Hydrogen Icon

The Fuel of The Future

Hydrogen, specifically green hydrogen, has been called the fuel of the future and we are here to support that future. The global hydrogen market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7% between 2021 and 2028. Many governments around the globe are supporting this push for Hydrogen fuel including the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) with a specific interest in all green energies, including green hydrogen.

CleanCap Technologies is excited to participate in the supply of industry leading solutions supporting the production of hydrogen. Through our knowledge of gas processing, separation, purification, and treating we deploy a combination of our core technologies to maximize hydrogen recovery that can be applied to many waste product feed stocks including:

  • Landfills
  • Medical waste
  • Tire recycling
  • E-Waste & batteries
  • Sludge
  • Biomass
  • Natural gas and renewable natural gas (RNG)
3d of Hydrogen icon on grass and blue sky in background

Hydrogen, which is a component the syngas in many types of processes, such as pyrolysis, can significantly improve the economics of a project. When reviewing the feasibility of a project it is important to look at all revenue streams to ensure the most value is derived from the feedstock. With 95% of hydrogen currently sourced from fossil fuels the demand for green hydrogen is high.

While Hydrogen is a colorless gas there are many colors used to describe it. These colors “industry nicknames” provide details regarding how hydrogen is created.

Green

Green hydrogen is hydrogen derived without any harmful greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions including carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Green hydrogen is made from surplus renewable energy sources including solar, wind, and RNG. Green hydrogen is also formed when electrolyzers use an electrochemical reaction to split water into its chemical components; hydrogen and oxygen. Green hydrogen is a small, but quickly growing, percentage of the overall hydrogen market.

Blue

Blue hydrogen is produced from natural gas. Utilizing a process called steam methane reforming (SMR), which brings together natural gas and steam (heated water), hydrogen is produced from natural gas, along with CO2. The CO2 can then be implemented for carbon capture and storage (CCS) which is often referred to as carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS).

Grey

Grey hydrogen is the most common hydrogen produced and is produced from natural gas or methane. This process uses SMR but does not capture the greenhouse gases created during the process.

Black & Brown

Black & Brown hydrogen are very similar in nature and utilize black coal or lignite (brown coal) for production. These hydrogens are considered the most harmful to the environment.

Pink

Pink hydrogen is generated through electrolysis that is powered by nuclear energy. This nuclear produced hydrogen is sometimes called purple hydrogen or red hydrogen.

Turquoise

Turquoise hydrogen is the new kid on the block and has yet to be proven to scale. This hydrogen is made using methane pyrolysis and produces hydrogen and solid carbon. Depending on how the system is powered, the potential for this to be a low-emissions hydrogen does exist if coupled with carbon storage or use.

Yellow

Yellow hydrogen is also a fairly new hydrogen and is made through electrolysis using solar power.

White

White hydrogen is a naturally occurring geological hydrogen found in underground deposits. This hydrogen is created through fracking and there are currently no strategies to utilize this hydrogen.

The industry standard colors can be confusing and often misused. Whatever the color, CleanCap is focused on the carbon footprint of hydrogen production vs. the source. Of course, the source of the hydrogen is important, especially when you look at the impact on the environment of many of these processes, but many other people and businesses control the sources.

Found in the syngas in many types of processes, such as pyrolysis, is hydrogen which can significantly improve the economics of a project. When reviewing the feasibility of a project it is important to look at all revenue streams to ensure the most value is derived from the feedstock. With 95% of hydrogen currently sourced from fossil fuels the demand for green hydrogen is high.