How old steel plant furnace mistake led to a hydrogen breakthrough

In the early 2000s, engineers at the Techint Group accidentally discovered a methane pyrolysis reaction while working on an electric arc furnace at a steel plant. Instead of the expected breakdown of carbon electrodes, the furnace split methane into hydrogen gas and solid carbon without releasing carbon dioxide. This discovery was initially overlooked but recently revived by Techint’s venture arm, leading to the creation of Tulum Energy, a startup aiming to commercialize this cleaner hydrogen production method. Tulum has raised $27 million in seed funding and is building a pilot plant in Mexico adjacent to a Techint steel mill, with plans to supply both hydrogen and solid carbon for industrial use. Methane pyrolysis offers a low-emission alternative to the conventional steam methane reforming process, which emits significant CO₂. Unlike competitors, Tulum’s approach does not require costly catalysts, relying instead on a modified electric arc furnace, potentially reducing complexity and costs. The company projects hydrogen production costs around $1.50 per kilogram—competitive