New Energies, new possibilities

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and NGK to Jointly Develop Hydrogen Purification System from Ammonia Cracking Gas.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) and NGK INSULATORS, LTD. (NGK) will jointly develop a hydrogen purification system that uses membrane separation to purify from hydrogen-nitrogen mixture gas after ammonia cracking. The companies expect the technology to contribute to the establishment of a hydrogen and ammonia supply chain enabling high-volume transport.

This joint project aims to build an optimal system for purifying hydrogen using membrane separation from the mixed gas of hydrogen and nitrogen after ammonia cracking. MHI will contribute its significant global expertise delivering ammonia plants and other chemical plants, and its technologies for handling ammonia and hydrogen. NGK will contribute its deep knowledge of subnano ceramic membrane technology and unique film deposition technology developed in the fields of chemical processes and water purification, namely, the world’s largest ceramic membranes, which are known for their exceptional separation accuracy and durability. MHI and NGK are committed to driving the development forward, aiming to achieve early commercialization.

Ammonia is garnering attention today as a hydrogen carrier that enables safe transport and storage of hydrogen, a fuel that emits no CO2 when combusted, in large volumes over great distances. Plans to establish supply chains are underway worldwide, notably in Europe, while in Japan a “Fuel Ammonia Supply Chain Establishment” project is in progress. This market is expected to grow in the years ahead.

MHI Group is pursuing a growth strategy in the area of Energy Transition, aiming for decarbonization on the energy supply side to support the Company’s goal of achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2040. Through the development and commercialization of a membrane separation hydrogen purification system from ammonia cracking gas will contribute to building a hydrogen and ammonia supply chain, the Company will strive for early establishment and execution of decarbonization technologies, as a way of contributing to the realization of a sustainable Carbon-Neutral world. NGK Group has formulated a “Carbon Neutrality Strategic Roadmap” consisting of four strategies to contribute to the realization of a carbon-neutral society and promoting the development and provision of hydrogen and Carbon dioxide Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) related technologies, and products. NGK will contribute to society through our business by realizing what has previously been difficult with ceramic technology at the core, and by working to the point where the key devices are implemented in society.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and NGK to Jointly Develop Hydrogen Purification System from Ammonia Cracking Gas - Hydrogen Central (hydrogen-central.com)

Topsoe Announces Plans For New State-of-the-art US Electrolyzer Factory For Clean Hydrogen.

Topsoe, a global leader in carbon emission reduction technologies, announced plans to build a cutting-edge factory in Chesterfield, Virginia. The factory will manufacture advanced, energy efficient Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cells (SOEC) that are essential to the efficient 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 $136 million in federal Section 48C tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act.

Subject to Final Investment Decision, this more than $400M investment is expected to create at least 150 direct jobs in Virginia and more than 1,000 indirect jobs through the value chain.

With a planned capacity of more than 1 GW, the factory’s output of electrolyzer stacks will enable an annual greenhouse gas emission avoidance of up to 2 million tonnes CO2e – the equivalent of avoiding the emissions from more than 400,000 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles driven for a year.

Electrolyzers are key for decarbonizing energy-intensive industries, like steel, mining, and long-distance transportation that account for approximately 30[1]% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and where direct electrification is not a viable solution.

Topsoe’s SOEC technology increases electrolyzer efficiency up to 30% compared to other electrolysis technologies, and thereby produces more hydrogen per total power input. “Virginia’s robust workforce, strategic location, and top business climate provide the necessary tools for Topsoe to continue to grow as a leader in the clean energy industry.”    “I’m glad to see that vision executed in Chesterfield County with the announcement of a new Topsoe manufacturing facility. Thanks to tax credits from this landmark law, Virginia will continue to power our nation and lead the clean energy transition by creating good-paying manufacturing jobs across the Commonwealth.”

“This wouldn’t have been possible without the investments we made in the Inflation Reduction Act, which I was proud to have helped pass in the Senate by one vote. I look forward to seeing how this project will boost economic growth, create jobs, and help us build a clean energy future.”

Jennifer McClellan, US Representative said:

This new Topsoe facility in Chesterfield County will create hundreds of new jobs and stimulate millions of dollars in economic activity right here in Virginia’s Fourth.

“I will continue fighting with Senators Warner and Kaine to supercharge our transition to a clean-energy future and bring federal investments to our Commonwealth.”

Roeland Baan, CEO at Topsoe, 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 (SOEC), 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.” “We will help drive down the cost of clean hydrogen by employing our innovative SOEC technology which is up to 30% more efficient than competing technologies. Our factory will ensure the economic and environmental aspects of the hydrogen economy are felt in the decades to come.”

Topsoe Announces Plans For New State-of-the-art US Electrolyzer Factory For Clean Hydrogen - Hydrogen Central (hydrogen-central.com)