8 Rivers announced a strategic partnership with Casale SA to further advance a key component for its 8RH₂ clean H₂ technology: the CO₂ Convective Reformer (CCR). When using the CCR technology, 8RH₂ attains greater than 99.9% CO₂ capture and will revolutionize the production of ultra-low-carbon H₂, ammonia and other H₂-derived products, standing in contrast to legacy steam methane reforming (SMR) and autothermal reforming (ATR) technologies with carbon capture that produce material carbon emissions. This significant breakthrough marks a major milestone in 8 Rivers’ ongoing commitment to provide cost-effective decarbonization solutions that are scalable and deployable today, delivering net-zero solutions for the hardest-to-abate industries.

The 8RH₂ technology was invented by 8 Rivers’ master inventor, Rodney Allam MBE, who with 8 Rivers also pioneered the Allam-Fetvedt-Cycle (AFC), the first new power generation cycle since World War II. 8RH₂ harnesses an advanced CO₂ process cycle in a CO₂ Convective Reformer, building on 8 Rivers’ decades of decarbonization and CO₂ expertise. 8RH₂ uses natural gas and pure oxygen and then utilizes the CO₂ produced in the combustion process as a heat transfer medium in the proprietary CCR before sending the CO₂ for sequestration.

With 8RH₂'s ability to capture greater than 99.9% of carbon emissions at a cost and scale currently unrivaled in the market, this groundbreaking H₂ innovation promises to redefine what is possible for global decarbonization. While most carbon capture technologies target a 90%-95% capture rate, the 8RH₂ oxy-combustion process, deployed with CO₂ sequestration, will eliminate virtually all direct CO₂ emissions. The process provides world-leading efficiency in the production of ultra-low-carbon H₂ and ammonia for use as a zero-emissions fuel across industry and shipping, along with other H₂-derived products. Ammonia, a transportable, low-carbon, low-cost source of H₂, can also be used for decarbonized fertilizer, zero-carbon maritime fuel, and as a zero-carbon feedstock to replace coal in existing power plants.

Casale will become the exclusive global CCR supplier and provide the necessary performance, process, and mechanical guarantees with respect to the CCR equipment, underpinning 8 Rivers’ 8RH₂ technology and establishing a secure and reliable source of equipment supply for future ultra-low-carbon ammonia projects. The first CCRs are scheduled to be delivered in time to support commercial operations of Project Cormorant, 8 Rivers’ first commercial deployment of 8RH₂ H₂ technology in combination with existing ammonia synthesis loop technology provided by Casale, currently scheduled to come online in 2027.

Steve Milward, Chief Operating Officer of 8 Rivers said, “Collaborating with best-in-class partners like Casale, with their century-long expertise in ammonia synthesis and chemical plant design, positions us to revolutionize decarbonization and pave the way towards a sustainable future. There is a significant need to decarbonize the production of H₂ and ammonia as they are widely expected to play key roles in the global energy transition. 8 Rivers’ 8RH₂ technology, in conjunction with this important joint development program with Casale, will enable affordable, infrastructure-scale H₂ and ammonia production to meet the world’s increasing demand for clean fuels, energy and industrial uses.” 

Mr. Yang Taek Kim, CEO of SK Materials, a partner and investor in 8 Rivers said, “We applaud 8 Rivers’ and Casale’s continued commitment to delivering net-zero solutions at the speed and scale required to keep pace with global emissions reduction goals. This partnership and joint development agreement is a key milestone that will greatly expand the potential of 8RH₂’s CCR technology for accelerating decarbonization across crucial industries, including agriculture, transportation and energy.”

Federico Zardi, CEO of Casale said, “Casale is honored to have been selected by 8 Rivers as a partner for the development and supply of the CO₂ Convective reformer, CCR. This development allows us to design and build the lowest emissions syngas plants and fits perfectly with Casale’s strategy to be always at the forefront of technological advancement. It is also a tribute to Casale's ability to develop the most advanced equipment for the chemical industry, on its own or, as in this case, in partnership with a far-sighted company like 8 Rivers. Furthermore, Casale will provide the ammonia synthesis technology to the first 8 Rivers plant, a technology chosen for its reputation as the most reliable and efficient in the market, as proven in hundreds of applications worldwide.”