Low carbon hydrogen production in Canada via natural gas pyrolysis

Abstract

Large scale, low cost, and low carbon intensity hydrogen production is needed to reduce emissions in the energy and transportation sectors. We present a techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment of natural gas pyrolysis technologies for hydrogen production, with carbon black (CB) as a co-product. Four designs were considered based on the source of heat to the pyrolysis system, the combustion medium, and use of carbon capture (CC) technology. The oxygen-fired-CB design with CC is the most attractive from financial and environmental perspectives, superior to a conventional steam methane reformer (SMR) process with CC. The estimated pre-tax minimum hydrogen selling prices for the pyrolysis technologies range between $1.08/kg and $2.43/kg when natural gas (NG) costs $3.76/GJ. Key advantages include near-zero onsite GHG emissions of the oxygen-fired-CB design with CC and up to 41% lower GHG emissions compared to the SMR + CC process. The results indicate that natural gas pyrolysis may be a feasible pathway for hydrogen production.