Ekona Power is a Vancouver based clean energy technology company developing a methane pyrolysis platform that converts natural gas into clean hydrogen and solid carbon without producing carbon dioxide during the core reaction process. Founded to address emissions from conventional hydrogen production, the company focuses on technology that can integrate with existing natural gas infrastructure while supporting industrial users that seek lower carbon solutions.

Hydrogen demand continues to grow as governments and industries work to reduce emissions from heavy manufacturing, refining, chemicals and power generation. Traditional hydrogen production methods such as steam methane reforming generate significant carbon dioxide unless paired with carbon capture systems, which can add cost and operational complexity. Electrolysis powered by renewable electricity offers another pathway, yet it requires large amounts of clean power and new infrastructure in many regions. Ekona’s technology introduces an alternative that converts methane directly into hydrogen and solid carbon through a high temperature process inside a proprietary reactor system.

A New Model for Hydrogen Production

Ekona’s methane pyrolysis system uses controlled combustion and rapid gas dynamics to split methane molecules into hydrogen gas and solid carbon. The hydrogen can be used as a fuel or industrial feedstock, while the carbon emerges as a stable solid rather than carbon dioxide gas. This configuration avoids the need for traditional carbon capture and storage in the core process, since the carbon remains in solid form and can be collected, transported and sold for industrial applications.

The company designed its platform to work within established natural gas networks, which allows producers to use existing supply chains rather than building entirely new distribution systems. By leveraging current infrastructure, industrial facilities can generate hydrogen near the point of use, reducing transportation requirements while maintaining compatibility with current energy assets. This strategy supports industries that want lower emissions but must continue operating within economic constraints.

From Pilot Development to Commercial Readiness

Ekona has advanced its technology through pilot scale development in Canada, where early reactors demonstrated the ability to produce hydrogen and solid carbon under controlled conditions. These pilot systems provided operational data that informed improvements in reactor design, carbon handling and process efficiency. Testing also supported efforts to meet industrial specifications for carbon products, which require consistent particle characteristics and quality standards.

Funding support from public and private partners has helped accelerate research and demonstration activities. Investment has allowed the company to refine reactor components, expand engineering capabilities and prepare for larger scale deployments. As development progresses, Ekona continues to evaluate performance metrics such as hydrogen output, system durability and integration potential with existing facilities.

The company also engages with industrial partners interested in evaluating methane pyrolysis as part of their decarbonization strategies. Collaboration enables testing under real world conditions, which provides insights into how the technology fits within refinery operations, chemical production plants and other natural gas dependent industries. These partnerships support validation and provide feedback for ongoing refinement.

Solid Carbon as a Commercial Product

A defining feature of Ekona’s technology is the production of solid carbon alongside hydrogen. Unlike carbon dioxide emissions that require storage or atmospheric release, solid carbon can serve as a valuable industrial material. Carbon black is widely used in rubber manufacturing, tire production, plastics and construction materials, creating established markets for high quality carbon products.

By generating a usable solid carbon output, methane pyrolysis can create a revenue stream that supports hydrogen production economics. Industrial customers can purchase both hydrogen and carbon products, allowing the system to operate within existing commodity markets. This dual output model distinguishes methane pyrolysis from other hydrogen production pathways that generate only fuel.

Ekona continues to evaluate applications for its carbon product across sectors that require durable materials. Potential uses include reinforcing compounds, advanced materials and other industrial processes that rely on carbon-based inputs. The ability to produce consistent solid carbon alongside hydrogen provides flexibility for end users and strengthens the overall value proposition.

Decarbonizing Industrial Energy Systems

Industrial decarbonization remains one of the most challenging aspects of global emissions reduction efforts. Sectors such as steel, cement, refining and chemicals rely heavily on high temperature processes that are difficult to electrify. Hydrogen serves as a potential replacement fuel in many of these applications, yet cost and infrastructure barriers have limited adoption.

Methane pyrolysis offers a pathway that can reduce emissions while utilizing existing natural gas pipelines and distribution systems. Facilities can generate hydrogen on site or near industrial hubs, reducing the need for long distance hydrogen transport. This localized production model may support adoption in regions with strong natural gas networks and growing demand for lower carbon fuels.

Ekona’s reactor technology is designed to scale from demonstration units toward commercial installations. As capacity increases, the company plans to continue validating system performance, carbon product quality and hydrogen output under industrial conditions. Ongoing development focuses on reliability, efficiency and compatibility with customer requirements.

The company’s leadership believes methane pyrolysis can complement other clean energy solutions rather than replace them. Different regions and industries may adopt varied hydrogen production methods depending on resource availability, policy frameworks and infrastructure readiness. By offering an alternative that converts natural gas into hydrogen and solid carbon without carbon dioxide emissions during the reaction, Ekona adds another option to the global energy transition toolkit.

As demand for low carbon hydrogen grows, companies and governments will evaluate technologies based on performance, economics and scalability. Ekona’s work demonstrates how innovation in reactor design and gas processing can create new pathways for industrial energy systems. With pilot testing underway and partnerships forming, the company continues advancing toward broader commercial deployment of methane pyrolysis technology.

Chris Reid, CEO, Ekona Power