HyCC has selected the engineering contractor and technology supplier for its green hydrogen project H2eron in Delfzijl, The Netherlands. The 40-megawatt plant is to produce the first hydrogen in 2026 to support the production of sustainable aviation fuels.

HyCC contracted Kraftanlagen Energies & Services for the basic design and engineering (FEED) of the plant and placed an order with Nel for the supply of the electrolysis stacks. The plant will be operated by HyCC and use Nel’s atmospheric alkaline electrolyzers to produce green hydrogen from renewable power and water. It will be one of the first plants to apply this technology at this scale.

The hydrogen will be used by SkyNRG to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), made from industrial byproducts and residue streams, such as used cooking oil. In its pure form, the use of SAF results in 85 percent lower carbon emissions compared to fossil jet fuel, across its lifecycle.

HyCC recently received the environmental permit for the project and the company is working towards the final investment decision (FID) in 2024, in close alignment with SkyNRG and its partners.

Marcel Galjee, Managing Director of HyCC: “Reliable supplies of green hydrogen are key to decarbonise sectors such as the aviation industry. We build on decades of experience in large-scale electrolysis and are excited to move to the next phase of the project with these strong partners to lay the foundation for the new hydrogen economy.”

Alfons Weber, CEO of Kraftanlagen Energies & Services: “We are proud to bring our proven EPC expertise to this lighthouse project. This project will significantly support the decarbonisation of the aviation industry. It is important that large-scale green hydrogen production plants now become reality and H2eron will provide for more sustainable aviation. At Kraftanlagen, we are committed to bring these projects to execution and make green hydrogen available.”

Hans Hide, Chief Project Officer of Nel: “H2eron will have great positive impact on emission reductions from the aviation sector, and we are proud to be selected as the supplier of our proven electrolyzer technology to this exciting and important project.”

Maarten van Dijk, Chief Development Officer (CDO) of SkyNRG: “Sustainable aviation fuel is a key component in the energy transition and sustainable hydrogen is a cornerstone building block for SAF. We need reliable production for our hydrogen demand, and we trust on HyCC to realise this for us.”

For more information visit www.hycc.com/en

To significantly reduce CO2 emissions in the transport sector including automobiles, aircrafts, and other vehicles toward carbon neutralisation, ENEOS is developing Synthetic Fuel production process used “CO2” and “hydrogen” as an alternative to existing petroleum products (gasoline, jet fuel, diesel fuel etc).

Synthetic fuels produced from “CO2 captured from industrial exhaust gases and/or the atmosphere” and “hydrogen derived from renewable energy sources” can cancel out the amount of CO2 emissions when it is used as fuels and can therefore contribute to carbon neutralisation throughout the entire product lifecycle.

Since synthetic fuels consist of components quite close to those of existing petroleum products, it has the advantage of being able to use existing refinery equipment, the fuel distribution infrastructure, automobiles and aircrafts, etc. Consequently, when this technology can be established, it should be possible to quickly spread the use of synthetic fuels in society.

Commercialisation for this technology will require a variety of technical innovations such as production process engineering and catalysts technology etc., so ENEOS is participating in the “Green Innovation Fund – Development of Technology for Producing Fuel Using CO2, etc. Project” of Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation (NEDO) and working to establish technology for highly-efficient production process for synthetic fuels.

Fig. 1 Production process for synthetic fuels

Catalyst/industrial process developments for producing synthetic fuel with high conversion
Hydrogen and CO2 are produced and/or captured using large amounts of renewable energy, which accounts for the greater part of the production cost for synthetic fuels. To reduce the cost toward the widespread of synthetic fuels, it is vitally important to make these raw materials into products with little waste. When hydrogen and CO2 react, by-products are generated in the form of light gases such as methane other than distillates that become the basis for the product. Consequently, to obtain the product in a more efficient manner, it is necessary to develop a catalyst/production process that can minimise these by-products.

Toward commercialisation of synthetic fuel production technology

With the aim of achieving commercialisation of synthetic fuels, ENEOS is moving forward alongside with a roadmap of Japanese government and is planning scale-up demonstration on a plant level starting after FY2022.

Through these R&D efforts and scale-up demonstrations, ENEOS aims for early establishment of this technology and introduces the environment-friendly synthetic fuel production in the near future.

Fig. 2 Development plan of synthetic fuel production technology

For more information visit www.eneos.co.jp

Chevron Phillips Chemical is taking ambitious steps to grow its chemicals output with two world-class projects.

CPChem, the joint venture between Phillips 66 and Chevron, announced in December a final investment decision with QatarEnergy to build an $8.5 billion integrated polymers facility along the U.S. Gulf Coast. And to kick off 2023, the same partners said they are moving ahead on a $6 billion integrated olefins and polyethylene complex in Ras Laffan Industrial City in Qatar.

Together, both projects will allow CPChem and QatarEnergy to meet growing global demand for polyethylene. What’s more, they will “improve the quality of life for the world’s growing global population,” said CPChem President and CEO Bruce Chinn.

Gulf Coast facility will produce essential feedstock and polyethylene

The companies sanctioned the Gulf Coast project and created a JV company, Golden Triangle Polymers Company LLC, named for the Golden Triangle region of Texas that includes the community of Orange, where the plant will be located.

Once operational in 2026, the plant will include a 4.6 billion pounds per year ethane cracker and two 2.2 billion pounds per year high-density polyethylene units. An ethane cracker converts ethane into ethylene, which is used to produce polyethylene. Polyethylene is a building block of durable goods like pipe for natural gas and water delivery and recreational products such as kayaks and coolers. It is also used in packaging to preserve food and keep medical supplies sterile. CPChem owns a 51 percent equity share in the JV, and QatarEnergy owns 49 percent.

