Almost all of the world's current supply of hydrogen is generated from fossil fuels, mainly natural gas and steam. Typically, natural gas that contains around 94% of methane is distributed by pipeline. And hydrogen is produced from a chemical reaction between methane and steam called steam methane reforming (SMR). The hydrogen produced through this process where the emissions, carbon dioxide, are released to the atmosphere is called gray hydrogen.

The production of hydrogen by SMR, generates emissions at a rate of 11 tons of carbon dioxide per 1.0 ton of hydrogen. When carbon capture and storage is used to remove a large fraction of these emissions, the product is known as blue hydrogen.

Every city in the world, large and small, generates municipal solid waste (MSW) daily, which requires collection and disposal in municipal or regional landfills. Of this MSW, approximately 52% is organic. When oxidized, it generates a group of different gases collectively known as "biogas." Approximately 60% of these gases are biomethane, 38% CO2, and 2% are other gases.

The world must make the most of the different energy sources available, seeking to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Pan American has 40 years of experience developing highly reliable hydrogen generators that utilize various feed gases, including biogas, to provide hydrogen with purities of up to 99.999%. Pan American units can cost-effectively replace your dependence on third-party liquid hydrogen supplies, giving you independence and security in your hydrogen needs.