ROTOBOOST (Shanghai) Hydrogen Energy Technology Co. Ltd. (ROTOBOOST) and Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) subsidiary, PETRONAS Research Sdn Bhd (PRSB), have successfully commissioned the Natural Gas to Hydrogen and Graphite pilot plant, advancing their mission to achieve large-scale decarbonisation of the energy industry. The launch of this pilot plant underscores both partners’ dedication towards driving positive change in the energy sector.
Powered by Thermo-Catalytic Decomposition (TCD) technology, the facility produces hydrogen while simultaneously converting carbon emissions into valuable graphite byproducts. This innovative approach originates from the 2023 collaboration between ROTOBOOST and PRSB to develop a pioneering methane pyrolysis system, that is expected to produce cost-effective, low-carbon hydrogen and carbon products, aligning with the sustainability goals of both organisations.
This innovative hydrogen production method leverages natural gas as a sustainable and compliance-ready feedstock, to accelerate the global energy transition towards a lower- carbon future. By enabling pre-combustion carbon capture, the TCD technology enhances energy efficiency while producing valuable graphite as a byproduct, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of hydrogen production.
Backrow, 8ᵗʰ and 9ᵗʰ from left: Nazri Muslim and Hanif Aziz from PETRONAS, alongside the ROTOBOOST on-site team
Next Steps: Scaling Up and Expanding Applications
ROTOBOOST aims to scale the TCD technology for larger operations and diversify its applications. With PETRONAS as the technical partner, ensuring the robustness, safety and compliance of the TCD reactor process with local and international standards, ROTOBOOST is committed to ensuring the plant reaches commercial readiness.
Among the top priorities are expanding the TCD technology in marine applications, helping the shipping industry leverage existing mature liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure and logistics to position LNG as a future compliance-ready fuel.
Additionally, the solid carbon produced as a byproduct of the TCD process holds immense potential for industrial decarbonisation. ROTOBOOST is actively developing solutions to integrate this high-quality carbon into steelmaking and aluminium production, offering an eco-friendly alternative that reduces emissions in these essential industries.
Both ROTOBOOST and PRSB seek to advance this groundbreaking TCD technology within its respective operations.