Hydrogen Production Via the Solar Thermal Decarbonization of Fossil Fuels

Two hybrid solar/fossil-fuel endothermic processes, in which fossil fuels are used exclusively as the chemical source for H₂ production, and solar energy as the source of high temperature process heat, are considered: 1) the solar thermal decomposition; and 2) the solar steam gasification/reforming. These processes offer viable and efficient routes for fossil fuel decarbonization and CO₂ avoidance. The advantages of the solar-driven process are three-folded: a) the discharge of pollutants is avoided; b) the gaseous products are not contaminated; and c) the calorific value of the fuel is upgraded.