ESG Today writes that 2021-founded Molten Industries develops methane pyrolysis technology to turn natural gas into clean hydrogen, useful for decarbonizing the heavy industries, and graphite, required to manufacture lithium-ion batteries.

Company officials say that the methane they use for the process is sourced from low-emissions sources, such as waste streams from dairy farms, as well as waste-water treatment plants and landfills.

Molten's process is more energy-efficient at producing clean hydrogen through water electrolysis, while also addressing the environmental impact graphite production has, which is another energy-intensive process.

Company co-founder Dr. Caleb Boyd said that "clean liquid fuels, ammonia for fertilizers, plastics, and green steel all require a hydrogen feedstock that can compete on cost with petroleum-based products. There is a severe pain point in the chemical, steel, and transportation industries to find a clean and economical source of hydrogen as feedstocks for their products. Molten’s methane pyrolysis technology solves this pain point."

The company's first modular commercial reactor is expected to be built in Oakland, California and the production capacity for its first plant is expected to be 5.000 tons of clean hydrogen and 15.000 tons of low-emissions graphite per year from a 20-reactor setup.