Industry players looking into development of methanol-to-hydrogen generators

Mitsubishi Gas Chemical, a Japanese methanol manufacturer and supplier for chemical and energy sectors, Methanol Reformer, a Spanish manufacturer of methanol-to-hydrogen generators, and Element 1, a U.S. developer of advanced hydrogen generation technology, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the development and commercialization of hydrogen solutions by methanol reforming technology.

Under the terms of the MoU, the three companies will leverage their respective expertise to accelerate the design, manufacture and sales of methanol-to-hydrogen generators, which have been designed under the concept of modular and mass-producible units.

As disclosed, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical will contribute as a supplier of methanol feedstock, including circular carbon methanol, by utilization of its presence in the global methanol value chain, while Methanol Reformer will contribute its manufacturing capabilities of methanol-to-hydrogen generators under the license from Element 1. Reportedly, Element 1 will provide its methanol steam reforming and hydrogen purification intellectual property and designs.

Masahiko Naito, Division Director, C1 Chemicals Division of Mitsubishi Gas Chemical, commented: “Methanol is one of the critical substances toward materialization of the carbon-neutralized economy which requires recycling carbon and also methanol is a realistic hydrogen carrier. It is our great pleasure to contribute our methanol business value chain to the joint initiative to realize the sustainable society with Methanol Reformer S.L. and Element 1 Corp.”

Javier Torres, Managing Director of Methanol Reformer, stated: “We are excited to strengthen our collaboration with Element 1 Corp. and partner with MGC to develop advanced hydrogen generation technologies. These solutions are designed to address current energy challenges and contribute to the decarbonization of key sectors in our society.”

Dave Edlund, CEO of Element 1, said: “We are excited to partner with MGC and Methanol Reformer S.L. to advance hydrogen generation technology and contribute to a sustainable energy future.”

In other news, Methanol Reformer and HELION Hydrogen Power, a French high-power fuel cell manufacturer, entered a strategic partnership set to focus on coupling proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell technology with methanol reformers.

The companies noted that “the coupling of hydrogen fuel cells with methanol reformers represents a significant advancement toward sustainable energy solutions.”