Hydrogen technology company Rotoboost is collaborating with Class Society ABS for the marine introduction of a first of its kind for pre-combustion carbon capture system based on thermocatalytic decomposition process (TCD).
ABS awarded Rotoboost a statement of maturity (AiP) for their thermocatalytic decomposition technology for continuous hydrogen production and carbon capture onboard marine vessels.
Rotoboost technology converts natural gas into hydrogen and solid carbon with an efficient liquid catalyst. The product gas can be used for fuel cells or as blend-in fuel for combustion engines or gas fired boilers. The process is able to reduce overall carbon emissions by up to 100 % depending on heating method. “The system can be scaled up modularly step by step to meet progressing emission regulations while being cost effective for ship owners compared to green fuels or conventional carbon capture systems (CCUS),”said Kaisa Nikulainen from Rotoboost.
Furthermore, using hydrogen as a blend-in fuel can also significantly reduce the methane slip from combustion engines (methane is over 25 times more potent greenhouse gas than CO2) and reduce particulate matter emissions by capturing carbon in solid form before combustion. Both of these factors dramatically reduce overall carbon emissions from the vessel.
The ideal CCUS for marine use needs to be both space efficient and electrical consumption conscious. The high conversion efficiency of Rotoboost TCD process ensures a compact size comparing to traditional steam methane reforming system or electrolyser plants. Also, the required electrical power is significantly lower than for the most advanced CCUS and the required storage space for solid carbon is 4-6 times less than for CO2. The system is especially well suited for LNG carriers and other LNG fueled ships.
“ABS has world class capabilities in understanding emissions technologies and developing decarbonization strategies. Thanks to our network of sustainability centers around the world, we are well positioned and delighted to support Rotoboost with this exciting project,” said Georgios Plevrakis, ABS Vice President, Global Sustainability.
Most notably, the produced carbon is a highly valuable raw material and can be recycled for electric car batteries and fuel cell as per diagram below, the carbon captured from natural gas is then weapon for further decarbonization.
About Rotoboost
Rotoboost AS is a private company with global bases focusing on low carbon industrial scale hydrogen systems to help the global energy transition for land based, marine and offshore industries. Rotoboost is focusing primarily on thermocatalytic decomposition of natural gas or biogas into hydrogen & specialty carbon while achieving “carbon double kill”- low to negative carbon footprint.
About ABS
ABS, a leading global provider of classification and technical advisory services to the marine and offshore industries, is committed to setting standards for safety and excellence in design and construction. Focused on safe and practical application of advanced technologies and digital solutions, ABS works with industry and clients to develop accurate and cost-effective compliance, optimized performance and operational efficiency for marine and offshore assets.