Ras Laffan petrochemical plant will be one of Middle East’s largest

The Ras Laffan project will consist of the Middle East’s largest ethane cracker to produce 4.6 billion pounds per year of ethylene and two trains that will produce a combined 3.7 billion pounds of high-density polyethylene products, the largest polyethylene plant ever built on a single site in the Middle East.

The new facility is scheduled to start production in late 2026. CPChem owns a 30 percent share, while QatarEnergy owns the remainder.

“Both projects will sit on top of the most advantaged ethane on the planet, and they will sit on top of the most competitive infrastructure on the planet,” Phillips 66 President and CEO Mark Lashier said at the company’s Investor Day in November.

For more information visit www.phillips66.com

Stolthaven Terminals is partnering with cooking oil supplier and collector, Olleco, to build a state-of-the-art used cooking oil (UCO) processing plant at its Dagenham facility in the UK.

Stolthaven Dagenham has allocated land to Olleco to build the facility, which will process UCO collected from restaurants and food production sites. It will then be transferred to Stolthaven Dagenham’s storage tanks before it is converted into renewable, low-carbon biodiesel fuel.

Stolthaven Dagenham is the closest storage terminal to Central London and is well connected by road to the greater London area and South East England, making it a strategic new location for Olleco, which has several UCO processing sites in other parts of the UK.

This long-term partnership with Olleco aligns with both companies’ focus on developing sustainable energy alternatives. It also supports Stolthaven Terminals’ sustainability strategy and highlights its commitment to providing bespoke solutions for its customers.

“We are pleased to welcome Olleco to our Stolthaven Dagenham terminal,” said Steve Walker, General Manager, Stolthaven Dagenham. “In recent years, we have invested significantly in the terminal – including a new jetty due for completion this year – to ensure we continue to meet the specific needs of our customers and we are looking forward to partnering with Olleco on this project.”

Pim van den Doel, Stolthaven Terminals’ Commercial and Business Development Manager (EMEA), added: “Our new partnership with Olleco highlights the significance of waste oil in the production of biofuels and the role we play in the supply chain and the transition to sustainable products and alternative fuels. Together with our sister companies, Stolt Tankers and Stolt Tank Containers, we provide safe, integrated storage and handling solutions to the biofuel industry worldwide and our Dagenham terminal stores UCO for several customers.”

Ciara O’Keeffe O’Donovan, Olleco Executive Member, said: “This is an exciting next step for Olleco. The new facility will deliver efficient conversion of our waste oil, whilst adding capacity to facilitate our continued growth. We’re delighted to partner with Stolthaven, a company that aligns with our values and are committed to the renewable agenda.”

For more information visit www.stolt-nielsen.com

Veritas Capital, a leading investor at the intersection of technology and government, today announced that an affiliate of Veritas has completed the purchase of Wood Mackenzie from Verisk.

Wood Mackenzie is a globally recognised industry leader that has been providing quality data, analytics, and insights used to power the energy, renewables, and natural resources industry for nearly 50 years. The Wood Mackenzie Lens© platform enables world class analytics and insights to drive critical decision making for the company’s longstanding clients that operate at the leading edge of the rapidly evolving energy sector. Wood Mackenzie operates at the nexus of current energy industry tailwinds, offering clients leading energy data and analytics with the bold purpose of transforming the way the planet is powered. The acquired company will be led by Mark Brinin, who has been promoted from Co-President to Chief Executive Officer. Joe Levesque has been appointed as President & Chief Operating Officer.

Mark Brinin, Chief Executive Officer for Wood Mackenzie said, “We are excited to embark on the next chapter for Wood Mackenzie in partnership with Veritas. To be returning to our roots as a standalone company and partnering with a firm with Veritas’ track record places us in a unique and enviable peer group. In Veritas, we have found a strategic partner that will enable us to realise greater value for our customers, both in mature markets we have served for the last five decades, as well as in the evolving power and renewables sector which is currently driving the global energy transition.”

Veritas brings deep sector knowledge and operational expertise to Wood Mackenzie. As a premier investor in technology and technology-enabled companies that provide critical products, software, and services to government and commercial customers worldwide, Veritas will assist Wood Mackenzie as it continues to play a critical role in accelerating the global transition to a more sustainable future.

“We are excited to welcome Wood Mackenzie to the Veritas portfolio and partner with the team to drive its next phase of growth,” said Ramzi Musallam, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner of Veritas. “Building on its decades of leadership and innovation in the energy industry, Wood Mackenzie is well positioned to expand and enhance the critical insights provided to its growing customer base across the entire energy and renewables value chain.”

Morgan Stanley acted as financial advisors and Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP served as legal counsel to Verisk in connection with the transaction. Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP served as legal counsel to Veritas.

For more information visit www.woodmac.com

Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery has announced plans to build a £300 million carbon capture plant, as the Prax Group undertakes a huge investment at the site, as it moves towards decarbonising operations and transitioning to a low carbon future.

The Prax Lindsey Carbon Capture Project (PLCCP) will capture more than 85 percent of the CO2 produced on site, with more than 1 million tonnes of CO2 to be captured every year starting from 2028. Emissions produced on site will be captured via an amine solvent, a well understood and proven technology used in natural gas processing and gas sweetening, with CO2 then transported and stored in depleted gas fields in the North Sea via the East Coast Cluster pipeline.

