VulcanX is advancing their second-generation novel reactor to produce low-emission hydrogen and high-value solid carbon. The methane pyrolysis reactor heats methane and other hydrocarbons from natural gas to very high temperatures without oxygen until they crack into their base components: hydrogen as a gas and carbon as a solid. Unlike conventional steam methane reforming, it does not emit carbon dioxide during hydrogen production and does not consume water. The system uses a molten metal recirculation loop (a closed-loop piping system) to separate the reaction and heating zones, enabling precise temperature control, improved durability, and prevention of carbon buildup. The hydrogen can be used as a fuel or chemical feedstock across oil and gas, ammonia, methanol, steel, cement, and transportation markets. The solid carbon can be used to replace clinker, an ingredient in cement that is responsible for most of the emissions in concrete production. In addition to clean hydrogen and solid carbon, the process produces high-purity, semi-graphitic carbon that can be upgraded to battery-grade graphite. Graphite is a critical mineral essential for lithium-ion batteries, electric vehicles, energy storage, and advanced manufacturing. During this project, VulcanX plans to upgrade and operate a 55-kilogram-per-day hydrogen demonstration plant to validate continuous, stable performance and accelerate commercialization. The 24-month project includes engineering design improvements, construction, and continuous operation (at least 200 hours) of VulcanX’s pilot plant in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta.