SUMMARY

Methane electrolysis converts natural gas, LNG, flare gas and other hydrocarbons into hydrogen without emitting CO2 or any other greenhouse gas into the atmosphere. [Image: Graforce, Worley]

By Shardul Sharma

German hydrogen plant supplier Graforce and Australian engineering firm Worley have announced a collaboration to scale up methane electrolysis (plasmalysis) technology in Australia, the Pacific, Asia, and China (APAC).

Plasmalysis is a process that converts natural gas, LNG, flare gas, and other hydrocarbons into hydrogen without emitting any greenhouse gases. This makes it a promising technology for the production of clean hydrogen, which is increasingly being seen as a key part of the transition to a low-carbon future.

Under the terms of the collaboration, Worley will provide engineering and project delivery services for plasmalysis plants in APAC. Graforce will supply the plasmalysis technology and will be responsible for marketing and sales.

The companies believe that the collaboration will help to accelerate the commercialisation of plasmalysis technology in APAC. They also believe that the technology has the potential to make a significant contribution to the region's decarbonisation efforts.

"The entire APAC region is looking for green technologies for existing energy sources to achieve climate targets," said Jens Hanke, CTO of Graforce. "The cooperation with Worley is an important step for us to quickly scale our methane plasmalysis and to open up these markets."

"As we scale up towards the vast quantities of renewable energy and hydrogen required to meet our Net Zero goals, our medium-term reliance on fossil fuels and in particular, natural gas and LNG, is a given," said Gillian Cagney, Worley ANZ managing director.

"Plasmalysis marries these two realities together and enables faster decarbonisation utilising existing infrastructure. Plasmalysis is likely to be a valuable tool in the decarbonisation toolbox and contribute to our company purpose of delivering a more sustainable world," added Cagney.