Hydrogen and Value-Added-Carbon production through Waste-Heat-Recovery’ (Hy-Value Recovery)

Reducing industrial carbon emissions is crucial for combating climate change and transitioning to a sustainable, low-carbon economy. The collaborative project aims to develop, build, and operate an industry-scale demonstrator known as the Torstran Production Demonstrator. This initiative will utilize waste heat from steel and glass manufacturing processes to convert renewable and waste methane into hydrogen, which can then be used as a process chemical in steel and glass production. In addition to hydrogen, the demonstrator will produce Torstran, a high-value carbon product. Torstran is used as an electromagnetic shielding (EMI) component in electric vehicle (EV) composite structures and as a Li-ion battery additive, thereby contributing to the low-carbon economy. It also holds potential for use in conductive coatings and air filtration.

The project’s success will significantly aid the UK industry in meeting its environmental targets. By reducing the carbon footprint of foundational industries like steel and glass manufacturing, it will replace ‘grey’ hydrogen process gas with near-zero CO2 hydrogen. Additionally, it will support the development of the electric vehicle manufacturing sector in the UK. The project is expected to create high-value jobs in the St Helens region immediately, with significant job growth anticipated as demand from the electric vehicle and other sectors increases.