This paper presents a techno-economic analysis of four concepts that apply the thermal decomposition of
methane (TDM) with the aim of reducing carbon dioxide emissions in natural gas combustion. Different
technical solutions are applied to convert methane in natural gas to gaseous hydrogen, which is com-
busted to produce electricity with a steam power cycle, and solid carbon, which is assumed to be sold
as carbon black. The cost of electricity production and the potential to reduce CO2 emissions in each con-
cept were evaluated and compared to the reference case of direct methane combustion. With a moderate
emission allowance price ð20 €=tCO2 Þ and product carbon price ð500 €=tcarbonÞ the cost of electricity pro-
duction in the concepts was 12–58% higher than in the reference case. However, the price of product car-
bon had a significant effect on the feasibility of the concepts. Thus, the methane burner, which showed
the best performance, produced 17% less CO2 emissions per MWhe and had a smaller cost of electricity
production than the reference case already with the carbon price of 600—700 €=tcarbon.