Imagine a way to split methane gas into hydrogen and solid carbon without burning it or using expensive chemicals. Instead of high heat, it uses a special kind of electric plasma—like a controlled lightning bolt—to break the molecules apart. This creates clean fuel and useful carbon soot without releasing any greenhouse gases into the air.
EU hydrogen production relies heavily on fossil-based SMR, which creates high CO2 emissions and depends on volatile gas prices. Additionally, the EU lacks autonomy in producing critical carbon materials used in energy storage and manufacturing.
A fully integrated ColdSpark® reactor system including an optimized plasma chamber, a custom high voltage power supply (HVPS), and carbon handling subsystems.
If you are an industrial gas supplier dealing with high CO2 emissions from traditional steam methane reforming—this project developed a plasma reactor that produces hydrogen with zero CO2 emissions and a process energy efficiency of 79%. This allows for a cleaner production path that cuts lifecycle emissions by over 60%.
If you are a biomethane plant operator dealing with the need to valorize methane streams—this project developed a modular, catalyst-free system that converts biomethane into hydrogen and solid carbon. It operates at a low energy cost of less than 15 kWh/kg H2 produced.
If you are a materials manufacturer dealing with dependence on non-EU suppliers for critical carbon—this project developed a process to co-produce eCarbon® alongside hydrogen. This strengthens strategic autonomy by producing high-value solid carbon within the EU.
The technology targets a low energy cost of less than 15 kWh/kg of H2 produced. Based on available project data, it aims for a process energy efficiency of 79%.
Yes, the project validated the process at both lab and pilot scale. The reactor is designed for modularity and scalability to ensure compatibility with existing infrastructure.
Based on available project data, the project has validated the ColdSpark® process and developed specific components like the HVPS and eCarbon®, though specific licensing terms are not listed.
The project specifically optimized up- and downstream gas management to ensure the system is compatible with existing infrastructure.
The project runs from June 2022 to November 2025, with the current phase serving as the first step toward full deployment.
The consortium is well-balanced for commercialization, consisting of 7 partners across 5 countries. With an industry ratio of 43% (including 3 industrial partners and 2 SMEs), the project bridges the gap between academic research (2 universities, 2 research institutes) and market application, ensuring the technology is developed with end-user needs in mind.
Contact SEID AS in Norway for licensing and partnership inquiries.
Contact us to connect with the ColdSpark consortium for pilot implementation.