The project launch coincided with a Humber 2030 Vision Roundtable, led by the Confederation of British Industry. Regional and national stakeholders attended the event, alongside other emitters in the Humber Cluster to mark the project launch and to discuss the collective opportunities and challenges faced by the Humber cluster.

The PLCCP was shortlisted in the government’s cluster sequencing round in August 2022, with the pre-Front End Engineering Design work soon to be concluded and FEED expected to commence in the second quarter of 2023.

Luc Smets, General Manager at Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery, said: “Since the acquisition of the refinery by the Prax Group nearly two years ago, CO2 cuts equating to the removal of 20,000 cars from UK roads has already been achieved. The Prax Lindsey Carbon Capture Project is one of the single largest investments that the refinery has seen in years, it is also one of the most significant as we transition to a low carbon refinery. We have some challenging targets as a region and a country to meet in the years ahead, we understand our role in meeting these and we will be working with our partners in the Humber cluster to ensure we have our carbon emissions entering the regional pipelines.”

For more information visit www.prax.com

Actility and TWTG are excited to announce they have formed a partnership, which will open opportunities for more and wider LoRaWAN® applications by offering partners and customers clear benefits. Wirelessly connecting devices to the internet and managing communication between end-node devices and network gateways, is increasingly in demand for industrial applications. Both partners are firm believers that this revolutionises how industrial sites implement their digitalisation strategy.

Actility Group is a leader in Internet of Things (IoT) infrastructure and geolocation services, demonstrating 10+ years of field experience in all regions of the world, with over 50 public networks and thousands of private networks. Dutch scale-up TWTG is at the vanguard of Industrial IoT solutions and has become market leader in LoRaWAN®-based sensors with IECEx / ATEX certification.

The partnership enables both companies to grow further in delivering dedicated I-IoT solutions to their customers. TWTG joins Actility’s Ignite Partner Programme and ThingPark Community, whereas Actility increases its base in industrial solutions, notably in the Energy industry. A fine example of an industrial IoT use case, from TotalEnergies, has been presented at the LoRaWAN World Expo 2022. Customers implementing industrial solutions based on LoRaWAN® can now benefit from ready-to-use connectivity and easy integration.

Key in the partnership is Actility’s ThingPark® IoT platform, a multi-technology, open, hardware agnostic IoT platform allowing to deploy Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWAN) worldwide. It offers a large LoRaWAN® product portfolio, which now also includes TWTG’s market leading sensors. ThingPark is open, hardware agnostic and supports all leading LoRaWAN® gateways, providing seamless administration interfaces and ensuring that partners can always use the hardware best suited for their use case, country of deployment, and budget. ThingPark implements open standard APIs and connectors to all leading IoT cloud platforms.

“The partnership enables us to increase the visibility of TWTG’s Industrial IoT solutions in the international IoT ecosystem. Actility’s pioneering role in specifying new LoRaWAN® features and the technical network know-how are held in high regard by us. We look forward to working with our new partners and delivering exceptional results for our customers. TWTG’s NEON Vibration Sensor and Temperature Transmitter are now fully integrated into the ThingPark platform, making it very easy for new customers to get started with vibration and temperature measurement, enabling them to improve onsite safety and efficiency.” said John Tillema, CTO and co-founder of TWTG.

Olivier Hersent, CEO at Actility Group, is excited about having TWTG as a partner: “TWTG is a strong and trusted brand in the industrial application of LoRaWAN® sensors, in particular in the Energy Industry. Our joint work will help us deliver compelling solutions to the IoT world.”

One immediate advantage of the partnership for those interested in Industrial IoT solutions is an expert seminar in which both Actility and TWTG will participate:

On 13th March 2023, TWTG will partner with Actitlity to host the next TWTG Insight Event under the theme of Meet the LoRaWAN® Experts. The seminar, at TWTG’s HQ in Rotterdam, provides an opportunity to meet some of the industry’s leading experts within the current Industrial IoT space. Master classes will take place to address how to make implementing LoRaWAN® solutions easy and accessible. This event is aimed at individuals, who are involved in digitisation programmes and would like to hone their knowledge of LoRaWAN® in general.

More information on the Meet the LoRaWAN® Experts Seminar and how to apply can be found here.

For more information visit www.twtg.io

In July 2022 VARO announced its new strategy centred on two engines. Engine 1 is focused on VARO’s Conventional Energies business, generating high levels of cash flow to reinvest into Engine 2, focused on Sustainable Energies. Engine 2 consists of five strategic growth pillars targeting the most attractive low carbon growth markets in Europe: Biofuels; Biomethane & BioLNG; Hydrogen; E-mobility; Carbon Removals.

Providing solutions to decarbonise the aviation industry is a central element to VARO’s customer focused strategy. Today’s announcement of an MoU with the Lufthansa Group for the production and supply of Sustainable Aviation Fuel marks an important step in meeting these customer needs and is a core element in VARO’s Biofuels strategic growth pillar. VARO is targeting Biofuel production of more than 260,000 tonnes per year by 2026 with a long-term target of more than 500,000 tonnes per year.

The MoU will see VARO and the Lufthansa Group leverage their long-standing partnership to drive forward the market and grow the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels. Lufthansa could offtake large volumes of SAF from VARO as early as 2026. Both companies intend to scale innovative processes such as the production of hydrogen from biogenic feedstock, such as sewage sludge, and to classify it as green hydrogen in Germany. This green hydrogen could then be used to produce e-SAF.

