Pyrolysis & Hydrogen Technologies: Opportunities and Challenges - Reports

Pyrolysis is a thermal decomposition process that breaks down end-of-life (EOL) tyres in a closed, oxygen-free environment, producing outputs like oil, gas, and char. While globally recognized, its adoption in Australia remains limited.

The reports commissioned by Tyre Stewardship Australia delve into:

• The current status of tyre pyrolysis technologies in Australia and worldwide.
• Challenges related to technology development, product quality, and market acceptance.
• Regulatory considerations, public perception, and environmental impacts.
• Opportunities for integrating pyrolysis into Australia's circular economy for tyres.

Building on TSA's research into tyre pyrolysis, this report explores the potential to produce hydrogen from end-of-life tyres through pyrolysis and downstream processing pathways. It examines the technical feasibility, market opportunities, energy processing considerations and emissions and key barriers to deployment, within the context of Australia's growing hydrogen industry and National Hydrogen Strategy.

Key Findings

• Hydrogen could become a valuable new product from end-of-life tyres, creating additional pathways for material recovery and reuse.
• Tyre-derived hydrogen aligns with Australia's National Hydrogen Strategy, offering a potential role for tyres in the transition to a lower-emissions economy.
• Success will depend on overcoming key barriers, including technology uptake, infrastructure, carbon emissions management and market demand.