BASF and ExxonMobil Are Further Developing Methane Pyrolysis for Low-Emission Hydrogen

BASF and ExxonMobil have agreed on a strategic collaboration to further develop methane pyrolysis technology. The goal is to create even more efficient and cost-effective low-emission hydrogen solutions for industrial processes. In addition to advancing methane pyrolysis technology, the partnership also includes the construction of a demonstration plant.

This plant is to be built at ExxonMobil’s Baytown complex and is expected to produce up to 2,000 tonnes of low-emission hydrogen and 6,000 tonnes of solid carbon per year. The project partners hope that the project will be an important step toward commercial readiness of the technology by providing key insights from large-scale industrial operation.

Dr. Stephan Kothrade, Member of the Board of Executive Directors and Chief Technology Officer of BASF, emphasized that the novel methane pyrolysis technology produces competitive, low-emission hydrogen. He also sees significant potential to further reduce the carbon footprint of BASF’s product portfolio.

Methane pyrolysis is a process in which natural gas or new gases such as biomethane are converted into hydrogen and solid carbon using electricity. Unlike conventional hydrogen production methods such as steam methane reforming, no process-related CO₂ emissions are generated. It also requires about five times less electrical energy than water electrolysis and uses no water. Moreover, it can utilize the existing natural gas infrastructure, making it easy to deploy at various locations. As no CO₂ emissions arise, it is particularly well-suited for regions where carbon capture and storage is difficult due to geological, technical, or political constraints.

The resulting solid carbon is used in numerous industries, including steel and aluminum production as well as the fertilizer industry.