MHI invests in C-Zero to push hydrogen production

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries invested in C-Zero, a U.S. hard tech startup that will push the production of hydrogen and ammonia and avoid producing CO2.

The investment is executed through Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America. In this way, MHI continues to strengthen the hydrogen value chain and it joins a consortium of investors, including Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Eni Next, and AP Ventures.

C-Zero’s technology uses thermocatalysis to split methane, the primary molecule in natural gas, into hydrogen and solid carbon in the methane pyrolysis process. The hydrogen can be used to help decarbonize a wide array of existing applications, including hydrogen production for fuel cell vehicles, while the carbon can be permanently sequestered.

C-Zero’s technology can even be carbon negative when renewable natural gas is used as the feedstock, effectively extracting carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and permanently storing it in the form of high-density solid carbon.

MHIA president Yoshihiro Shiraiwa said: “MHI is committed to expanding the hydrogen value chain from production to utilization by developing technologies such as the hydrogen gas turbine, and by partnering with innovative technology and solution providers. We believe C-Zero’s technology will lead to more solutions that help us and our customers achieve our decarbonization goals.”

The investment accelerates the use of “turquoise hydrogen” (hydrogen produced via methane pyrolysis processes like C-Zero’s), which could further strengthen the hydrogen value chain. Turquoise hydrogen combines the benefits of both blue hydrogen (SMR with CO2 sequestration) and green hydrogen (produced by splitting water via electrolysis) by being low cost and low emissions.

MHI will examine the potential of using the company’s technology for the production and supply of hydrogen that could then be utilized for power generation systems and the decarbonization of industry.