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ExxonMobil to utilize Topsoe technology to produce low-carbon H2 at mega scale

Topsoe and ExxonMobil have signed an agreement under which Topsoe will deliver its H2 SynCOR technology to ExxonMobil’s planned low-carbon H2 production facility in Baytown, Texas. The technology will enable ExxonMobil to produce H2 at mega scale as well as capture and store more than 98% of its associated CO2 emissions, or around 7 MM metric tpy.

The facility will be built at ExxonMobil’s integrated refining and petrochemical complex and the carbon capture process will be delivered by Honeywell UOP.

ExxonMobil’s low-carbon H2, ammonia, and carbon capture facility is expected to generate up to 1 Bft3d of H2, delivering low-carbon fuel to the Baytown olefins plant and other Houston-area facilities. Replacing natural gas with H2 at the Baytown olefins plant could reduce the integrated complex’s CO2 emissions by up to 30%.

Elena Scaltritti, Chief Commercial Officer, Topsoe, said, “We are very excited to support ExxonMobil with our unique technology. Once complete, this ambitious project will result in H2 that can be used for low-carbon fuels and chemicals to help meet global net zero targets. We are eager to start working with ExxonMobil and to enable the capturing of massive volumes of CO2 emissions from the H2 production.”

Dan Ammann, president of ExxonMobil Low Carbon Solutions, said, “ExxonMobil’s investment in large scale low-carbon H2 production shows our commitment to supporting customers in their decarbonization efforts and to reducing emissions at our own operations. The scale of this project is expected to enable up to a 30% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions from our Baytown facility by switching from natural gas as a fuel source to low-carbon H2.”

Facts about low-carbon H2 and SynCOR

Low-carbon H2 is produced by converting natural gas into H2 and CO2 in the presence of steam. More than 99% of the associated CO2 can be captured and permanently stored underground.

To produce the large amount of H2 needed by ExxonMobil, Topsoe applies its SynCOR technology, which enable mega-scale H2 production as well as cost efficient carbon capture.

To deliver an integrated solution, Topsoe has teamed up with carbon capture technology licensor, Honeywell UOP. As technology integrator, Topsoe guarantees the carbon intensity of the integrated low carbon facility including, H2 production and carbon capture.

SynCOR is Topsoe´s proprietary technology based on advanced autothermal reforming principles. Supported by 300 years of accumulative, safe operation, SynCOR is often the preferred technology for mega scale H2 production, due to its maturity and low capital and operating costs.