Topsoe, ABB and EPC firm Fluor have formed an alliance to design a standardized concept for building Topsoe’s next SOEC factory.
The partnership will build Topsoe’s solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOEC) factory in Virginia, US, subject to final investment decision, based on a standardised approach.
The aim is to continuously develop processes to reduce costs, enhance safety, and secure an efficient project execution via a standardized approach.
The factory will provide electrolysers for green hydrogen production and is expected to be operational by 2028.
Green hydrogen and its derivatives such as green ammonia and eMethanol can be applied as e-fuels or chemicals, which are key to decarbonise energy-intensive industries and long-distance transportation.
Topsoe is currently building its first SOEC factory in Herning, Denmark, which is expected to be in operation by late 2024.
Building on the Herning production hub experience, the alliance will have the capabilities and know how to build the next factory more efficiently and through a standardised concept, the consortium said.
According to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Global Hydrogen Review 2023, the annual production of hydrogen may reach 38 million tonnes per year in 2030, with almost 75% coming from electrolysers running on renewable energy.
Topsoe’s chief executive of Power-to-X Kim Hedegaard said: “We’re committed to take a leading role in driving the energy transition forward.
“E-fuels are an important part of the equation to reach global net zero in 2050, and we need to scale electrolyzer capacity and production of e-fuels at a higher pace than is happening today.
“Our SOEC solutions for production of green hydrogen can deliver a substantial contribution to the e-fuels economy and with the alliance we can build our next SOEC factory more efficient and faster.”
ABB Energy Industries president Brandon Spencer said: “Progressing the energy transition at any acceptable pace and scale will require collaboration and balance between existing and new technologies, driven by formal partnerships that span the entire energy value chain.
“By joining forces with Topsoe and Fluor and delivering our automation and electrical expertise as part of this alliance, we can support the scaling of technology to enable society’s efforts to move towards a net-zero future.”
President of Fluor’s advanced technologies & life sciences business Richard Meserole said: “Fluor is proud to be part of this collaboration supporting the state-of-the-art production of electrolysers for green hydrogen as part of the global energy transition. Fluor looks forward to continuing to help our clients and partners achieve their decarbonisation goals.”