New plasma startup Thoriant accelerates electrification of the chemical industry

Transforming existing technology to a modular future

“Plasma can be seen as an electric flame with extremely high temperatures,” explains co-initiator and CTO Hans Linden. “We use that heat to convert molecules such as methane in a smart way, without simply burning them.”

Plasma chemistry is not new. As early as the 1930s, large factories operated multiple plasma reactors of up to 8 megawatts. The industry later shifted en masse to natural gas, as it was simpler to use. Now, in the era of electrification and climate targets, the technology is making a comeback.

Thoriant deliberately starts small, with reactors of around half a megawatt. “We begin with compact modules and scale up from there,” says Linden. “Within NXTGEN Hightech, we are working on modular systems. This allows us to scale step by step and assess what capacity is feasible per module.”

The first application focuses on methane valorization: converting methane into useful products such as hydrogen, acetylene, and ethylene. In the long term, the technology can also be applied to other chemical processes, such as nitrogen chemistry.

The role of NXTGEN Hightech: from first setup to industrial scale-up

The foundation for Thoriant was laid in 2020 within Brightsite, supported by a MOOI subsidy. This is where the first ARC plasma reactor was developed. Within NXTGEN Hightech, the technology received a major boost and further work was carried out on industrializing the systems.

Within the programme, not only are the reactors further developed, but also the associated control systems and power electronics. Around fifty specialists are working on the technology.

“The biggest challenge lies in the so-called ARC plasma reactor,” says Linden. “Everything has to be custom-developed. You need a plasma source that can handle enormous power levels and operate stably. That requires true hightech customization.”

In addition to technology, ecosystem development plays a key role. While the Dutch hightech ecosystem is strong, the ecosystem around electrification in the chemical industry still needs to be further developed. NXTGEN Hightech helps bring partners together and accelerates the transition toward industrial application.

Building the ecosystem and a pilot plant

The chemical industry is characterized by long lead times. Building large-scale plants often takes years. Therefore, the current focus is on bringing together partners and securing funding. Thoriant aims to start construction from 2027 onward, with the first pilot plant expected to be operational after 2028.

A traditional business model is not yet in place. “We are very much still in the phase of scaling up and proving the technology,” says Linden. “But if you look at how far we have come since 2020, we can be proud. Sometimes it feels like progress is slow, but at this level, we are actually moving very fast.”

The ambition is clear: to contribute to the chemical industry’s climate targets toward 2035 and to demonstrate that electrification is a realistic alternative to fossil-based processes.