Hazer to licence methane‑pyrolysis plant in Japan with Chubu Electric and Chiyoda
- Hazer will licence its methane‑pyrolysis technology and supply catalyst to Chubu Electric Power and Chiyoda Corporation for a Nagoya‑region plant.
- Initial phase targeted up to 10,000 tonnes per annum hydrogen/graphitic carbon, with potential scale‑up to 50,000–100,000 tpa.
- First cashflow expected from a Vancouver project (with Suncor and Fortis) when it starts blending hydrogen into the pipeline network in late 2025.
- Hazer’s process yields hydrogen plus graphitic carbon (~3.8 t graphite per t H2); projected unit cost at 50,000 tpa is $3–$4/kg H2 and scope‑1 emissions are zero (scope‑2 varies; Canada ~0.5–0.65 kg CO2).
Japan licence and project scale
Hazer has struck a strategic licensing and catalyst‑supply agreement with Chubu Electric Power and Chiyoda Corporation to develop a methane‑pyrolysis hydrogen and graphitic carbon facility in the Nagoya/Chubu region. The initial phase targets up to 10,000 tonnes per annum, with potential expansion to 50,000 and possibly 100,000 tpa to support Chubu’s decarbonisation of its power network.
Technology and product outputs
The process is methane pyrolysis: methane decomposes to hydrogen and graphitic carbon at c.800–900°C using iron‑ore catalyst. Hazer emphasises a graphitic carbon (not carbon black) co‑product with broad industrial applications, and reports a graphite yield of about 3.8 tonnes per tonne of hydrogen.
Commercial rollout and economics
Hazer expects first revenue from its Vancouver project (with Suncor and Fortis) when hydrogen blending starts in late 2025. The company plans a capex‑light model based on licences, catalyst sales and royalties. At 50,000 tpa Hazer projects unit costs of roughly $3–$4/kg H2 depending on graphite pricing; strong graphite pricing would push costs toward ~$3/kg. By contrast, current steam methane reforming runs about $2–$3/kg before potential blue‑hydrogen upgrade costs.
Emissions and demonstration plants
Hazer states its internal (scope‑1) emissions are zero; scope‑2 depends on grid mix and is lower in Canada (around 0.5–0.65 kg CO2 as reported). The company is commissioning a 100 tpa commercial demonstration plant in Perth and is working with partners (including Mitsui) to develop graphite markets and accelerate deployment.
Source: Hazer Group