SoCalGas says that Kore Infrastructure has successfully begun testing and demonstrating its carbon-negative technology at one of its Los Angeles facilities. The modular system is designed to divert organic waste from landfills and convert it into carbon-negative hydrogen and renewable natural gas (RNG). Testing Kore Infrastructure’s innovative technology is important because it provides key insights into efficiency and operating costs and can help determine whether the technology could be cost-effective if deployed at scale.
Kore’s modular system heats organic waste under high temperatures in a zero-oxygen environment, converting the waste to a blend of gases that could be developed into carbon-negative hydrogen or RNG, along with a solid carbon char that can be used to enhance soil quality or help decarbonise cement and steel production.
SoCalGas contributed $1.5 million to the demonstration project, which has also received funding from the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD). Kore Infrastructure’s process is designed to meet South Coast AQMD’s ultra-low NOx and particulate emissions standards
Ben J Benoit, chair of the South Coast AQMD governing board, said: “This is the type of novel approach that we need to see more of that uses sustainable processes. Not only will it divert material from landfills, but the process will create clean energy sources that can be used in fuel cell vehicles and other clean-air technologies.”
Neil Navin, vice-president of Clean Energy Innovations for SoCalGas, said: “SoCalGas will continue to support companies developing innovative technologies to help achieve carbon neutrality. The production of carbon-negative RNG and hydrogen could help provide energy security and decarbonise California in our energy transition.”
Kore plans to demonstrate the production of 99.999 percent pure hydrogen that would be suitable for fuel cell electric cars, trucks, buses, and trains by the third quarter of 2022. The demonstration facility has the potential to process up to 24 tons per day of organic feedstock and produce up to one metric ton of carbon negative, UltraGreen hydrogen™ per day, enough hydrogen for over 1,400 fuel cell electric cars.
Cornelius Shields, CEO and founder of Kore Infrastructure, said: “In California, transportation causes approximately 40 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. We’re collaborating with waste, energy, and transportation sector leaders to provide a Made-in-America, carbon-negative energy solution. Our UltraGreen hydrogen™ will be the fuel of the future for light-duty vehicles, heavy-duty trucks, and buses, ensuring our supply chain is emissions-free, sustainable and affordable.”
This demonstration project could also help California cut methane emissions from landfills under Senate Bill 1383 by converting organic waste into carbon-negative renewable fuel. SoCalGas research has shown that clean fuels like hydrogen and RNG can deliver the most affordable, resilient, and technologically proven path to full carbon neutrality.
These clean fuels could be used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from industrial processes and hard-to-electrify sectors, including heavy-duty transportation.
SoCalGas is already demonstrating how renewable hydrogen made from RNG could fuel a public transportation fleet.
For more information visit www.socalgas.com
