Zak Mir talks to Howard White, Chairman of Hydrogen Utopia, a company specialising in turning non-recyclable mixed waste plastic into hydrogen. 

This interview with Howard White, Chairman of Hydrogen Utopia, sheds light on the company’s groundbreaking partnership with InEnTec Inc., a firm renowned for its advanced waste-to-hydrogen plasma technology. Together, they aim to revolutionise the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region’s approach to sustainable energy and waste management.

Breaking New Ground: Hydrogen Utopia’s Vision and Recent Developments

Howard White begins by expressing his heartfelt condolences over the loss of Simon Mann, a former chairman and a close friend, acknowledging the impact this has had on the company. Yet, amidst this sombre note, there is a palpable sense of optimism as Hydrogen Utopia announces a significant breakthrough. The company has signed heads of terms with InEnTec Inc. for exclusive access to ten licences of InEnTec’s TRL9 (Technology Readiness Level 9) plasma technology, marking a pivotal moment in their mission to convert waste into clean hydrogen.

This development is the culmination of relentless effort, particularly by the company’s CEO Alexandra, whose tireless work helped rekindle the connection with InEnTec, a technology that Howard first encountered back in 2008 during his tenure at AFC Energy. This plasma technology, initially designed for hazardous waste disposal, has evolved into an efficient method for producing clean syngas and subsequently hydrogen, providing a robust foundation for Hydrogen Utopia’s ambitious plans.

Understanding the Plasma Technology Behind Waste-to-Hydrogen Conversion

Plasma technology, often referred to as the fourth state of matter alongside solids, liquids, and gases, is essentially a controlled, continuous lightning bolt generated between two electrodes. This process breaks down waste materials at a molecular level, converting them into syngas—a mixture rich in hydrogen and carbon monoxide. Howard’s extensive experience with plasma projects, including collaborations in Thailand and with notable figures like Roman Abramovich, lends deep credibility to the technology’s potential.

What makes InEnTec’s plasma system particularly compelling is its ability to handle virtually any form of waste, including mixed plastics, tyres, and even turbine blades, transforming these materials into valuable outputs with minimal environmental impact. Initially, the technology operated on high gate fees for waste destruction, but advancements such as integrating a gas water shift process have doubled hydrogen production and generated food-grade CO2 as a byproduct.

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