Today the synthesis gas is usually manufactured via steam reforming of natural gas.
The capital cost of steam reforming plants is prohibitive for small to medium size applications because the technology does not scale down well.
In 2003, steam reforming of natural gas yielded hydrogen at $1.40/kg.
It does not require hydrocarbons like current methods of steam reforming.
The hydrogen required for the process can be also produced from coal or the residue by steam reforming.
Commercial bulk hydrogen is usually produced by the steam reforming of natural gas.
A kilo of hydrogen produced by steam reforming costs from $4 to $8 today.
Currently the dominant technology for direct production is steam reforming from hydrocarbons.
Specifically, bulk hydrogen is usually produced by the steam reforming of methane or natural gas.
The reaction, called steam reforming, produces hydrogen and carbon dioxide.
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