With so many applications of the technology at hand, plasma reformers are on their way to becoming the next breakout energy device implemented around the world. It is possible that every combustion engine will eventually employ a plasma reformer, as a means of maximizing their embodied value while ensuring cleaner, greener operation.
Methane, the gas produced extensively by the livestock industry worldwide, traps up to 100 times more heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide within a 5 year period, and 72 times more within a 20 year period. Emissions of methane and natural gasses are damaging to the environment so organizations capture and pipe the gasses or flare them which results in wasted energy and emissions from the flared fuels. It is estimated (as of 2011) that global gas flaring wastes $29.8 billion dollars annually and that represents 25% of the entire natural gas market in the United States. Plasma reformers can help industry clean the gasses so that they can be consumed and turned into electricity or liquid fuels.
(image) Daniel Wells (Then CEO of Umpqua Energy) received International recognition after being awarded the "America's Next Top Energy Innovator" Award from the Department of Energy and by winning the CTSI Defense Energy Technology 2012 Challenge by developing an energy positive emission control system including HC, CO, PM and NOx reduction by using a plasma reformer.