The MoU also builds on the Lufthansa Group’s ambition to drive the availability, market ramp-up and use of SAF as a core element of its sustainability strategy. The Lufthansa Group is already one of the largest customers of SAF in Europe and is enabling their corporate customers to report their CO2 emission reductions by an audited certificate.

Katja Kleffmann, Head of Fuel Management Supply Lufthansa Group, commented: “We believe in SAF being a powerful tool to make aviation more climate friendly and are therefore strongly engaged in SAF development and making it logistically available at airports. We are very happy about this latest engagement with VARO which supports our sustainability strategy.”

Dev Sanyal, CEO of VARO Energy, said: “Our ONE VARO Transformation strategy is centred on meeting the need of our customers to decarbonise as they progress in the Energy Transition while ensuring reliability of supply. This MoU builds on our long-standing partnership with the Lufthansa Group, one of the world’s largest airline Groups, and I am excited to be working with them to accelerate the development and use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels – a key element of our Biofuels strategic growth pillar.”

For more information visit www.varoenergy.com/en/home/

Brookes Bell, the leading multi-disciplinary technical and scientific consultancy to the maritime industry, has this week announced the acquisition of Neale Consulting Engineers – a leading provider of tribology consultancy services.

Neale Consulting Engineers has over five decades of experience providing consultancy services relating to tribological issues, machinery failure, product design improvements and more.

Founded in the 1960s, Neale Consulting Engineers has carried out hundreds of assignments across the globe supporting varied industries such as maritime, power generation, renewable energy, manufacturing, rail, and aviation.

Over this time, Neale Consulting Engineers developed a reputation as being the ‘go-to’ consultancy for tribological issues in the industry, with the team collectively authoring 16 books on machinery tribology and related issues.

Tribology – which is the science of interacting surfaces in motion and how friction, wear, and lubrication affect these surfaces, first emerged in the 1960s. In the engineering context, tribology requires a deep understanding of how moving parts of machines function (or malfunction). Typical tribological components are bearings, gears, seals and other machine parts, which are often a source of unreliability and failures.

The acquisition will see Neale Consulting Engineers integrated into Brookes Bell’s global business, adding expertise to the firm’s team of Master Mariners, Engineers, Scientists, Naval Architects, and others.

Commenting on the acquisition, Ray Luukas, Brookes Bell’s Chief Technical Officer, said:

“Neale Consulting Engineers is an ideal fit for Brookes Bell. As the technical and scientific consultancy of choice to the global maritime industry, we regularly encounter engine and other machinery failures, and other design issues which require a thorough understanding and experience of tribology to successfully resolve.

We have worked closely with Neale Consulting Engineers for many years and now, having them on board, significantly enhances the level of expertise and knowledge within the Brookes Bell business and will allow our related disciplines such as engineering, materials, naval architecture and nautical matters to tap into a valuable source of insight – which will ultimately benefit our clients.

The integration of Neale Consulting Engineers into Brookes Bell supports our aim of diversifying into new industries alongside marine”.

The acquisition of Neale Consulting Engineers is the latest for Brookes Bell, following the acquisition of US-based maritime consultancy 3D Marine in January 2021.

For more information visit www.brookesbell.com

Environmental Services business, Adler and Allan, has acquired Aqua Consultants which provides professional services to the water, energy and environment sectors, to enhance its strategic offering and its position in the industry.

Aqua Consultants provides a wide range of consultative asset management, engineering, and commercial services to its clients, helping them to understand and optimise their assets with strategic support around capital projects, business plans and investment, delivering value from asset creation through to operation.

Henrik Pedersen, Chief Executive Officer, Adler and Allan (left). Ben Shearer, Managing Director, Aqua Consultants (right).

Ben Shearer, Managing Director, Aqua Consultants, said: “We are excited to be joining the Adler and Allan Group. The services Adler and Allan offers, and their established position in the utilities and environmental markets, allows us to offer our expert strategic services into more companies, providing a full turnkey package of asset maintenance consultancy and solutions.”

This acquisition positions Adler and Allan as a turnkey strategic partner to the utilities and environment sectors with services from initial investment planning consultancy, through asset maintenance, environmental monitoring, and emergency pollution response.

Henrik Pedersen, Chief Executive Officer, Adler and Allan, said: “This is our third acquisition in the utilities sector, and fifth in the last 18 months. It is a further step in the Group’s ambitious growth plans to support customers with more of their environmental challenges. With this latest acquisition, we are cementing our position as a strategic partner to expertly support water companies to maintain their assets through the full lifecycle.”

This acquisition follows the previous announcement that drainage solutions specialists Jet Aire Services joined the Adler and Allan Group in November 2021.

For more information visit www.adlerandallan.co.uk

WinGD and CMB.TECH bring combined expertise to zero-carbon fuel technology in groundbreaking collaboration for fleet of ammonia fuelled bulk carriers.

Swiss marine power company WinGD and Belgian shipping and cleantech group CMB.TECH have signed an agreement on the development of ammonia-fuelled two-stroke engines. The companies aim to install the ammonia dual-fuel X72DF engine on a series of ten x 210,000 DWT bulk carriers to be built at a Chinese shipyard in 2025 and 2026.

Under this joint development project, CMB.TECH will support WinGD in establishing its ammonia-fuelled engine concept for a large bore engine. CMB.TECH has significant insight into alternative fuels and builds, designs, owns and operates large marine and industrial applications that run on hydrogen and ammonia.

