Howden announced it has signed a contract to provide three H₂ diaphragm compressors for the Raven SR renewable H₂ production facility in Richmond, California. Work at this site is scheduled to break ground in autumn of 2022 with the site to be operational in 2023.

Working with Raven SR’s contractor, Stellar J, the installation will support H₂ compression into mobile high pressure tube trailers that will provide H₂ locally to Raven SR customers. The manufacturing and supply work for the contract is being carried out by Howden facilities in Rheden, Netherlands and Springfield, Missouri, with aftermarket support provided by Howden in Los Angeles, CA.

Raven SR’s technology can produce green H₂ and high-quality Fischer-Tropsch synthetic fuels, such as sustainable aviation fuel, from a wide range of feedstock, including municipal solid waste, methane and biomass. Raven SR’s non-combustion steam/CO₂ reforming process is emissions-free and requires minimal waste sorting before processing.

Ross B. Shuster, Chief Executive Officer at Howden Group said, “Howden is proud of our track record in the H₂ sector as we have been at the forefront of H₂ compression for over 100 years. This contract, and our relationship with Raven SR, represents a great example of how we are working with customers to support the energy transition and advance a more sustainable world. Our solution on this project focuses on safe and efficient H₂ compression followed by on-going support to ensure plant efficiency and reliability. With Howden’s technological advances in remote monitoring and assistance combined with our H₂ compression expertise and global presence, we are well placed to provide the maintenance and support for the supplied equipment and to support the reliability of our equipment.”

The contract marks a key milestone for Raven SR to begin renewable H₂ production in California, a bellwether market for renewable energy.

Matt Murdock, Raven SR Chief Executive Officer said, “Raven SR is pleased to be working with Howden to supply the compressors for our non-combustion Steam/CO₂ Reforming units. Howden has a solid reputation in the industry, and their knowledge and experience have been crucial in designing the unique compressors needed under our H₂ offtake agreements. As we expand internationally, Howden’s offices and manufacturing facilities worldwide will be able to support Raven SR as we accelerate the energy transition globally.”

Howden intends to take a leadership role in H₂ compression and the energy transition through development and supply of its H₂ compressors, technology and services, and it announced several projects in 2021 and 2022. Crucial contracts in the last year have included: supplying H₂ compressors for the largest H₂ refueling station in the world in China and for the refueling stations at the Beijing Winter Olympics; creating solutions for the first fossil-free steel plant in the world in Sweden; and supporting the world’s first climate neutral fuel (eFuel) plant located in Chile.

Howden focuses on helping customers increase the efficiency and effectiveness of their air and gas handling processes enabling them to make sustainable improvements in their environmental impact. Howden designs, manufactures and supplies products, solutions and services to customers around the world across highly diversified end-markets and geographies.

Howden recently announced its target to be carbon Net Zero by 2035. Going beyond its own carbon net zero targets, Howden is focused on, and in investing in, the impact that its technologies, service and solutions have on its customers’ sustainability and decarbonization efforts.