Traditionally hydrogen is generated from fossil feedstock and processes that emit significant amounts of CO2. In comparison, renewable or green hydrogen production results in materially lower emissions. Green hydrogen holds significant potential and interest for decarbonization of sectors that have previously been difficult to decarbonize. This includes both existing applications (e.g., refining, feedstock for chemicals) as well as emerging applications (e.g., e-methanol, e-ammonia, e-SAF), as well as potential in direct use for carbon emission free combustion. Growing interest in low carbon intensity hydrogen has stemmed from mounting net zero pledges and decarbonization goals, and an increasing focus on the energy transition. Production options explored several global regions and technologies covering thermochemical (biomass gasification), bio-methane reforming, electrolysis, and other advanced pathways from a technical, economic (cost of production model), and capacity level. A discussion of implications for the conventional technologies is also included.

This report offers a comprehensive techno-economic analysis of newly commercial and emerging methane pyrolysis technologies for the production of “turquoise” hydrogen, which can be produced from both fossil and renewable methane sources and produces a carbon byproduct that can be sequestered or displace existing fossil products. Technologies including thermal plasma, uncatalyzed pyrolysis, catalytic pyrolysis, molten metal/molten salt, and non-thermal plasma are covered, and key players within each major route have their technical maturity and processes profiled. Process economics are also provided for thermal plasma processes. The report also includes an analysis of turquoise hydrogen in the context of other low-carbon hydrogen routes.

This report examines technical, commercial and economic aspects of producing BTX aromatics, particularly para-xylene, which is the principal co-monomer for PET used in the production of fibers and bottles. Major technologies covered at the cost of production level include catalytic fast pyrolysis, catalytic reforming of carbohydrates, cycloaddition of furans, catalytic conversion of iso-butanol to para-xylene, enhanced FCC of renewable feedstocks, renewable methanol-to-aromatics (MTA), rLPG-to-aromatics, bioethanol-to-aromatics (ETA).

This report examines the technical, economic, and strategic aspects of thermal conversion (e.g., pyrolysis and hydrothermal treatment) technologies that are used to recycle mixed plastics waste. Selected developers of technologies were profiled and ranked under different criteria. The economic analysis of thermal conversion technologies, involving the production of feedstocks for olefins are provided for different geographic regions. In addition, the report includes an analysis of the plastic-based naphtha delivered cost competitiveness to Western Europe from the USGC, China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. An ethylene carbon intensity analysis is provided. Strategic and business considerations are also included in the report.