Traditionally hydrogen is generated from fossil feedstock and processes that emit significant amounts of CO2. Green and other colors of hydrogen hold 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 (US, China, Brazil, and Western Europe) and technologies covering thermochemical (biomass gasification), bio-methane reforming, carbon capture, electrolysis, and other advanced pathways from a technical, economic (cost of production model), and carbon intensity level—including breakeven values for emission reductions under carbon taxation scenarios.

The process technologies and production economics for polypropylene (PP) are presented. Gas phase and bulk processes from all major technology holders are reviewed. Cost of production economics have been developed for USGC, China, and Middle East locations. Carbon intensity analysis (scope 1 and 2) included for average gas phase, bulk, and slurry processes on a USGC and China basis. Global demand by end-use and global capacity by producer are provided.

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.