Topsoe has announced plans to build a electrolyzer factory in Chesterfield, Virginia.
The plant will manufacture advanced, energy efficient Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cells (SOEC) for the production of clean hydrogen and derivatives like eAmmonia and eMethanol.
The decision by Topsoe to announce its plan for its largest investment in the US to date comes after the company received an allocation for nearly US$136m in federal Section 48C tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act.
Subject to final investment decision, this more than US$400m investment is expected to create at least 150 direct jobs in Virginia and more than 1000 indirect positions through the value chain.
With a planned capacity of more than 1GW, the factory’s output of electrolyzer stacks will enable an annual greenhouse gas emission avoidance of up to 2 million tonnes of CO2.
Topsoe’s SOEC technology increases electrolyzer efficiency up to 30% compared to other electrolysis technologies, and thereby produces more hydrogen per total power input.
The company’s chief executive Roeland Baan said: “We are thrilled to announce our plans for a new state-of the art US facility that will manufacture Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cell stacks, the key element to the world’s most efficient electrolyzer technology for producing clean hydrogen.
“Through legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act and strong support from individual states such as Virginia, the US government is helping to accelerate the clean energy transition.
“With our strong dedication to innovation, we will help the US achieve its goals of driving down the cost of clean hydrogen and delivering clean energy jobs.”