Jyrki Ristimäki
Product Manager
ROTOBOOST Finland Oy
Finland
Dr. Jyrki Ristimäki is Product Manager at ROTOBOOST Finland Oy, where he leads customer interface product development, bridging their needs with advanced decarbonization technologies and advanced materials. He holds a PhD in aerosol physics and brings nearly two decades of experience in marine engineering and emissions-reduction technologies. He spent 10 years experience at Wärtsilä and 9 years at Royal Caribbean's Newbuild department for developing machinery and technical topics towards lower emissions together with shipyards and other machinery suppliers. Jyrki joined ROTOBOOST in October 2024.
Participates in
TECHNICAL PROGRAMME | Primary Energy Supply
Natural Gas as a Transition Fuel
Forum 04 | Hall 10 - SABIC Technical Programme 1
14
October
09:30
10:45
UTC+3
The transition to net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by mid-century demands scalable, cost-effective, and infrastructure-compatible solutions that bridge the gap between current fossil-based systems and a fully renewable energy future. Natural gas, with the lowest carbon intensity among fossil fuels, can play a pivotal transitional role when coupled with advanced methane pyrolysis methods such as Thermo-Catalytic Decomposition (TCD). TCD converts methane into two valuable products—low-emission hydrogen and solid carbon—without generating CO₂ in the reaction stage, enabling pre-combustion carbon capture and significant lifecycle emission reductions.
Applied across the liquefied natural gas (LNG) value chain, TCD can process flare gas, condensates, and boil-off gas (BOG) in upstream, midstream, and maritime transport operations. This integration reduces methane slip, eliminates routine flaring, and supplies clean hydrogen for power generation, compression, and propulsion, achieving up to 85% direct emission reductions while maintaining operational reliability. The solid carbon co-product, often in the form of high-value graphene or graphite, can displace carbon-intensive materials in steelmaking, concrete, battery, and tire manufacturing, delivering additional Scope 3 emission reductions.
In maritime applications, onboard TCD systems convert BOG into hydrogen for propulsion and store solid carbon in compact tanks, offering a space-efficient alternative to conventional onboard carbon capture. Class Society approvals confirm the safety and feasibility of this approach, aligning with the International Maritime Organization’s MEPC 83 and FuelEU Maritime decarbonization targets. Similarly, in stationary applications such as LNG terminals or industrial hubs, TCD can be integrated with Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) to deliver high-efficiency, low-emission power for energy-intensive sectors, including data centers.
Lifecycle assessments (LCA), independently validated to ISO 14067:2018 standards, demonstrate that hydrogen from TCD can achieve carbon intensities as low as 18 gCO₂/MJ—up to 76% lower than conventional LNG combustion—while the displacement of synthetic graphite production further enhances net climate benefits. The modularity and scalability of TCD systems enable progressive adoption, matching tightening regulatory thresholds without imposing excessive capital or operational costs.
A technology-neutral regulatory framework is essential to fully recognize the environmental value of TCD, particularly its Scope 3 benefits, which are often excluded from current compliance schemes. When evaluated holistically, “turquoise hydrogen” from TCD can outperform green hydrogen in total emission reduction potential, especially when upstream natural gas emissions are minimized.
By transforming natural gas from a transitional fuel into a decarbonization enabler, TCD offers a pragmatic, near-term pathway to net zero. Its compatibility with existing natural gas infrastructure, ability to generate both clean energy and valuable materials, and proven readiness for industrial and maritime deployment position it as a cornerstone technology in the global energy transition.
Applied across the liquefied natural gas (LNG) value chain, TCD can process flare gas, condensates, and boil-off gas (BOG) in upstream, midstream, and maritime transport operations. This integration reduces methane slip, eliminates routine flaring, and supplies clean hydrogen for power generation, compression, and propulsion, achieving up to 85% direct emission reductions while maintaining operational reliability. The solid carbon co-product, often in the form of high-value graphene or graphite, can displace carbon-intensive materials in steelmaking, concrete, battery, and tire manufacturing, delivering additional Scope 3 emission reductions.
In maritime applications, onboard TCD systems convert BOG into hydrogen for propulsion and store solid carbon in compact tanks, offering a space-efficient alternative to conventional onboard carbon capture. Class Society approvals confirm the safety and feasibility of this approach, aligning with the International Maritime Organization’s MEPC 83 and FuelEU Maritime decarbonization targets. Similarly, in stationary applications such as LNG terminals or industrial hubs, TCD can be integrated with Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) to deliver high-efficiency, low-emission power for energy-intensive sectors, including data centers.
Lifecycle assessments (LCA), independently validated to ISO 14067:2018 standards, demonstrate that hydrogen from TCD can achieve carbon intensities as low as 18 gCO₂/MJ—up to 76% lower than conventional LNG combustion—while the displacement of synthetic graphite production further enhances net climate benefits. The modularity and scalability of TCD systems enable progressive adoption, matching tightening regulatory thresholds without imposing excessive capital or operational costs.
A technology-neutral regulatory framework is essential to fully recognize the environmental value of TCD, particularly its Scope 3 benefits, which are often excluded from current compliance schemes. When evaluated holistically, “turquoise hydrogen” from TCD can outperform green hydrogen in total emission reduction potential, especially when upstream natural gas emissions are minimized.
