Modern Hydrogen

Modern Hydrogen develops methane pyrolysis reactors that convert natural gas or biogas into clean hydrogen fuel. The company's technology produces hydrogen by stripping carbon from methane through a methane pyrolysis process, with the hydrogen produced being used for energy production, industrial processes, and fuel cells. The process also generates carbon black as a byproduct, which can be used in manufacturing tires, rubber, ink, concrete, and asphalt. Unlike competitors focusing on large centralized plants, Modern Hydrogen's MH500 system features a modular, decentralized design intended for on-site hydrogen production, eliminating the need for hydrogen transportation infrastructure. The reactors are self-powered, with approximately 25% of the hydrogen produced being recycled to power the generation process. The company was founded in 2015 at Intellectual Ventures and pivoted from its original focus on heat-to-electricity technology to hydrogen production. Modern Hydrogen's commercial products are expected to be available in early 2024.

Key customers and partnerships

Modern Hydrogen has established pilot projects with NW Natural, Oregon's largest natural gas utility. The company is delivering demonstration reactors, sized at half a shipping container, to utility partners. The company is also involved in a project to convert biogas from dairy waste into hydrogen.