Diversifying risk and maximising synergies in hydrogen technologies : the case of methane pyrolysis

Abstract

Methane pyrolysis is an endothermic process, in which methane at very high temperatures decomposes into gases, liquids, and solids. It is a well-established process that is now being optimised to produce low carbon or even carbon negative hydrogen. The growth of the decarbonised hydrogen economy is at an early stage and technology neutrality is key to ensuring swift decarbonisation at the lowest environmental and economic cost. Gas and electricity are becoming highly interconnected, and their future planning should reflect that. Methane pyrolysis is well positioned to provide support across multiple frontiers of an economy-wide drive to decarbonisation. Where renewable electricity is scarce, energy efficiency is paramount. Considerations of the energy efficiency of electrified hydrogen production technologies should be an important factor in their deployment.