By transforming natural gas from a transitional fuel into a decarbonization enabler, TCD offers a pragmatic, near-term pathway to net zero. Its compatibility with existing natural gas infrastructure, ability to generate both clean energy and valuable materials, and proven readiness for industrial and maritime deployment position it as a cornerstone technology in the global energy transition.
TECHNICAL PROGRAMME | Energy Fuels and Molecules
Pathways to Net-Zero Refining and Petrochemical Facilities
Forum 16 | Hall 10 - SAUDI ENERGY Technical Programme 3
14
October
14:30
15:45
UTC+3
The global refining sector, responsible for approximately 4% of annual CO₂ emissions, faces mounting pressure to align with net-zero targets while continuing to supply essential fuels and chemical feedstocks. Conventional decarbonization strategies—such as post-combustion carbon capture and storage (CCS), fuel substitution, and process electrification—can address significant portions of Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, but often leave residual emissions and face high capital and operational costs. Thermocatalytic decomposition (TCD) of methane offers a complementary, pre-combustion pathway that can substantially reduce the carbon intensity of hydrogen used in refinery operations.
Hydrogen is a critical utility in refining, enabling hydrocracking, hydrotreating, and desulfurization processes. Today, most refinery hydrogen is produced via steam methane reforming (SMR), which emits large volumes of CO₂. TCD replaces SMR by splitting methane into low-carbon “turquoise” hydrogen and solid carbon, without generating CO₂ in the reaction stage. This eliminates the need for downstream CO₂ capture and storage, while producing a valuable solid carbon co-product—graphite or graphene—that can displace carbon-intensive materials in steelmaking, battery production, and construction, delivering additional Scope 3 emission reductions.
Integration of TCD into refinery hydrogen networks can be achieved with minimal disruption to existing process configurations. Modular TCD units can be deployed at hydrogen production hubs, processing natural gas or refinery off-gases. Lifecycle assessments (LCA), independently verified to ISO 14067:2018 standards, indicate that TCD hydrogen can achieve carbon intensities as low as 18 g CO₂/MJ—up to 76% lower than conventional SMR hydrogen—when supplied with low-methane-intensity feed gas.
Beyond hydrogen decarbonization, TCD can contribute to broader refinery emission reduction strategies. By processing light hydrocarbons from refinery fuel gas streams, TCD reduces flaring and methane slip, while supplying hydrogen for internal use or export to adjacent industrial clusters. The solid carbon by-product can be monetized, improving project economics and offsetting the absence of CO₂ storage revenues.
In the context of net-zero refining, TCD complements other measures such as renewable electricity integration, bio-based feedstocks, and circular carbon approaches. Unlike CCS, which is most effective at large, concentrated emission points, TCD addresses emissions at the source of hydrogen production, avoiding the energy penalty of CO₂ capture. Its modularity enables phased deployment aligned with tightening regulatory frameworks, including the EU Emissions Trading System and national decarbonization mandates.
By embedding TCD into refinery hydrogen systems, operators can achieve deep Scope 1 and Scope 3 emission reductions, enhance energy efficiency, and create new revenue streams from solid carbon products. This positions TCD as a pivotal technology in the transition towards net-zero refining—bridging current fossil-based operations with a low-carbon, circular industrial future.
Hydrogen is a critical utility in refining, enabling hydrocracking, hydrotreating, and desulfurization processes. Today, most refinery hydrogen is produced via steam methane reforming (SMR), which emits large volumes of CO₂. TCD replaces SMR by splitting methane into low-carbon “turquoise” hydrogen and solid carbon, without generating CO₂ in the reaction stage. This eliminates the need for downstream CO₂ capture and storage, while producing a valuable solid carbon co-product—graphite or graphene—that can displace carbon-intensive materials in steelmaking, battery production, and construction, delivering additional Scope 3 emission reductions.
Integration of TCD into refinery hydrogen networks can be achieved with minimal disruption to existing process configurations. Modular TCD units can be deployed at hydrogen production hubs, processing natural gas or refinery off-gases. Lifecycle assessments (LCA), independently verified to ISO 14067:2018 standards, indicate that TCD hydrogen can achieve carbon intensities as low as 18 g CO₂/MJ—up to 76% lower than conventional SMR hydrogen—when supplied with low-methane-intensity feed gas.
Beyond hydrogen decarbonization, TCD can contribute to broader refinery emission reduction strategies. By processing light hydrocarbons from refinery fuel gas streams, TCD reduces flaring and methane slip, while supplying hydrogen for internal use or export to adjacent industrial clusters. The solid carbon by-product can be monetized, improving project economics and offsetting the absence of CO₂ storage revenues.
In the context of net-zero refining, TCD complements other measures such as renewable electricity integration, bio-based feedstocks, and circular carbon approaches. Unlike CCS, which is most effective at large, concentrated emission points, TCD addresses emissions at the source of hydrogen production, avoiding the energy penalty of CO₂ capture. Its modularity enables phased deployment aligned with tightening regulatory frameworks, including the EU Emissions Trading System and national decarbonization mandates.
By embedding TCD into refinery hydrogen systems, operators can achieve deep Scope 1 and Scope 3 emission reductions, enhance energy efficiency, and create new revenue streams from solid carbon products. This positions TCD as a pivotal technology in the transition towards net-zero refining—bridging current fossil-based operations with a low-carbon, circular industrial future.
