Hazer Group Secures Key Patent in Japan for Hydrogen Production Process
Source：Hydrogen Fuel News
Expanding Intellectual Property in a Strategic Market
Hazer Group Ltd., an Australian-based clean-tech innovator, has achieved significant progress with the recent approval of a patent by the Japanese Patent Office. This patent reinforces the company’s distinct process of creating hydrogen and graphitic carbon from hydrocarbons while employing iron ore as a catalyst. The development not only fortifies Hazer’s intellectual property (IP) portfolio but positions the company strategically in Japan—an essential market for clean energy solutions.
With partnerships already established with prominent corporations such as Chubu Electric, Chiyoda Corporation, and Mitsui, this latest achievement bolsters Hazer’s potential to meet growing hydrogen demand in Japan. This territory stands out as a global leader in hydrogen adoption, driven by its need to reduce dependency on imported fossil fuels and decarbonize industrial and transportation sectors.
Hazer’s IP now spans over 70 patents and applications worldwide, encompassing multiple technologies focused on hydrogen and carbon products. This global coverage strengthens its foothold as a technology leader in clean hydrogen production.
Key Features Discussed in this Article
- Hazer Group Ltd awarded a significant patent by the Japanese Patent Office for its hydrogen and graphitic carbon production process using iron ore as a catalyst.
- The patent enhances Hazer’s intellectual property portfolio, which now includes over 70 patents globally.
- Strategic importance of Japan as a key market for hydrogen adoption and clean energy innovation.
- Partnerships with major Japanese corporations like Chubu Electric, Chiyoda Corporation, and Mitsui.
- Hazer’s methane pyrolysis technology offers a low-cost, low-emission hydrogen production method.
- The process uses hydrocarbon feedstocks like natural gas or biogas, leveraging iron ore as a catalyst.
- Dual production of clean hydrogen and high-purity graphite for industrial applications.
- Successful first hydrogen and graphite output at the Commercial Demonstration Plant in Perth, Australia, signaling commercial scalability.
- Ongoing ramp-up of the demonstration plant with continuous production expected in H1 2024.
- Expansion efforts, including a 2,500 TPA hydrogen facility in British Columbia, Canada, in partnership with FortisBC.
Image Credit – Hazer Group
The Methane Pyrolysis Technology Explained
At the core of Hazer’s success is its unique methane pyrolysis technology. Unlike traditional methods such as steam methane reforming (SMR), which emits significant carbon dioxide, Hazer’s process significantly reduces emissions by converting hydrocarbon feedstocks like natural gas or biogas into clean hydrogen and graphitic carbon. Iron ore functions as a catalyst in this closed-loop system, making the process both economically and environmentally efficient.
The system operates at lower temperatures compared to traditional approaches, which translates to reduced energy requirements and costs. At the end of the process, hydrogen is generated without the high carbon intensity seen in conventional production methods. Simultaneously, high-purity graphite—a valuable material in battery technology and other industrial uses—is produced as a byproduct. This dual-output mechanism provides a critical market advantage, turning waste carbon into a commercial asset.
This innovation offers a promising pathway for industries seeking sustainable hydrogen solutions, particularly where electrification is challenging, such as in heavy industries and large-scale transport.
Upcoming Milestone in British Columbia
Further demonstrating its commercial readiness, Hazer recently commenced work on a significant project in partnership with FortisBC, a major utility in British Columbia, Canada. The initiative involves the construction of a hydrogen production facility capable of delivering 2,500 tonnes per annum (TPA) of clean hydrogen. The first major payment from FortisBC signals confidence in Hazer’s technology and strengthens its position in North America—a region increasingly focused on renewable energy objectives.
With the project in its early stages, the hydrogen production facility is expected to support FortisBC’s 30BY30 target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030. The successful deployment of this facility will underline the scalability of Hazer’s methane pyrolysis process and pave the way for further global expansion.
First Production at Commercial Demonstration Plant
A key breakthrough this year has been the successful operation of Hazer’s Commercial Demonstration Plant (CDP) in Perth, Australia. Marking the world’s first demonstration of methane pyrolysis technology at a commercial scale, the facility recently achieved its first production of hydrogen and graphitic carbon.
The facility is now undergoing a ramp-up phase projected to continue through the first half of 2024. During this period, performance testing will validate operations at commercial scale, with data supporting the technology’s integration into global projects. Following this milestone, Hazer’s CEO, Glenn Corrie, has projected further scale-up with regional expansions planned for North America, Europe, and Asia.
The CDP represents over a decade of research and development. By achieving continuous commercial-scale production, the facility will further showcase Hazer’s ability to meet the growing demand for low-cost, low-emission hydrogen—a critical component in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.
Why These Developments Matter
The importance of Hazer’s advancements extends beyond the company itself. Global efforts to combat climate change are increasingly focused on deploying clean hydrogen as a versatile energy carrier. Hydrogen’s low-carbon footprint makes it a crucial solution for industries where direct electrification is not feasible, such as steel manufacturing, chemical production, and long-haul transport.
Japan’s adoption of Hazer’s technology underscores this shift. The region’s heavy reliance on hydrogen imports and ambitious decarbonization targets highlight the need for innovative solutions that can reduce costs and improve energy security. Hazer’s localized production process, combined with its intellectual property protections, supports these goals by unlocking cleaner, more affordable hydrogen supplies.
Approaches like Hazer’s fill a critical gap in the energy transition landscape. Their ability to commercialize emissions-reducing technologies while simultaneously generating byproducts like graphite offers multi-sector utility for energy storage, electronics, and industrial applications.
Applying this Green Technology and Looking Ahead
The immediate application of Hazer’s methane pyrolysis technology is clear. Countries seeking to decarbonize industries can integrate these systems to produce clean hydrogen onsite, reducing reliance on carbon-heavy alternatives or hydrogen imports. For instance, steel plants could incorporate this method to cut emissions during production, while transport hubs could scale on-site hydrogen fueling infrastructure.
Scaling remains a challenge, but Hazer’s achievements this year signal growing feasibility. With demonstration facilities proving commercial operability and projects in critical markets like Canada and Japan, wider adoption could occur within this decade. If similar facilities are operational by 2028, industries will have access to scalable, cost-efficient hydrogen solutions that enable substantial emissions reductions.
The broader implications are equally encouraging. Hazer’s approach illustrates how innovative technologies can merge environmental stewardship with commercial viability. By producing clean hydrogen and alternative carbon-based materials, such systems offer a blueprint for reducing industrial emissions worldwide. With the right partnerships and consistent project execution, these advancements may well mark a pivotal step in global decarbonization efforts.