process that decomposes methane into hydrogen and solid carbon without emitting CO2. This method contrasts with conventional steam methane reforming, which produces significant carbon emissions. Methane pyrolysis represents a promising technology in the transition to a hydrogen-based economy, offering a lower-carbon alternative.
The hydrogen produced in this pilot is blended with natural gas and delivered through existing infrastructure. This approach leverages current natural gas networks, potentially reducing the need for extensive new investments in hydrogen-specific pipelines. However, the blending of hydrogen with natural gas must be carefully managed to ensure safety and compatibility with existing systems and appliances.
A notable aspect of this project is the utilization of captured solid carbon. Modern Hydrogen plans to incorporate this carbon into asphalt products for use in road construction and repairs. This innovative application not only sequesters carbon but also adds value to the by-products of hydrogen production. Nevertheless, the scalability of this approach remains a critical question. The demand for carbon-based asphalt must be sufficient to absorb the volume of solid carbon generated.
NW Natural’s broader decarbonization strategy includes energy efficiency measures, renewable energy integration, carbon offsets, and carbon capture. The hydrogen pilot aligns with these goals, potentially contributing to significant CO2 reductions. However, achieving meaningful decarbonization will require the successful implementation of multiple strategies in parallel. The feasibility and economic viability of methane pyrolysis at scale will be pivotal in determining its role in NW Natural’s long-term plans.
NW Natural is conducting training at its Sherwood Operations and Training facility to demonstrate the safety and performance of hydrogen-natural gas blends. This is crucial, as safety concerns have historically hindered hydrogen adoption. Ensuring that hydrogen blends can be safely integrated into existing natural gas systems will be essential for broader acceptance and regulatory approval.
