BurnStar Technologies and Mitochondria Energy Company have signed a letter of intent to establish a commercial and technical framework for on-site supply of hydrogen to power solid oxide fuel cell systems.
Under the agreement, BurnStar will deploy its liquid-metal bubble column (LMBC) methane pyrolysis reactor to produce hydrogen for Mitochondria’s modular fuel cell units. The hydrogen will be produced on-site and supplied directly to the systems.
Mitochondria’s containerised units, each rated 50 kW, are designed to deliver continuous power. The company indicates electrical efficiencies of up to 60%, increasing to as much as 90% in combined heat and power configurations.
The company is currently in demonstration phase and is progressing a phased deployment of 15 systems from late 2026 with a combined installed capacity of 800 kW.
Selected units are expected to be supplied with hydrogen volumes of up to 200 tons per year, produced continuously from BurnStar’s on-site plants.
BurnStar states that its LMBC process converts methane into hydrogen and solid carbon, avoiding direct CO₂ emissions associated with conventional hydrogen production methods. The solid carbon co-product is intended for use in industrial applications, including rubber, steel and agriculture.
The deployment is part of Mitochondria’s Project Phoenix under its Hydrogen Valley Innovation Hub. The company has committed R4,3 billion towards the development of its operations and manufacturing capabilities in Gauteng.
The parties plan to establish a joint technical working group within 30 days to conduct a feasibility study with a hydrogen supply and off-take agreement within six months. Pilot integration is expected in the first quarter of 2027, followed by a phased rollout of systems at selected sites.
