Australian tech firm Hazer and US science, technology and engineering firm KBR have signed a binding partnership deal to licence and commercialise Hazer's patented methane pyrolysis technology in ammonia and methanol markets. Further, the parties have agreed to pursue opportunities in decarbonising hydrogen markets.

The six-year initial term of the alliance has an extension option based on the attainment of performance targets, Hazer disclosed, noting that the companies aim to work together on the development of a design package for its plants with target hydrogen capacities of 50,000+ tonne per year as well as the worldwide sales, marketing and licensing of its technology.

The overall cost of the alliance work program is expected to be between A$3-5 million (about $1.9- 3.2 million), of which KBR will reportedly provide about A$3 million (about $1.9 million). It is understood that the deal can be cancelled if licensing performance targets are not achieved.

Glenn Corrie, Hazer’s CEO and Managing Director, said: “We are excited to be joining forces with KBR to commercialise Hazer’s world-leading clean hydrogen technology on the global stage. This is a transformational transaction for Hazer coming at a critical time when the world urgently needs affordable, low-emissions hydrogen to decarbonise legacy hard-to-abate industries.”

Jay Ibrahim, KBR’s President – Sustainable Technology Solutions, commented: “KBR’s proven global expertise in deploying sustainable technology solutions complements Hazer’s leading methane pyrolysis technology, making us ideal partners. Our market assessment and due diligence have highlighted Hazer’s potential to decarbonize the global ammonia and methanol sectors.