Market analysis for carbon utilization
The challenge
Methane plasmalysis enables the production of hydrogen in decentralized units — and this could play a key role in implementing the hydrogen strategy. Hydrogen production through methane plasmalysis removes the carbon from the fossil natural gas feedstock. The resulting carbon powder is produced in significant quantities at a ratio of one to three. In order for the hydrogen obtained to be declared “green”, the carbon must be permanently captured for subsequent usage.
- What happens to the carbon product?
- What are the pros and cons of the various options?
- What uses are to be expected in the future?
- Is a positive contribution margin achievable?
FMC has shed light on these aspects in the course of a market analysis on carbon utilization.
The solution
Taking the specific properties of the carbon powder as a starting point, we first investigated which potential applications could be considered. In the next step, these were evaluated on the basis of the key criteria of technology, geography, sustainability, and economic viability. Our subsequent in-depth analysis covered the complex of topics of product, market, logistics, stakeholders, sustainability, and financing. We also prepared a SWOT analysis of the currently available carbon quality and plasmalysis technology, with a concluding assessment of potential.
The conclusion
Permanent sequestration of carbon is a basic prerequisite for emission-free hydrogen generation through methane plasmalysis. Our analyses also showed that a positive contribution margin can be achieved in value-added applications, so the costs of hydrogen production can be reduced through methane plasmalysis.
