Renewable Energy

Methane catalytic cracking generates hydrogen and solid carbon without CO2 emissions, utilizing catalysts like nickel in reactors like fluidized beds. Catalyst deactivation and reactor challenges exist, but advancements may make this process a competitive, clean energy solution.

Global electricity demand is projected to increase, led by China and India, with renewables and nuclear supplying all growth through 2026, indicating a shift towards low-emission sources, reducing CO2 intensity, and highlighting regional disparities in access and consumption trends.

Hydrogen is increasingly seen as a key to sustainable energy. Various countries develop national strategies focusing on decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors and economic growth. Technological innovations aim to produce clean hydrogen efficiently, with international collaboration and private-public partnerships being crucial for the transition to a hydrogen-based economy.

The paper reviews electrification of chemical processes for decarbonization, focusing on Joule-heated catalytic reactors for efficient heat generation, highlighting advantages over traditional fossil fuel combustion and applications in methane reforming and CO2 valorization.

The EU's STORMING project is advancing methane cracking for CO2-free hydrogen production using catalysts and structured reactors powered by renewable electricity. This process also yields valuable carbon nanotubes, promoting sustainable and economically beneficial hydrogen applications and energy transition.

The EU aims to produce and import 20 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen by 2030 to achieve climate targets. The European Hydrogen Bank, integral to REPowerEU, supports this via subsidies and market integration. Investments in hydrogen technologies foster innovation, job creation, and international cooperation, enhancing energy security and global leadership in clean energy transitions.

Hydrogen production via catalytic methane decomposition (CMD) using Fe-based catalysts offers environmental benefits over traditional steam methane reforming by eliminating direct CO2 emissions. Fe-Al2O3 catalysts improve efficiency, offering pathways to repurpose carbon byproducts into valuable nanomaterials for energy storage and electronics, implying significant contributions to a circular economy and clean energy advancements.

Global hydrogen demand grew marginally, with most still from traditional sources. Shift to low-emissions hydrogen is crucial, underpinned by technology and investment growth. Challenges persist in financing, regulation, and infrastructure, but opportunities for innovation and development in various sectors remain, with significant implications for the future energy landscape.

The STORMING project innovates in methane cracking for CO₂-free hydrogen and carbon nanotubes production, aligning with Hydrogen Europe's pathways for a sustainable energy transition and offering economic and environmental benefits. Challenges remain in scaling and integration into industries.