EDMONTON, AB (October 30, 2025): NGIF Accelerator is pleased to announce the successful completion of a project led by the University of Alberta and Aurora Hydrogen Inc., developing microwave pyrolysis of natural gas for turquoise hydrogen production. Funded with $150,000 through NGIF Accelerator’s Industry Grants program in 2022, the project strengthens the natural gas value chain by enabling lower-emission hydrogen production from methane while generating valuable solid carbon, supporting efficient energy solutions, and enhancing the economic potential of natural gas resources.
Edmonton-based Aurora Hydrogen’s innovative technology uses microwave energy to heat methane in the absence of oxygen and water (pyrolysis) to generate hydrogen and solid carbon with no direct CO₂ emissions. The modular and scalable design allows units to be installed wherever natural gas and electricity are available, without requiring access to H₂ or CO₂ pipelines.
The project focused on studying solid carbon properties, designing reactor and microwave systems, assessing ancillary unit operations, and conducting process analysis, optimization, and modelling. A full techno-economic assessment and life-cycle analysis confirmed the technology’s potential for commercial-scale deployment.
Image: Aurora Hydrogen and University of Alberta pilot plant under construction in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta.
Key project highlights:
• Pilot plant design: Developed a pilot-scale microwave-driven methane pyrolysis plant, building a strong technical knowledge base.
• Emissions reduction potential: Microwave technology for hydrogen production could cut global CO₂ emissions by up to 0.5 billion tonnes per year.
• Flexible deployment: Technology can be installed wherever natural gas and electricity are available.
Aurora Hydrogen is now transitioning from pilot to commercial scale, with plans to design and construct a larger unit by 2026 to bring its microwave-driven methane pyrolysis technology to market. Growing interest from industrial users and power generation providers underscores the strong demand for lower-emission hydrogen solutions.
“This project demonstrates the potential of innovative methane pyrolysis technology to unlock new value in the natural gas sector. By producing hydrogen and solid carbon efficiently, it opens opportunities for lower-emission hydrogen production and strengthens the role of natural gas in meeting growing industrial and energy needs,” said John Adams, President and CEO of NGIF Accelerator. “Our Industry Grants program and its focus on de-risking technologies through field trials and pilots are part of NGIF’s integrated model of industry validation, customer creation, and technology commercialization.”
“NGIF’s support has been instrumental in helping Aurora Hydrogen scale its technology from the lab to the pilot stage,” said Dr. Murray Thomson, Co-founder of Aurora Hydrogen.
“Canadians want and need the affordable, reliable energy service offering they have come to expect from the natural gas industry. When we created NGIF, it was our vision to bring the entire natural gas value chain together to support the development of the technologies that enhance environmental and economic performance for the sector. I am glad to see our vision in action as NGIF continues to support technologies like Aurora Hydrogen and the University of Alberta’s hydrogen production technology,” said Timothy M. Egan, President and CEO, Canadian Gas Association, and Chair, NGIF Capital Corporation.
Industry Grants’ Participants and Project Partners
About Industry Grants program
The Industry Grants program is industry-led and offers non-dilutive grants to fund early-stage startups for technology development and field demonstration. The program specifically de-risks pre-commercial technology solutions that have the potential to increase the environmental performance of the natural gas sector. Each project in the program will accelerate technology readiness level progressions through controlled pilot testing and field trials to advance commercialization.
About NGIF Accelerator
NGIF Accelerator is the not-for-profit arm of NGIF Capital and operates all technology and innovation programs. The NGIF Accelerator mandate is to de-risk and accelerate technology development by supporting startups through their pilot projects, field trials, and industry validation. It will coordinate with federal and provincial governments to co-fund projects to advance market commercialization. NGIF Accelerator currently operates the Industry Grants program and administers the NGIF Emissions Testing Centre program.
About Aurora Hydrogen
Aurora Hydrogen is developing a lower-emission hydrogen production technology that utilizes efficient microwave energy without generating any CO₂ emissions or consuming water. The technology is scalable; units can be installed anywhere and can support hydrogen demand for everything from small fueling stations to large industrial applications. The company was founded in 2021 and is based in Edmonton, Canada.
About Canadian Gas Association
The Canadian Gas Association (CGA) is the voice of Canada’s gas energy delivery industry, including natural gas, renewable natural gas (RNG), and hydrogen. Its members are distribution and transmission companies, equipment manufacturers and suppliers, and other service providers. Today, natural gas meets almost 40 percent of the country’s energy needs.
Fund Information:
John Adams
President and CEO, NGIF Accelerator
President and CEO, NGIF Capital Corporation
Media Information:
Dini Philip
Communications Coordinator,
