Wood has developed a novel steam methane reforming (SMR) method that can reduce CO2 emissions by 95 percent when compared to conventional hydrogen generation.

The technique is intended to address inefficiencies in energy production, heat production, and industrial processes, which collectively account for more than half of all worldwide greenhouse gas emissions. Wood argues that reducing the carbon intensity of hydrogen generation is the best strategy to reduce these emissions and build a more sustainable future while simultaneously satisfying growing demand for electricity.

Valentina Depetri, Wood’s Hydrogen Process Lead, demonstrated the technology last month at the Energy & Sustainability Forum (ESF) in Berlin, while comparing blue hydrogen generation systems to downstream industry leaders from across the world.

Wood’s innovative SMR technology, which is adaptable to greenfield and brownfield projects, will lower operators’ CAPEX and OPEX while enhancing the environmental footprint and efficiency of new or existing hydrogen production assets via integrated pre-combustion carbon capture. The evolution of this technology builds on Wood’s significant experience in hydrogen generation, which includes the design and construction of more than 120 hydrogen plants worldwide.

Andy Hemingway, Executive President of Wood Consulting, said: “The potential of hydrogen as an energy vector has become a key factor in achieving a low-carbon future.

This innovative new generation of SMR technology will provide low-carbon hydrogen production for our clients across a wide range of end uses and will enable them to deliver on their net-zero objectives.”