Hydrogen is expected to play an important role in Europe’s industrial and energy transition, but current hydrogen production methods still generate significant carbon emissions or rely heavily on energy-intensive processes. STORMING addresses this challenge by developing cleaner hydrogen production pathways based on methane cracking technologies capable of producing hydrogen while avoiding direct CO₂ emissions from conventional reforming processes.
The project focuses on improving the efficiency, scalability and industrial relevance of methane cracking systems through advanced reactor designs and catalytic processes. By combining process innovation with industrial validation activities, STORMING supports the development of lower-carbon hydrogen production solutions for future industrial applications.
What is STORMING about?
STORMING focuses on developing methane cracking technologies for cleaner hydrogen production.
Unlike conventional hydrogen production routes that generate carbon dioxide as part of the process, methane cracking separates methane into hydrogen and solid carbon. The project explores how this approach can become more efficient, scalable and suitable for industrial deployment.
A central aspect of STORMING is the development of advanced catalytic methane cracking systems and structured reactor technologies designed to improve conversion efficiency and operational performance. The project works on optimising process conditions, catalyst behaviour and reactor configurations to support more reliable and industrially relevant hydrogen production.
The project also investigates how solid carbon generated during methane cracking can become a valuable industrial by-product rather than a waste stream. This contributes to improving the overall resource efficiency and economic potential of the process.
Demonstration and validation activities help assess the technical feasibility and scalability of the developed solutions under realistic industrial conditions. The project evaluates performance, operational stability and integration potential within future industrial energy systems.
Alongside technical development, STORMING addresses broader industrial deployment considerations linked to process efficiency, sustainability and long-term commercial relevance.
Why STORMING matters
Hydrogen demand is expected to grow significantly as Europe accelerates industrial decarbonisation and clean energy deployment. However, producing hydrogen with lower environmental impact remains a major challenge, particularly for industrial-scale applications.
STORMING contributes to addressing this challenge by developing alternative hydrogen production technologies capable of reducing emissions associated with conventional production methods. Through methane cracking and advanced reactor innovation, the project supports cleaner hydrogen pathways while improving process efficiency and industrial applicability.
By advancing lower-carbon hydrogen production technologies, STORMING contributes to Europe’s broader goals for industrial decarbonisation and sustainable energy transition.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No. 101069690.
Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
