Pioneering Clean Energy: Natural and Modern Hydrogen NW Unveils Revolutionary Hydrogen and Carbon Capture Project in Portland

In a groundbreaking step towards sustainable energy, NW Natural and Modern Hydrogen has launched an innovative project in Portland that combines clean hydrogen production with efficient carbon capture. Presented to an enthusiastic audience of over 100 guests and employees, this initiative marks a key moment in the journey towards a greener future.

Methane pyrolysis: a clean energy game changer

At the heart of this project is state-of-the-art equipment designed by Modern Hydrogen, installed at NW Natural’s Central Resource Center in Southeast Portland. Using a process known as methane pyrolysis, this technology breaks down methane into hydrogen and solid carbon, offering a cleaner energy alternative.

The modern hydrogen process not only produces clean hydrogen; it also captures the solid by-product carbon. This carbon is then used in Modern Hydrogen’s proprietary asphalt products, which increase performance in applications such as paving and road repair. In fact, a section of asphalt surrounding equipment at the NW Natural facility contains this innovative material, demonstrating its practical utility.

Mixing pure hydrogen with natural gas

Hydrogen produced on site is seamlessly integrated into existing natural gas infrastructure. Blending hydrogen with natural gas is a significant step forward in reducing greenhouse gas emissions without the need to create extensive new infrastructure.

Innovation Leaders

David Anderson, CEO of NW Natural, emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. “Over the years, we have held true to our core values ​​of safety and service while embracing new technology and better ways of doing things,” Anderson said. “Today we are looking at renewable natural gas, clean hydrogen, carbon capture and other ways to decarbonize our system. People want solutions that can be implemented today, and we’re proud to play our part in making that happen.”

Tony Pan, co-founder and CEO of Modern Hydrogen, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the transformative impact of this project. “We are proud to be at the forefront of this transformational journey, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in energy production and environmental management,” Pan said. “Together, we are not only witnessing history, we are actively participating in history by introducing innovative systems that revolutionize hydrogen production, leverage existing infrastructure for a cleaner future, capture and reuse carbon, and significantly reduce the carbon footprint of natural gas companies.”

Setting new standards in clean energy

This collaboration has resulted in several significant firsts, including the first pyrolysis system distributed to utilities, the first in-pipeline injection of pyrolytic hydrogen, and the first solid carbon capture project for both companies. These milestones position NW Natural and Modern Hydrogen as leaders in the transition to sustainable energy.

Vision for the future

The three-year pilot project is part of NW Natural’s broader effort to explore the potential of hydrogen. Extensive testing conducted at the Sherwood Operations and Training Center has demonstrated the safety and performance of hydrogen blends at levels ranging from 5 to 20 percent in natural gas systems and equipment.

NW Natural’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions is multi-faceted and includes energy efficiency, renewable energy, carbon offsetting and carbon capture. Central to this vision is the gradual replacement of conventional natural gas with alternatives such as renewable natural gas and clean hydrogen.

About NW Natural

NW Natural, a local distribution company, serves approximately two million people in Oregon and southwest Washington. With one of the most modern pipeline systems in the country and ample underground gas storage capacity, NW Natural has a long-standing commitment to safety, environmental stewardship and community welfare. As part of Northwest Natural Holding Company, NW Natural is a leader in the pursuit of innovative solutions for a sustainable energy future.

About modern hydrogen

Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Seattle, Modern Hydrogen is a leader in distributed hydrogen technologies and advanced carbon management solutions. By leveraging existing natural gas infrastructure, Modern Hydrogen provides practical clean energy solutions for sectors traditionally difficult to decarbonize. With the support of leading investors and customers such as Bill Gates, NextEra Energy and National Grid, Modern Hydrogen is transforming energy systems to be cleaner and more profitable.

Embracing the future of energy

The partnership between NW Natural and Modern Hydrogen is not just a technological breakthrough; represents a visionary approach to combating climate change. By integrating clean hydrogen production with carbon capture and leveraging existing infrastructure, these companies are setting new standards for sustainability in the energy sector.

Source: modernhydrogen.com