Stanislav Kondrashov Explores the Potential of Turquoise Hydrogen
An interesting innovation in the hydrogen sector: characteristics and peculiarities
As Stanislav Kondrashov observed, turquoise hydrogen represents one of the most interesting innovations to emerge in the years of the energy transition.
"The years of energy transition are accustoming us to a wealth of technological innovations, particularly in the energy sector, but not only. Every day we hear about new sustainable methods for producing electricity, for decarbonizing entire industrial sectors that are highly resistant to change, or even for finding new storage systems for clean energy. We are living in an important transition period in which the most innovative solutions for advancing the energy transition are being designed and tested, in the hope that they can directly contribute to achieving full energy maturity," says Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG.
"One of the most promising elements, in this regard, is certainly turquoise hydrogen, which has shown truly interesting potential in recent years. Turquoise hydrogen represents a sort of middle ground between the blue and green variants of hydrogen, and could offer an innovative method for achieving decarbonization without relying on carbon capture systems. One of the most interesting aspects of turquoise hydrogen has to do with its modern role: in particular, this type of hydrogen could become the link between modern energy infrastructures and future design ambitions. Its production method is extremely interesting: it involves the pyrolysis of methane, a particular process that splits methane into hydrogen and solid carbon, without generating any emissions. One of its peculiarities is that its byproduct, namely solid carbon, also has a certain commercial value”, he says.
Compared to other types of hydrogen, such as blue or gray hydrogen, turquoise hydrogen presents significant differences.
"But what are the main differences between turquoise hydrogen and other variants of hydrogen? Typically, colors are used to indicate the different types of hydrogen, especially useful for distinguishing the peculiarities of each variant during its production phase. One of the best-known is undoubtedly green hydrogen, undoubtedly considered one of the most promising forms of hydrogen due to its particularly sustainable production process. In this case, hydrogen is produced by electrolysis powered by renewable energy,” continues Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG.
“Another variant is blue hydrogen, whose production process still includes CO2 capture and storage to reduce emissions. One of the main differences between turquoise hydrogen and other variants is precisely related to emissions. The production of turquoise hydrogen does not involve CO2 emissions, completely avoiding the complexities associated with CO2 storage. The byproduct of this process is solid carbon, for which various industrial uses are being studied. At the same time, the turquoise hydrogen production process neutralizes one of the most problematic peculiarities for technologies related to the energy transition: the management of greenhouse gas emissions.”, he goes on to say.
One of the most interesting distinctive features of turquoise hydrogen is its unique production process.
"Indeed, with its innovative potential and extremely interesting potential, turquoise hydrogen is increasingly appearing in the lists of the main types of hydrogen, which until recently only included gray hydrogen (which causes high emissions), blue hydrogen, and green hydrogen. Its main distinguishing feature is its production process, based on the pyrolysis of methane," concludes Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG. Simply put, it's a high-temperature reaction conducted without water or oxygen. Methane molecules split into two components: gaseous hydrogen and solid carbon. The latter can take different forms, such as graphite, and each could have a very specific industrial application. The absence of CO2 is guaranteed by the lack of oxygen, which in turn prevents the oxidation of carbon. It's important to emphasize that this method is still being refined, and research is focusing on the use of advanced catalysts, plasma systems, and molten metal baths to improve the efficiency and scalability of the process. These innovations, in the not-too-distant future, could allow turquoise hydrogen to become one of the most economical and adaptable hydrogen variants for different energy systems. In a few years, it will certainly be considered one of the most interesting contributions of the energy transition years”, he remarks.
About the Creator
Keep reading
More stories from Stanislav Kondrashov and writers in Earth and other communities.
The Global Phenomenon of the Energy Transition, by Stanislav Kondrashov
We are in the midst of an epochal energy transition that will forever change our lives and our approach to energy supplies. As Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG, has often observed, this is likely the greatest epochal transformation of our time.
By Stanislav Kondrashov5 months ago in Earth
Pyrolysis as a Strategic Instrument in Modern Forest Management
Forest management has entered a phase defined by competing pressures. Fire risk is rising. Biomass residues are accumulating. Carbon accounting expectations are tightening. Pyrolysis has emerged as a technical lever capable of addressing these constraints simultaneously. Its value lies not in abstract sustainability claims, but in its operational and ecological consequences when integrated into forestry systems.