Both WinGD and CMB.TECH believe that ammonia will play a significant role in the decarbonisation of the maritime industry. The series of large bulk carriers powered by WinGD’s ammonia engines will be the first of its kind and proof that large sea-going vessels can be powered by zero-carbon fuels.

Alexander Saverys CMB CEO said: “We believe that ammonia is the most promising zero-carbon fuel for deep sea vessels. Our intention is to have dual-fuel ammonia-diesel engines on our dry bulk vessels, container vessels and chemical tankers. Collaborating with WinGD on the development of the first ammonia-fuelled two-stroke engines for our fleet is a pioneering partnership on the road to zero emissions in shipping.”

Klaus Heim WinGD CEO said: “This project is a significant step in accelerating our ammonia technology roadmap for a zero-carbon future. Having CMB.TECH’s input into the engine development will be invaluable given their alternative fuel expertise and their ship operator’s perspective on how an engine concept is implemented and ultimately operated. The project is an opportunity to widen the roll-out of ammonia technology across our portfolio, in line with our previously stated timeframe of introducing the first engine concept in 2025.”

These newest engines in WinGD’s X-DF portfolio will add ammonia capability to the proven technology of WinGD’s X engines. They will be based on the X92B engine, whose market-leading fuel efficiency makes it an ideal starting point for developing large bore ammonia-fuelled engines.

The development project with CMB.TECH is one of several projects WinGD is carrying out with shipowners and engine builders to ensure that dual-fuel ammonia two-stroke engines will be available as the global fleet prepares to adopt green fuels to meet long-term decarbonisation targets.

For more information visit www.wingd.com/en/

Matrix Service Company has announced its subsidiary, Matrix Service, has been awarded the greenfield engineering, procurement, and construction of a 600,000 barrel cryogenic ethane storage tank for Enterprise Products along the Texas Gulf Coast. The project, which was taken into Matrix’s backlog in the first quarter of Fiscal 2023, supports a continued demand for ethane in the global marketplace. Engineering for the storage tank will be completed by Matrix PDM Engineering.

“We value our long-standing relationship with Enterprise and appreciate their trust and confidence in us to engineer and construct this critical infrastructure,” Matrix Service President and CEO John R. Hewitt. “The global demand for ethane from the U.S. continues to increase because of its value as a petrochemical feedstock that can be broken down into ethylene, used in a wide variety of industrial, agricultural, and other applications. This greenfield infrastructure helps support that demand. As a leader in the engineering, construction, and maintenance of cryogenic infrastructure, Matrix is fielding a growing number of downstream project opportunities, including those for both ethane and ethylene.”

For more information visit www.matrixservicecompany.com

Horisont Energi has announced a cooperation agreement with the Spanish company Fertiberia, a leading producer of ammonia, for the realisation of Europe’s largest clean ammonia production plant: the Barents Blue project located in Finnmark, in the Northern Norway.

Fertiberia is one of the main crop nutrition and environmental solutions providers in the European Union and one of the leading companies in Spain and Portugal. Fertiberia is the first major company in the sector to commit to being carbon neutral in the next decade and it strengthens its position in the development of products with a high added value. The company, present in several sectors, has been a permanent reference for Spanish agriculture, one of the most advanced in the world.

“We are proud to announce the cooperation agreement with Fertiberia providing significant experience and competence in developing green ammonia projects on industrial scale. Fertiberia and Horisont Energi share the ambition of accelerating the transition to carbon neutrality through pioneering projects. Equinor and Vår Energi have been instrumental in maturing the project in the development phase ending 31 January. We look forward to work with Fertiberia to realize the project and hence contribute to the decarbonization of European industry and transportation,” says Bjørgulf Haukelidsæter Eidesen, CEO of Horisont Energi.

Horisont Energi and Fertiberia have entered into a cooperation agreement for the development of the Barents Blue project aiming at a full partnership agreement from 1 April 2023. Equinor and Vår Energi discontinue their participating interests in the project. The partnership change will take effect as of 31 January 2023. Fertiberia and Horisont Energi will hold 50 percent and 50 percent respectively after the partnership agreement.

“Our integration in this project is highly synergetic: we bring our experience as a European leader in sustainable crop nutrition to Barents Blue, with more than five decades of cumulated knowhow in the design, maintenance and operation of ammonia plants and with valuable expertise in the management of ammonia supply chains. Fertiberia was the first large company in the crop nutrition sector to manufacture CO2-free ammonia and crop nutrition solutions on an industrial scale in Europe. Being part of the Barents Blue project is a new opportunity for Fertiberia to accelerate our transformation and growth process in the production of clean ammonia, extend its uses to new areas such as transport and energy and become the first company in our sector to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035,” according to Javier Goñi, CEO of Grupo Fertiberia.

The Barents Blue project is Europe’s largest clean ammonia production plant located in Finnmark, in Northern Norway. Once the first train is operational, Barents Blue is planned to produce 1 million tonnes of clean ammonia and it will be the most energy efficient blue ammonia plant in the world with best-in-class carbon footprint and well aligned with the EU taxonomy.

The Barents Blue project is supported by a grant of NOK 482 million under the EU IPCEI hydrogen program, which is not affected by the changes in the partner consortium. The IPCEI award confirms the big potential and innovative nature of the Barents Blue project.

Equinor remains positive to explore gas supply solutions to the Barents Blue project from Melkøya following the changes in the partner consortium. Horisont Energi will invite new partners into the Polaris CO2 storage licence, including a qualified operator. A new licence group will bring the project forward to a submission of plan for development. The changes in the licence group will be coordinated with relevant authorities.

