Technology Landscape: Methane Pyrolysis

In this Technology Landscape, we examine methane pyrolysis — also known as turquoise hydrogen — a high-temperature process that converts methane into hydrogen gas and solid carbon. Unlike blue hydrogen, which depends on carbon capture and storage, methane pyrolysis locks carbon into a solid form, eliminating CO₂ emissions at the source. It also requires roughly half the energy of steam reforming, making it a highly efficient pathway for producing low-carbon hydrogen.

The report explores the three main technology approaches — plasma, catalytic, and thermal pyrolysis — each offering distinct advantages but facing common challenges, including maintaining high conversion rates, ensuring hydrogen purity, and managing solid carbon buildup.

Beyond the technical landscape, the analysis highlights where innovation is happening, which regions are leading development, and how market conditions, policy support, and solid carbon demand will shape commercialization.