UK startup HiiROC in link-up to produce sustainable carbon black

Hull, UK – British technology startup HiiROC has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Tokyo Gas to explore the deployment of its thermal plasma electrolysis technology to produce clean hydrogen and sustainable carbon black.

In a 13 Jan statement, HiiROC said the deal was signed in early 2025 and sets out key areas for exploration between the two companies.

The partnership, it said, will look into using HiiROC’s technology to decarbonise Tokyo Gas customers’ operations and assets, as well as to explore potential future uses of the “solid carbon by-product” by Tokyo Gas customers or third parties.

The deal also includes evaluation for potential future investment in the process.

“We… believe this collaboration will drive significant advancements in the decarbonisation of energy and industrial assets and the carbon black sector,” said Tim Davies, CEO at HiiROC.

“Together, we aim to create a sustainable future through the application of our innovative thermal plasma electrolysis technology in Japan,” Davies added.

According to its website, HiiROC’s technology splits hydrocarbons, include methane gas, in an electrical field in its plasma torches, a process that unlike pyrolysis does not require heat.

The technology is claimed to produce clean hydrogen using “one-fifth of the electricity needed for water electrolysis, without producing CO2.”

The process also produces a carbon by-product, which will be studied for carbon black use as part of this collaboration.