Hazer Group has achieved a significant milestone with the granting of a key patent by the Japanese Patent Office (JPO).
The patent, related to the production of hydrogen and graphitic carbon from hydrocarbons using iron oxide as a catalyst, was officially accepted in December 2024.
“Japan is an important and strategic market for Hazer,” said Glenn Corrie, CEO and managing director of Hazer Group.
“Our proprietary technology offers an attractive solution to locally produce low-cost, low-carbon hydrogen, using existing supply chains and infrastructure.”
The approval, which covers the use of methane or natural gas as feedstock, marks a vital step for Hazer as it continues its collaboration with major Japanese partners.
These include Chubu Electric and Chiyoda Corporation on a commercial project, as well as a strategic partnership with Mitsui for developing the graphite market.
Hazer also remains engaged with other potential customers in Japan’s industrial sectors.
The new patent expands Hazer’s global intellectual property portfolio, which now spans over 70 patents and patent applications across five distinct technologies underpinning the company’s innovative Hazer process.
This technology, designed for large-scale hydrogen production, is positioned to contribute significantly to the transition toward cleaner energy solutions.
“Securing this important IP protection in Japan ensures we maintain a leading position in methane pyrolysis and the production of low-cost clean hydrogen and graphite with our proprietary technology,” Corrie added.
Hazer’s rigorous approach to intellectual property management reflects its focus on safeguarding its innovative processes as it moves closer to commercial-scale hydrogen production.
The company continues to pursue other patent applications in various jurisdictions, with these processes advancing according to standard timelines.
