ExxonMobil to utilize Topsoe technology for world’s largest low carbon hydrogen facility

• Topsoe’s SynCOR™ hydrogen technology will enable ExxonMobil to produce hydrogen at mega scale as well as capture and store more than 98% of its associated CO₂ emissions, or around 7 million metric tons per year
• The facility’s carbon capture process will be delivered by Honeywell UOP
• ExxonMobil’s planned low carbon hydrogen facility will be built at their integrated refining and petrochemical complex in Baytown at Houston, Texas
• The facility has a targeted production of 1 billion cubic feet of hydrogen per day, making it the largest low-carbon hydrogen project in the world, at planned start-up in 2027-2028.

Topsoe, a global leader in carbon emission reduction technologies, and ExxonMobil, one of the world’s largest energy and petrochemical companies, have signed an agreement under which Topsoe will deliver its industry leading hydrogen SynCOR™ technology to ExxonMobil’s planned low carbon hydrogen production facility in Baytown, Texas.

ExxonMobil’s low-carbon hydrogen, ammonia, and carbon capture facility is expected to generate up to 1 billion cubic feet of hydrogen per day, delivering low-carbon fuel to the Baytown olefins plant and other Houston-area facilities. Replacing natural gas with hydrogen 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 hydrogen 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 hydrogen production.”

Dan Ammann, president of ExxonMobil Low Carbon Solutions, said:
“ExxonMobil’s investment in large scale low-carbon hydrogen 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 hydrogen.”

Facts about low carbon hydrogen and SynCOR™
Low carbon hydrogen is produced by converting natural gas into hydrogen 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 hydrogen needed by ExxonMobil, Topsoe applies its SynCOR^TM technology, which enable mega-scale hydrogen 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, hydrogen 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 hydrogen production, due to its maturity and low capital and operating costs.

About ExxonMobil
ExxonMobil, one of the largest publicly traded international energy and petrochemical companies, creates solutions that improve quality of life and meet society’s evolving needs.

The corporation’s primary businesses - Upstream, Product Solutions and Low Carbon Solutions - provide products that enable modern life, including energy, chemicals, lubricants, and lower-emissions technologies. ExxonMobil holds an industry-leading portfolio of resources, and is one of the largest integrated fuels, lubricants and chemical companies in the world.

In 2021, ExxonMobil announced Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emission-reduction plans for 2030 for operated assets, compared to 2016 levels. The plans are to achieve a 20-30% reduction in corporate-wide greenhouse gas intensity; a 40-50% reduction in greenhouse gas intensity of upstream operations; a 70-80% reduction in corporate-wide methane intensity; and a 60-70% reduction in corporate-wide flaring intensity. 

With advancements in technology and the support of clear and consistent government policies, ExxonMobil aims to achieve net-zero Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions from its operated assets by 2050. To learn more, visit exxonmobil.com, the Energy Factor, and ExxonMobil’s Advancing Climate Solutions. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. 

About Topsoe 
Founded in 1940, Topsoe is a leading global developer and supplier of decarbonization technology, catalysts, and services for the energy transition. 

Our mission is to combat climate change by helping our partners and customers achieve their decarbonization and emission-reduction targets, including those in hard-to-abate sectors such as aviation, shipping, and the production of raw materials. From carbon reduction chemicals, to renewable fuels and plastic upcycling, we are uniquely positioned to aid humanity in realizing a sustainable future. 

Topsoe is headquartered in Denmark, with over 2,100 employees serving customers all around the globe. To learn more, visit www.topsoe.com 

 
For more information, please contact: 
Ulrik Frøhlke, Media Relations Manager, Topsoe 
Phone: +45 27 77 99 68 
Mail: ulfr@topsoe.com