For more information visit www.horisontenergi.no

ENDEGS GmbH, an expert in industrial emissions reduction and control, has received the TOP 100 seal 2023. The TOP 100 innovator award honours medium-sized companies in Germany for their innovative strength and qualities. After 2021 and 2022, the family-owned company from Pförring is among the winners of the innovation competition for the third year in a row. Science journalist Ranga Yogeshwar will personally congratulate ENDEGS on this success on June 23, 2023.

ENDEGS was founded in 2007 and specialises in the mitigation of harmful industrial emissions. The company enabled mobile emissions treatment for the very first time world-wide and has great expertise with more than 1,400 successful projects. To contribute to the reduction of industrial emissions, ENDEGS offers a portfolio of various innovative environmentally friendly services and technologies.

“TOP 100 is about how important innovation is within the company”, says Prof. Dr. Nikolaus Franke, scientific Director of the competition. “Do routines and habits dominate, or is the company capable of questioning the existing, thinking creatively and in new ways, and successfully implementing that in the market? We analyse these capabilities with more than 100 test criteria.”

“We are proud to be among the TOP 100 innovators for the third time in a row. Innovation is an important and integral part of our daily work”, says Kai Sievers, founder and CEO of ENDEGS. “Our goal is to contribute to continuously mitigating emissions and reducing the global greenhouse gas footprint. This requires ongoing innovation – therefore, we will of course continue to focus on innovation in the future.”

Innovation as the basis for effective emissions reduction

ENDEGS mobile vapour combustion units (VCU) burn all types of gases, gas mixtures and vapours of the explosion groups IIA, IIB and IIC without an open flame and with a combustion rate of over 99,99 percent. This enables the mobile and environmentally friendly degassing of tanks, containers, pipelines, vessels, ships and other components. The ENDEGS fleet of mobile vaporisers with nitrogen tanks can be used to purge and render insert systems and system components containing flammable liquids and gases. This allows the degassing of components containing complex, liquid and highly flammable substances such as LNG/CNG, ammonia, hydrogen or propane. The remote-controlled ATEX Zone 0 robot as a rental service ensures greater safety during the cleaning of industrial tanks.

“The substances our customers work with in the various industries are constantly changing. Currently, for example, we are seeing an increased trend toward green products such as green ammonia or LNG”, says Kai Sievers. “Such substances are more complex than conventional ones and therefore necessitate the expansion of existing technologies to include new areas of application. Innovative processes are essential for this. Many of our ideas come from the everyday work at our customers. We give our employees the space they need so that innovations can emerge from their ideas.”

Anniversary edition of the TOP 100 innovation competition

The TOP 100 seal has been awarded to medium-sized companies for particular innovative strength and above-average innovation success since 1993. This year, the scientific competition celebrates a special anniversary: in 2023, the seal is awarded for the 30th time. The award is given on the basis of a scientific selection process. Under the direction of researcher Prof. Dr. Nikolaus Franke from the Vienna University of Economics and Business, high quality standards apply. The jury evaluates the innovation potential of the participating companies in five categories – innovation-promoting top management, innovation climate, innovative processes and organisation, external orientation/open innovation and innovation success. Particular attention is paid to the question of whether a company’s innovations are systematically planned and thus repeatable in the future.

More than 3,000 companies are interested in participating at the innovation competition. However, the requirements of the selection process are already so high that many refrain from participating. In total, more than 550 companies have applied for the TOP 100 seal 2023. The seal is awarded in three size categories: up to 50, between 51 and 200 and from 201 employees. A maximum of 100 companies per size category are awarded the TOP 100 innovator seal. ENDEGS was awarded the seal in size category A (up to 50 employees).

For more information visit www.endegs.com/en/

Low carbon energy storage company, GES, and independent storage and logistics company, GPS, are delighted to announce they have combined both businesses to create a major player in the energy storage sector.

The combined business will take on the name Global Energy Storage Group (GES) and the merger further strengthens GES’ position in the market and the new business will explore substantial growth opportunities across all markets internationally.

The new structure is being created to put greater focus on the development of the next generation of energy storage assets. This will help facilitate the growing use of low carbon energies, with an emphasis on cryogenic storage for products such as LPG, LNG and ammonia, which is a promising hydrogen carrier. In addition, biofuels and logistics solutions for the transhipment of CO2 are being pursued.

The new GES group will feature the following four storage assets, with additional business and project developments being pursued globally:

• Port of Rotterdam – Europe’s main port where GES is pursuing the development of storage and logistics infrastructure designed to facilitate energy transition.
• Port of Amsterdam – Substantial hydrocarbon and biofuels storage capacity, supported by a rail link giving access to continental Europe.
• Port Hamriyah – A recently completed storage facility for fuels and petrochemicals located in the Hamriyah Free Zone in Sharjah, UAE.
• Port Klang in Malaysia – Southeast Asia’s largest independent LPG storage terminal, commissioned in May this year, with refrigerated storage and VLGC capability.

The corporate management team will consist of: Eric Arnold as Chairman of GES, Peter Vucins as Group CEO, Alan Hyslop as CFO and Mark Synnott as Chief Technical Officer. Combined, the group will have over 140 employees.

Peter Vucins, Group CEO of Global Energy Storage, said: “As GES Group, we will continue to develop a network of storage terminals with particular emphasis on facilitating the energy transition. With a focus on cryogenic storage solutions – where our team has a proven track record and very strong expertise – we see substantial growth opportunities for LPG in Asian markets but also elsewhere. We believe that LPG can be an important transition fuel as we develop new infrastructure to accommodate future fuels such as ammonia.

