VNG Innovation and Wintershall Dea Technology Ventures have acquired shares in the British startup HiiROC.

The company, based in Hull, England, is creating transformational technology for low-cost, zero-emission hydrogen generation from natural gas or bio-natural gas for power generation, industry, and transport including aviation.

“We are delighted to be involved in another innovative start-up, HiiROC. HiiROC has developed a methane pyrolysis process that is much more efficient and effective than conventional processes. The technology can be a real game changer for the production costs of hydrogen.”
Dr. Matthias Tischner and Andreas Päts, managing directors of VNG Innovation.

The hydrogen obtained can be used as a clean, CO2-free energy carrier, while the carbon (black carbon) deposited in solid form in the production process can be used as a raw material in industry, for example for the production of tires, plastic, rubber or similar products. In contrast to other pyrolysis technologies, the process can also be used on a smaller scale and can therefore also be used decentrally, e.g. directly in the house.

“With this investment, we would primarily like to gain experience in the consumption-oriented production and marketing of climate-friendly hydrogen and learn how to deal with solid carbon or carbon dioxide.”
Päts.