12 April 2024 – On Wednesday, Bill Gates used a shovel and wheelbarrow to fix a pothole in a parking lot with new asphalt that traps carbon dioxide. Gates was at Modern Hydrogen, a climate tech business in the Seattle region. The company has created a tool for breaking down natural gas molecules, generating hydrogen for fuel and carbon black, a chemical with several industrial uses, including as an essential component of asphalt.
Tony Pan, CEO of Modern Hydrogen, described the Microsoft co-founder’s visit as “great.” “He was very hands-on and engaged.” Gates was given the opportunity to see a demonstration model of the company’s methane pyrolysis reactor, which produces pure hydrogen from natural gas derived from fossil fuels or biogas derived from sources like manure.
Because of the clean burning of the hydrogen fuel, water vapor is produced. It may be used in fuel cells, industrial operations like the fabrication of steel, and the generation of energy.
Conclusion
Two Modern Hydrogen clients have received demo reactors in recent months: NW Natural, Portland, Oregon’s biggest natural gas utility, and an unidentified Miami customer.