Domestic energy security, as well as the energy transition, is of paramount importance. Our four assets and advanced project pipeline tackle both challenges.”

Eric Arnold, Chairman of GES, said: “We are really excited about this combination of GES and GPS Group that brings together major international energy assets.

By combining the two companies we not only keep the team together but create a platform which positions us extremely well for further growth together with our trusted partners.”

Major shareholders, Bluewater and White Deer Energy, both back the merger.

For more information visit www.gesgroup.global

Spirit Energy, the joint venture energy company of Centrica plc and Stadtwerke München GmbH (SWM), has confirmed its plan to convert its depleted South Morecambe and North Morecambe gas fields and Barrow Terminals into a world-class carbon storage cluster.

If granted a licence by the North Sea Transition Authority and subject to other regulatory approvals, the project will support the UK’s Net Zero ambitions and is expected to support thousands of highly skilled green jobs in Cumbria and the North West, as well as jobs in Spirit Energy’s Aberdeen office. It will provide a multi-billion-pound investment in the local economy, promoting growth and further investment across the region.

The cluster will provide a carbon storage solution for the UK’s industrial heartlands and is set to be one of the biggest carbon storage and hydrogen production clusters in the UK. Under current projections, the project has the capacity to store up to one gigaton of CO₂ – which equates to roughly three years’ worth of UK CO₂ current emissions. This will enable emitters within carbon-intensive industries, including the North West, South Wales, and the Solent, to store their carbon emissions for the long-term.

Thanks to the location of the site near the Port of Barrow, the project will be able to accept CO₂ transported by ship. This will mean industrial sites which do not have a direct connection to a CO₂ pipeline can access a feasible and realistic solution to deal with their carbon emissions, remain profitable and meet climate change goals.

The project is backed by Spirit Energy’s shareholders — Centrica plc, the majority shareholder, and SWM — and will put the companies at the forefront of decarbonisation efforts in the UK.

Neil McCulloch, CEO of Spirit Energy, said: “Our project will introduce cost-effective decarbonisation to businesses all over the UK, with a multi-billion-pound facility which means that a connection to a CO₂ export pipeline is no longer necessary to access carbon storage. Our new cluster will provide a solution for the UK’s industrial heartlands to reduce their carbon emissions, while also injecting significant green investment into Cumbria and the North West of England, where we have a proud history of working closely with the community and supporting local jobs and enterprise.”

Chris O’Shea, Chairman of the Board of Spirit Energy and CEO of Centrica plc, said: “This new cluster is a world-leading project that will promote growth, create jobs, and support the UK’s Net Zero ambitions. At Centrica, we are focussed on exploring how our assets can become an integral part of the energy transition to help our customers and the business achieve Net Zero. We’re pleased that this innovative project sets us up for long-term success to do just that.”

Simon Fell, MP for Barrow and Furness, said: “The conversation about our climate is one which continues to, quite rightly, gather pace across Furness. I’ve long since campaigned for clean energy solutions and reducing our carbon footprint to meet the target of being net zero by 2050. It is great, therefore, to see a project of this scale come to Barrow and I look forward to seeing it develop. This new cluster will put Barrow on the map as a centre for low-carbon innovation, bringing thousands of high-quality jobs to our town and across the whole of Cumbria, while also securing future employment for those already working on the gas fields.”

Jo Lappin, Chief Executive of the Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Major businesses like Spirit Energy are backing Cumbria and channelling billions into our local economy. This new cluster will bring immense benefits to Cumbria – not only does it promise to create thousands of local jobs, it also has the potential to attract further international investment as the carbon storage cluster develops. I look forward to working with the Spirit and Centrica teams to continue to maximise the project benefits for people all over Cumbria.”

Spirit Energy is uniquely positioned to transform the gas fields, with 50 years of knowledge and data from operating the South Morecambe and North Morecambe fields. The company will continue to maximise the use of the gas fields until they are fully depleted to ensure continuity of domestic energy supply. The work on carbon storage will take place in tandem with gas production until the facility is predicted to cease production in the second half of the decade.

With the North and South Morecambe gas fields coming to the end of their productive life, the project will also harness the skills and knowledge of more than 300 workers currently based at the site and will provide continued job security with the new multi-billion-pound facility.

Additionally, the two gas fields have the potential to form the core of a future low-carbon hub, thanks to their location in the North West and connectivity in the area. Spirit Energy continues to explore opportunities such as blue hydrogen production, hydrogen power generation, direct air capture, and integration with renewable power generation which could expand the cluster, working in tandem with the carbon storage facility to help realise the area’s full potential.

For more information visit www.spirit-energy.com

Saudi Aramco, the world’s leading oil producer, is making a multi-million dollar investment in Japanese drone and air mobility technology company Terra Drone as it seeks to fall in line with Saudi Arabia’s long-term initiative to reduce the nation’s dependence on hydrocarbons, the companies announced late Tuesday.

Through its $200 million venture capital arm, Wa’ed Ventures, Saudi Aramco is investing $14 million in Terra Drone which, in turn, will use the money to create the subsidiary Terra Drone Arabia. That unit will provide oil-gas inspection services for the company while at the same time generating local jobs and accelerating development of the drone industry in the Middle East, the companies said.

For more information visit www.terra-inspectioneering.com

Plug Power, a leading provider of turnkey hydrogen solutions for the global green hydrogen economy, and Johnson Matthey (JM), a global leader in sustainable technologies, today announced a long-term strategic partnership to accelerate the green hydrogen economy.

