The high cost of green hydrogen has long been a barrier to its widespread adoption, with prices ranging from $3 to over $6 per kilogram.
However, this challenge has opened doors for innovative companies exploring alternative methods of hydrogen production. Among these emerging alternatives are white and turquoise hydrogen, offering promising prospects for the hydrogen market.
Aurora Hydrogen presents a groundbreaking approach by utilizing methane to produce hydrogen. Unlike conventional methods such as steam reforming, Aurora Hydrogen employs high-temperature pyrolysis in an inert atmosphere. Through this process, methane (CH4) undergoes decomposition into hydrogen and carbon without the need for expensive carbon capture and storage technologies. The key to this method lies in microwave heating, which occurs in the absence of air and water. Notably, Aurora Hydrogen’s technique boasts an impressive 80% reduction in energy costs compared to traditional water electrolysis, often coupled with renewables to produce green hydrogen.
Another intriguing alternative involves the exploration of natural hydrogen sources. Known as white hydrogen, natural hydrogen can form through various geological processes, including the hydration of iron-rich minerals and the splitting of water molecules during radioactive decay. Getech, a pioneering company in this field, plans to leverage advanced mapping techniques to identify areas in Earth’s crust conducive to hydrogen production. By targeting regions with igneous rocks characterized by high magnetic susceptibility and specific temperature ranges, Getech aims to unveil underground hydrogen deposits through digital mapping.
Powerhouse Energy introduces a unique solution by harnessing plastic waste as a feedstock for hydrogen production. The process begins with the thermal processing of plastic waste in a specialized chamber, where it is transformed into a viscous alloy through high temperatures. This alloy subsequently evaporates into synthesis gas, comprising methane, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide. Following purification in a drying chamber to remove inert plastic residues, the synthesis gas can undergo steam reforming to yield hydrogen. Powerhouse Energy’s innovative technology offers a sustainable approach to hydrogen production while addressing plastic waste management challenges.
