Orsted and US gas supplier Williams have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore potential power-to-X projects in the US.
Through the MoU, the two companies are identifying ways to use Orsted’s renewables and hydrogen expertise with Williams’ natural gas infrastructure and processing experience to co-develop hydrogen or synthetic natural gas facilities powered by renewable energy.
As part of this agreement, the parties are exploring a large-scale wind energy, electrolysis and gas-via-methanation co-development in western Wyoming, where Williams owns significant land area and natural gas infrastructure.
“We’re excited to partner with Williams to deliver clean fuels in the US and transform our onshore business into a potential growth platform for renewable hydrogen,” said Vishal Kapadia, senior vice president and chief commercial officer of Orsted Onshore.
He added: “Combining our renewable development and operations expertise with access to large-scale gas transportation networks and infrastructure will further expand the scope of energy solutions we can deliver and positions us well to continue to develop innovative approaches to drive the decarbonisation of the energy system.”
Williams’ energy infrastructure network, which handles 30% of the natural gas used for power generation, heating, and industrial use in the US, is adaptable to future renewable energy storage and transport.
The company’s nationwide footprint and “best-in-class infrastructure expertise” is well-positioned to advance the future of hydrogen, linking the lowest cost production sites for renewable hydrogen and other e-fuels to growing demand centres, Williams said.
Williams senior vice president for corporate had Zamarin said: “Natural gas and our large-scale energy infrastructure network are ideal partners for facilitating the integration of renewables into the energy mix, while helping our customers move toward a low-carbon future.
“It’s through technology innovation and collaboration with forward-thinking companies such as Orsted that we can leverage our assets and expertise to develop solutions to advance the clean energy economy.”