H Cycle’s process utilizes a thermal conversion process that uses heat and electricity to transform waste into hydrogen along with a few safe, easily managed products and minimal emissions. The thermal conversion involves breaking down waste on a molecular level into a synthesis gas (known as syngas), which is comprised of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. Hydrogen is then readily extracted from syngas as is done in many chemical processes, including ammonia fertilizer production. Our novel hydrogen generating process is a low-carbon alternative to fossil fuel-based steam methane reforming, the conventional method of manufacturing hydrogen gas.
No! Because H Cycle works with heterogeneous waste mixtures, we don’t require the diligent sorting that other technologies require. That being said, most of the waste streams we receive are pre-processed by third-party material recovery facilities or recycling facilities, where valuable materials are already removed.
What is normally deferred to a landfill comes to H Cycle to be converted into hydrogen, resulting in a reduction of emissions in two ways relative to the base case: (1) avoided methane leakage from landfilling of waste and (2) avoided fossil CO2 emissions from the production of hydrogen. Combined together, these two sources of emissions exceed 5% of global GHG and can be mitigated through the H Cycle process.
H Cycle is not a replacement for recycling, but is the step after recycling. First you recycle, then you H Cycle. Recycling is still a critical part of our waste reduction. H Cycle takes the leftover waste after all recyclable material is taken out and converts it into hydrogen.
The incineration process combusts waste, generating significant pollutants (e.g. dioxins and furans) and higher net greenhouse gases, whereas H Cycle thermally converts waste by reforming its components at a molecular level, with very low (minor source) emissions and a significantly better greenhouse gas footprint.
H Cycle is headquartered in Mountain View, California. We are currently pursuing projects in the Western US, Japan and Korea. Other regions are also of interest for new projects.