BurnStar Technologies: Leading the charge towards a sustainable hydrogen future

In a rapidly changing world where sustainable solutions are more critical than ever, BurnStar Technologies emerges as a beacon of innovation in the energy sector. Spearheaded by the visionary Dr Johan Brand PhD and Operations Director David de Mattos, the company is poised to redefine the future of hydrogen production with its groundbreaking technologies. With a robust focus on cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly solutions, BurnStar Technologies is setting new standards in the pursuit of a greener future.

Dr Johan Brand, the CEO and Technical Director has a PhD in Chemical Engineering and an MBA, Johan has extensive experience in gas to power and previous entrepreneurial ventures. In hisearlier career he had various technical and managerial roles at Sasol and

various executive positions at several entities in the energy sector.

Johan is the Founder and CEO of BurnStar and deeply involved with the technology development.

David de Mattos, the company’s Operations Director, brings 20 years of invaluable experience in the oil and gas industry, specialising in energy-efficient technologies and the utilisation of special gases. His expertise in the management of startups and specialised projects, particularly those harnessing waste gases, has positioned him perfectly to lead BurnStar’s ambitious endeavours.

Pioneering Hydrogen Production: The Technological Edge

At the heart of BurnStar Technologies’ innovative approach is its unique method of producing hydrogen through liquid metal bubble column gas pyrolysis. This cutting-edge process significantly surpasses traditional electrolysis, offering a cleaner, more cost-effective, and efficient solution. As de Mattos explicates, “Gas pyrolysis in a liquid metal bubble column is by far a cleaner, cheaper, and more efficient technology. We have proved this through our mass and energy balance in our different projects.”

This revolutionary process involves the non-combustive splitting of hydrocarbons, such as methane, into pure hydrogen and solid carbon. “Using pressure and temperature, we split methane into hydrogen and carbon and there are no emissions whatsoever in this process,” de Mattos elaborates. The result is a process that generates hydrogen without the environmental baggage of emissions, marking a significant stride toward a truly sustainable future.

Strategic Business Model and Industry Disruption

What distinguishes BurnStar Technologies from its peers is not only its technological prowess but also its innovative business model. The company adopts a rental model for its reactors, providing clients with on-demand hydrogen production capabilities. This approach circumvents the traditional challenges of hydrogen storage and transportation. “We rent the client a BurnStar reactor, eliminating the necessary storage or logistics for transportation,” notes de Mattos.

This model is particularly advantageous given hydrogen’s storage challenges, as its tiny molecules are notoriously difficult to contain and transport. By producing hydrogen on-site, BurnStar Technologies offers clients a seamless and efficient energy solution, free from the costly logistics and infrastructural demands that typically accompany hydrogen production.

BurnStar Technologies is actively building a network of strategic partnerships to enhance its impact across industries. A standout collaboration is with Sibanye Stillwater, a leader in gold and PGM (Platinum Group Metals) mining. De Mattos highlights the collaboration’s potential, “Hydrogen can be used in a mine for various de carbonisation strategies such as power generation, smelting, transportation, and refinement of metals.”

Additionally, BurnStar has formed strategic relationships with other key players, such as Novo Gas, Energidrop and Turnkey Modular to bolster its resource and technological capabilities. These alliances not only strengthen BurnStar’s operational framework but also extend its reach into sectors ripe for sustainable transformation.

Global Reach and Impact

The global landscape presents enormous opportunities for hydrogen adoption, and BurnStar Technologies is at the forefront of this movement. The company’s innovations are not only attracting attention in South Africa but also sparking interest from

international markets keen on reducing emissions and achieving decarbonisation targets. “The potential for hydrogen implementation globally is absolutely enormous,” de Mattos remarks, underscoring BurnStar’s pivotal role in driving global sustainability agendas.

A supportive policy framework is crucial for scaling sustainable solutions, and BurnStar is navigating this with dexterity. The South African government, together with international bodies like GIZ from Germany, is providing significant backing for the hydrogen economy. This regulatory support is instrumental in facilitating BurnStar’s initiatives.

Future Prospects and Expansion

As BurnStar Technologies looks to the future, the company is gearing up for significant expansions in its operational capabilities. The modular and scalable nature of its technology allows for customised hydrogen production solutions, aligning with diverse industry needs. “We have the ability to scale our production, governing your energy generation needs efficiently,” de Mattos explains.

BurnStar is also preparing to disrupt traditional markets by advancing hydrogen production into new territories and applications, including heavy metals production, transportation, and food processing. The company is set to unveil a new reactor by January 2025, further cementing its leadership in sustainable energy solutions.

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BurnStar Technologies will be among the projects pitching at Africa’s Green Economy Summit, held on February 19-20, 2025, at the Century City Convention Centre in Cape Town. Register now to connect with the Hemp Solutions team and explore 40 other exciting projects!
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