Shell Global Solutions International B.V. (Shell) and MAN Energy Solutions SE (MAN) partnered in 2021 to develop reverse water gas shift (RWGS) technology. RWGS is a key technological building block for the production of eFuels, as it enables the production of synthesis gas (syngas) from carbon dioxide (CO₂) and hydrogen (H₂). A jointly designed and operated pilot plant was started up at the MAN facilities in Deggendorf, Germany, in early 2023 and has been running successfully since then.

Shell’s extensive knowledge and legacy in gas-to-liquids (GTL) technology, combined with RWGS technology enables another pathway to produce lower-carbon fuels, in line with Shell’s goal to deliver more value with less emissions.

“Shell is committed to providing feasible solutions for a lower-carbon future, working with partners in developing technologies to support this goal,” said HP Calis, General Manager GTL/XTL Technology at Shell. “The flawless start-up and operation of the RWGS pilot plant, based on a multitubular fixed-bed catalytic process, illustrates the power of our strong and long-standing relationship with MAN.” This relationship previously resulted in the multitubular reactors deployed in the world-scale Pearl GTL facility in Qatar for the Fischer-Tropsch process step.

Michael Plöckl, Head of Product Line Components at MAN Energy Solutions, said, “The RWGS reactor technology perfectly complements our portfolio of decarbonization technologies as the production of eFuels in large quantities is essential to reach climate goals. Our MAN DWE RWGS reactor concept enables an efficient supply of renewable syngas for eFuel production. With our pilot plant in Deggendorf we established a solution which is suitable for world-scale plants.”