Williams invests in technology to generate zero-emission hydrogen with natural gas
Published by Isabelle Keltie,
Editorial Assistant
Global Hydrogen Review,
Williams has announced a direct investment in Aurora Hydrogen, a company developing technology that converts natural gas to hydrogen with zero carbon dioxide emissions. Aurora Hydrogen’s technology uses microwave energy to convert methane to hydrogen and solid carbon without generating CO2. Williams’ investment will support scaling production to 200 kg of hydrogen per day, with the development of a demonstration plant by 2023. Williams was joined by Energy Innovation Capital (EIC), Chevron Technology Ventures, Shell Ventures and the George Kaiser Family Foundation in the investment in Aurora Hydrogen.
Chad Zamarin, senior vice president of Corporate Strategic Development for Williams said: “The Aurora Hydrogen technology supports our strategy to further leverage natural gas as a powerful tool in decarbonising the energy value chain. With our existing energy infrastructure, Williams is well positioned to transport, store and deliver next generation natural gas and accelerate the development of zero carbon energy sources including hydrogen and renewables. The investment in Aurora Hydrogen further demonstrates our commitment to develop solutions that continue to meet growing energy needs while helping customers achieve sustainability goals.”
Hydrogen production from the Aurora technology has the potential to reduce global CO2 emissions significantly while using less electricity than other methods of hydrogen production and avoiding the need for CO2 sequestration. Additionally, the process does not require water as a feedstock, preserving another critical resource.
Williams made its investment through its Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) program, which is intended to support efforts to commercialise emerging technologies including clean hydrogen, solar, carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS) and next generation natural gas.
Through the CVC, Williams has also committed approximately US$40 million toward venture funds and direct investment in emerging technology companies at the forefront of energy transition. This includes a recently funded partnership with Context Labs to offer differentiated services to customers across the natural gas value chain. The initiative will overlay advanced sensors, satellite monitoring and blockchain technology to provide end-to-end measured, verifiable and transparent emissions data for real-time decision-making.
For more news and technical articles from the global hydrogen sector, read the latest issue of Global Hydrogen Review magazine.
Global Hydrogen Review's Spring 2022 issue
The inaugural issue of Global Hydrogen Review is full of detailed technical articles and case studies exploring the entire spectrum of hydrogen production and its applications worldwide. This issue covers a range of topics including the current status of blue hydrogen, how cryogenic technology is helping to shape the energy transition, and integrity management of hydrogen pipelines. Other features include green hydrogen, simulation, transportation, compressor technology, and much more.
Read the article online at: https://www.globalhydrogenreview.com/hydrogen/03082022/williams-invests-in-technology-to-generate-zero-emission-hydrogen-with-natural-gas/
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