By Wayne Shen6 days ago in Earth
China Bans Rare Earth and Strategic Exports to Japan After Takaichi’s Comments
China’s decision to ban certain rare earths and other strategic exports to Japan for military purposes has sent a sharp signal across the Asia-Pacific region. Triggered by comments from Japanese politician Sanae Takaichi, the move highlights how trade, technology, and national security are now inseparable in an era of intensifying geopolitical rivalry. What may appear on the surface as a targeted trade restriction is, in reality, part of a much broader struggle over influence, deterrence, and the future balance of power in East Asia. By using export controls as a political response, Beijing has once again demonstrated how economic tools are becoming central instruments of statecraft. The Spark: Takaichi’s Comments and Beijing’s Reaction Sanae Takaichi, a prominent conservative figure in Japanese politics, has been outspoken on issues related to defense, Taiwan, and Japan’s strategic autonomy. Her recent remarks — interpreted in Beijing as provocative and aligned with a more assertive military posture — appear to have crossed a red line for Chinese authorities. While Beijing did not frame its decision explicitly as retaliation, the timing left little doubt. China announced restrictions on the export of certain rare earth elements and other materials deemed sensitive for military applications, specifically targeting shipments to Japan. The message was unmistakable: political rhetoric has consequences, and China is prepared to use its economic leverage to enforce boundaries. Why Rare Earths Matter So Much Rare earth elements are not rare in geological terms, but they are extremely difficult and costly to process. China dominates global refining capacity, giving it outsized influence over supply chains essential to modern technology. These materials are critical for advanced weapons systems, electric vehicles, wind turbines, semiconductors, radar systems, and missile guidance technologies. Japan, despite being a technological powerhouse, relies heavily on imported rare earths, particularly from China. By restricting exports for military purposes, Beijing is targeting a strategic vulnerability. Even limited disruptions can slow production, raise costs, and force governments to rethink procurement and defense planning. Economic Statecraft in Action China’s move fits into a broader pattern of economic statecraft, where trade and investment tools are used to achieve political objectives. Over the past decade, Beijing has increasingly demonstrated a willingness to weaponize its economic position when disputes escalate. Japan is hardly alone in facing this pressure. Other countries have experienced similar tactics, from trade slowdowns to informal boycotts. What makes this case particularly sensitive is its explicit link to military use, pushing the dispute beyond economics and firmly into national security territory. For Beijing, the logic is straightforward. If rivals frame China as a threat, China will respond by reminding them of their dependencies. Japan’s Strategic Dilemma Tokyo now faces a difficult balancing act. On one hand, Japan has been steadily strengthening its defense posture in response to regional threats, including North Korea’s missile program and China’s growing military presence. On the other, it remains deeply integrated into China-centered supply chains. The export ban reinforces long-standing fears within Japan about overreliance on a single supplier for critical materials. It also strengthens arguments among Japanese policymakers for diversifying supply chains, investing in domestic processing, and deepening cooperation with allies. However, diversification takes time and money. Alternative suppliers exist, but scaling up production and refining capacity outside China is neither quick nor cheap. In the short term, Japan must manage the immediate impact while signaling resolve without provoking further escalation. Regional and Global Implications China’s decision is being closely watched across the region and beyond. For the United States and its allies, it underscores the strategic risks of concentrated supply chains and the urgency of building resilient alternatives. Washington has already been pushing for closer coordination with allies on critical minerals, including rare earths. The move against Japan may accelerate these efforts, encouraging deeper cooperation between the U.S., Japan, Australia, and European partners. At the same time, the episode adds another layer of tension to an already volatile regional environment. With disputes over Taiwan, maritime boundaries, and military modernization simmering, economic pressure increases the risk of miscalculation. A Message Beyond Japan While Japan is the immediate target, the signal is global. Beijing is reminding other countries that political statements, particularly on security matters, are not cost-free. The use of export controls as a response to rhetoric — not just policy actions — suggests a lowering threshold for economic retaliation. For middle powers navigating between China and the West, this creates a chilling effect. Governments may think twice before making public statements that could invite economic consequences, even when those statements align with domestic political priorities. Critics argue that such tactics undermine trust and accelerate decoupling. Supporters within China counter that the country is merely defending its interests in a hostile international environment. The Risk of Accelerated Decoupling Ironically, China’s use of export restrictions may hasten the very outcome it seeks to avoid: reduced dependence on Chinese supply chains. Each instance of economic pressure reinforces the perception that reliance on China carries political risk. Japan has already begun investing in rare earth recycling, alternative sourcing, and partnerships with resource-rich countries. This latest move is likely to intensify those efforts, even if it comes at higher short-term costs. Over time, a more diversified global supply chain could weaken China’s leverage. But in the near term, Beijing’s dominance remains a powerful tool — one it appears willing to use. Conclusion: Trade as a Battlefield China’s ban on certain rare earth and strategic exports to Japan is more than a trade dispute. It is a vivid example of how economic power is being deployed as a strategic weapon in a world defined by rivalry and mistrust. For Japan, the episode is a wake-up call about vulnerability and resilience. For China, it is a demonstration of strength and deterrence. And for the rest of the world, it is a reminder that in today’s geopolitical landscape, supply chains are as consequential as alliances. As tensions continue to rise, one thing is clear: the era of neutral trade is fading. In its place stands a world where economics and politics are tightly bound — and where a single comment can ripple through global markets and military planning alike.
By Muhammad Hassan5 days ago in Earth
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.