California-based Ways2H, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Clean Energy Enterprises, has successfully completed proof of concept for its proprietary thermochemical conversion technology to produce carbon-negative hydrogen from solid waste.
The company converted one ton of waste into 110 kg (242 lbs) of hydrogen while capturing and sequestering carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, positioning hydrogen as a clean fuel option potentially competitive with gasoline in cost, according to a company statement on Tuesday.
This demonstration used a specialized reactor that processes plastic and biogenic waste to generate hydrogen and separate CO2 for sequestration.
By integrating carbon capture directly into the waste-to-hydrogen process, Ways2H achieves a net-negative carbon footprint, sequestering up to 30 kg of CO2 equivalent (CO2-eq) for each kilogram of hydrogen produced.
The captured CO2 is stored in mineral form, replicating natural carbon sequestration in rocks.
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“This milestone marks a significant leap forward in our mission to produce hydrogen in an environmentally responsible way,” said Jean-Louis Kindler, CEO of Clean Energy Enterprises, adding that they are tackling waste management, while also contributing to a cleaner energy market and planet.
In a comment to Hydrogen Insight, Kindler explained that, when scaled, the technology could produce hydrogen at $3-4/kg in large installations, with smaller-scale systems targeting retail mobility markets at a cost of $6-14/kg.
The company’s pricing estimates suggest hydrogen could reach price parity with gasoline in certain applications, based on comparative energy outputs and efficiencies.
Ways2H is actively pursuing patent protection for its technology and is preparing for commercial expansion.
The company plans to establish larger plants by the end of next year and is in talks with municipalities and industrial partners interested in incorporating its waste-to-hydrogen process.
Additionally, Ways2H may establish and operate its own plants to supply hydrogen directly.
Read more: New Report By McKinsey Highlights Challenges Carbon Capture And Clean Hydrogen Face
