HECO2 – HYBRID PLASMALYSIS

Launched in June 2023, the HECO₂ – Hybrid Plasmalysis project aims to develop a new technological pathway for the simultaneous production of hydrogen and solid carbon with a significantly reduced carbon footprint: the hybrid plasmalysis of methane. This breakthrough technology enables the transformation of various methane sources—such as mine gas, biomethane, coal gas, and natural gas—into two valuable co-products: hydrogen and solid carbon.

In a rapidly evolving energy landscape, this solution represents a complementary approach to support the decarbonization of industrial uses, in alignment with European climate goals.

Supported by the Walloon Region and the MecaTech and GreenWin competitiveness clusters, the technology is now entering its pilot phase. A laboratory pilot demonstrator is under construction at Materia Nova, with commissioning scheduled for October 2025. It will produce up to 3.3 kg/h of hydrogen and 10 kg/h of solid carbon, in a modular and scalable installation designed to accommodate different plasma reactor configurations.

Unlike conventional processes, hybrid plasmalysis requires neither complex purification of the feed gas nor auxiliary gases, and it operates at atmospheric pressure with moderate temperatures. This allows for simplified integration into industrial settings, reduced costs, and an extremely low carbon footprint. The co-produced solid carbon, free of intrinsic CO₂ emissions, holds significant potential for valorization.

Initial experiments have already demonstrated the technical feasibility of the process using mine gas and biomethane, with a wide range of solid carbon types obtained—currently being evaluated for their industrial valorization potential.

With the goal of advancing the technology from TRL 3 to TRL 7 by 2027, the HECO₂ project aims to lay the foundation for a future Walloon low-carbon hydrogen sector, by harnessing often underutilized local resources. It embodies a logic of circularity, sustainable innovation, and emissions reduction, in service of the European Union’s goal of climate neutrality by 2050.

Project Consortium
The project is being carried out in collaboration with: Gazonor Benelux, Luminus, AGC Glass Europe, Vanheede Biomass Solutions, Gate2, Materia Nova, and UMONS.