Carbon dioxide-free production of hydrogen and solid carbon in Upper Austria
With the climate technology „methane electrolysis“, natural gas (methane/CH4) can be split without carbon dioxide emissions, decarbonized and thus made usable in a climate-friendly way. In this way, carbon dioxide-free hydrogen and high-purity carbon can be produced. The process has great potential and is being implemented for the first time in Austria at the Krift site in Kremsmünster.
Valuable solid carbon
This innovative technology succeeds in decarbonizing natural gas and making the solid Carbon usable as a raw material. It is a valuable additive for soils that have been intensively used for agriculture in recent years. Together with renowned partners such as the University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences in Vienna and the Montan University of Leoben, RAG has already carried out several glasshouse and field trials with very promising results. In addition, it has a wide range of uses as a value material in various branches of industry.
Versatile usage of hydrogen
Since today the majority of hydrogen demand is still produced with technologies that generate carbon dioxide, the production technology „Methane Electrolysis“ is is a CO2-free alternative. Hydrogen has a wide range of applications. At the Krift site, RAG‘s own combined heat and power plant is powered by hydrogen in order to use the summer sun for winter heating.
Opening of the plant in the „RAG Energy Valley”
In September 2023, the methane electrolysis plant was opened in the „RAG Energy Valley“ – the flagship region for 100% green energy supply in Upper Austria. The demonstration plant will produce carbon dioxide-free hydrogen and pure carbon, thus strengthening domestic value creation in Austria.