BurnStar Technologies, an innovator in the field of clean, low-cost hydrogen production technology, has announced its agreement with Turnkey Modular for the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) of its first commercial ‘Guilt-Free Hydrogen’ catalytic molten metal reforming plant.
The two companies will design and construct a 5 kg per hour Turquoise Hydrogen plant at Ironveld's Rustenburg smelting site. This facility will showcase the revolutionary process of hydrocarbon gas reforming by introducing natural gas (NG) or liquified petroleum gas (LPG) into a molten metal catalyst to produce hydrogen gas for CO2-free ‘green’ steel production.
Having recently secured funding from Savant Venture Fund and Sibanye-Stillwater, BurnStar Technologies will use the Ironveld demonstration as a springboard to entering the market for commercial clean hydrogen supply, on-site and a very cost-competitive rate. With different business model options to suit individual customers, the company will roll out its technology solution into the broader hydrogen market.
BurnStar specialises in the research and development of novel technology concepts and holds patents in specialised gas processing fields.
The CEO of BurnStar Technologies, Dr Johan Brand, said: “This process uses eight times less energy than electrolysis, and only 4 kg of methane is required to produce 1 kg of hydrogen, making it much more affordable than green hydrogen.” Dr Brand further indicated that “the planned delivery of the 5 kg/h hydrogen plant to Ironveld marks a significant milestone in the development of the technology. We have already started developing a 5-ton per day unit and will soon be able to incorporate the learnings from commencing this first commercial operation early next year.”
BurnStar Technologies' mission is to support opportunities in unconventional and hard-to-abate GGE sectors. The company specialises in pioneering research and development of zero-CO2 hydrogen production technology and has international patent applications in this specialised gas processing field.
Turnkey Modular relishes the opportunity to be involved in this novel and groundbreaking technology. Turnkey will bring their innovative construction systems and network of industry experts such as EPS see the scalable commercialisation of the technology. Warrick Jackson, the MD Turnkey Modular explains the highlights:
- Strategic implementation opportunity: In May 2023, Ironveld inked a pivotal agreement with BurnStar Technologies (Pty) Limited, wherein BurnStar will implement its patented Guilt-Free Hydrogen™ technology. This innovative approach will process Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) directly to Hydrogen gas for Green Steel Reforming at Ironveld's Rustenburg smelter.
- Hydrogen production: BurnStar Technologies have raised all the required funds to proceed with the manufacture and installation of it Commercial Demonstration plant at Ironveld's Rustenburg smelter, capable of producing Hydrogen from CNG at an impressive rate of five kilograms per hour. The construction and full operational readiness of the Guilt-Free Hydrogen plant are anticipated by the end of Q1 2024.
- Carbon reduction: Once the BurnStar plant is established at the Rustenburg smelter and begins Hydrogen production, Ironveld plans to evaluate its use as a green reducing agent in its high purity steel production process. This strategic move is poised to substantially reduce the company's carbon consumption, aligning with global sustainability initiatives.
- Investment and support: BurnStar Technologies is backed by the specialised South African venture capital and incubator fund, Savant. The Commercial demonstrator represents a significant milestone in the journey towards sustainable and innovative low-cost Hydrogen production. This project aligns with the global commitment to reducing carbon emissions and advancing sustainability. The success of this venture has the potential to revolutionize the energy landscape and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future. BurnStar Technologies and Turnkey Modular are poised to set new standards in the industry by demonstrating the potential of Guilt-Free Hydrogen technology.
Contact David de Mattos, BurnStar Technologies, david@burnstar.co.za
