Graphitic Energy, formerly known as C-Zero, has successfully launched its pilot plant at the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, Texas. The plant showcases the company's methane pyrolysis technology, which can convert natural gas into clean hydrogen and solid graphite carbon. Operable around the clock, the facility can produce significant amounts of hydrogen and solid carbon daily until the end of 2025. Dr. Patrick Hanks, the company's CTO, highlighted the plant's objectives of gathering scale-up data and generating carbon for distribution. The innovative process offers advantages such as minimal CO2 emissions, scalability to produce 100,000 metric tons of hydrogen annually, and independence from government subsidies. Graphitic Energy's CEO, Zach Jones, emphasized the technology's role in enhancing sustainability by isolating carbon as solid graphite, supporting energy independence and decarbonization efforts in the U.S. The pilot plant received a $15 million extension of Series A funding, totaling over $65 million in investments. Key investors like Energy Capital Ventures and Breakthrough Energy Ventures praised Graphitic Energy's approach to clean hydrogen production, emphasizing its potential to reduce energy costs and strengthen domestic supply chains. The technology is seen as a significant step forward in the industry and for the environment, providing a cost-effective and innovative solution for clean hydrogen production.