JM will become an important strategic supplier of MEA components, providing a substantial portion of Plug’s demand for catalysts, membranes, and catalyst coated membranes (CCM). Importantly, JM brings security of supply of precious metals, and unique recycling capabilities.

This strategic partnership between Plug and JM will support Plug in delivering its targeted revenue of US$5 billion and US$20 billion by 2026 and 2030 respectively. To help achieve these targets, Plug and JM will co-invest in what is expected to be the largest (5GW scaling to 10GW over time) CCM manufacturing facility in the world. The facility will be built in the United States and likely begin production in 2025. Plug and JM will also continue to leverage government incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act in the US and REPowerEU in Europe to push for exponential growth across the hydrogen industry.

“Plug is proud to expand our relationship with JM, a highly respected and skilled supply partner with a proven track record,” said Plug CEO, Andy Marsh. “This partnership will help us strengthen our supply chain and underpin our ability to deliver on the growing demand for our fuel cells and electrolyzers. With a partner like JM, Plug is in a strong position to be the global leader of the green hydrogen economy.”

Liam Condon, CEO of Johnson Matthey added: “For the rapidly developing hydrogen economy, this partnership is a game-changer. By bringing together one of the largest green hydrogen and fuel cell companies in the world with JM’s technology and manufacturing capabilities, we’re creating volume and scale for green hydrogen that hasn’t existed until now. This partnership confirms JM’s world class position in catalyst coated membranes, the key performance-defining components of electrolyzers and fuel cells.”

Plug Power is the leading user of liquid hydrogen with the world’s largest fuelling station footprint, as well as over 60,000 fuel cell systems, operating more than one billion hours across the globe. Plug is building an end-to-end green hydrogen ecosystem, from production, storage and delivery to energy generation, to help its customers – including Amazon, Carrefour, Walmart and BMW – meet their business goals and decarbonise the economy.

JM has been a leader in hydrogen for many years, founded on its core competencies in platinum group metal (PGM) chemistry and catalysis. It has an established Hydrogen Technologies business, with long-standing customer relationships and manufacturing capability of 2GW, with plans to expand to 5GW through a new 3GW gigafactory in Royston, UK. As the world’s leading secondary refiner of PGMs JM has pioneered a circular business model for the scarce metals that will also be employed for this contract, and it will look to develop further closed loop solutions.

For more information visit www.matthey.com

The Alky/SHU Turnaround Team at the CITGO Lake Charles Refinery was recently recognised with the 2022 Award for Turnaround Excellence from AP-Networks, a global leader in performance benchmarking for petroleum, chemical and energy companies. This award is given to the 2021 turnaround that best achieves many benchmarks, including safety, cost, duration and reliability after work is complete.

“I congratulate the turnaround team at Lake Charles,” said CITGO Vice President Refining Jerry Dunn. “Their outstanding performance stands as an example of operational excellence at CITGO.”

AP-Networks evaluated the performance of peer turnaround teams across a comprehensive set of criteria, including cost efficiency, safety, environmental responsibility, and predictability. The CITGO Lake Charles team was one of fewer than 5 percent of teams to achieve all the award targets.

“All of us at CITGO Lake Charles are proud of the performance of our turnaround team,” said Sterling Neblett, Vice President & General Manager of the Lake Charles Refinery. “They delivered an outstanding turnaround last year and continue to set a standard of excellence.”

For more information visit www.citgo.com

Energy company Equinor has awarded a Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) contract for H2H Saltend to Linde Engineering, and an operation and maintenance service contract to BOC.

Linde Engineering together with BOC, both Linde companies, participated in a design competition to provide proposals for FEED with options for Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) and Operation and Maintenance for the first five (5) years (subject to EPC option being exercised).

H2H Saltend is a 600-megawatt low carbon hydrogen production plant with carbon capture, the first of its kind and scale, helping to establish the Humber as an international hub for low carbon hydrogen. The plant design will use Linde Engineering’s hydrogen and air separation technologies, which will be combined with UK-based Johnson Matthey’s LCH™ technology. The plant will be operated and maintained by BOC, drawing on decades of operational experience in the region and across the UK.

Due to be operational by 2027 and sited at the energy intensive Saltend Chemicals Park, to the east of Hull, it will help to reduce the park’s emissions by up to one third. To achieve this, low carbon hydrogen will directly replace natural gas in several industrial facilities reducing the carbon intensity of their products, as well as being blended into natural gas at the Equinor and SSE Thermal’s on-site Saltend Power Station. The amount of CO2 stored will be around 890,000 tonnes per year equivalent to taking about 500,000 cars off the road annually.

H2H Saltend is the kick-starter project for the wider Zero Carbon Humber scheme, which will provide regional infrastructure from Easington to Drax. The infrastructure will transport hydrogen to industrial customers seeking to reduce their emissions whilst also capturing carbon dioxide for safe sub-sea storage as part of the East Coast Cluster. These proposals aim to make the Humber, currently the UK’s most carbon intensive industrial region, net-zero by 2040.

The project also forms part of Equinor’s wider ‘Hydrogen to Humber’ ambition to deliver 1.8 gigawatts of low carbon hydrogen production within the region, nearly 20% of the UK’s national target.

Linde is a global leader in the production, processing, storage and distribution of hydrogen. It has installed over 200 hydrogen fuelling stations and 80 hydrogen electrolysis plants worldwide. The company offers the latest hydrogen technologies through its world-class engineering organization, which has proven capability in engineering, procurement and construction of large plants. As the UK’s largest hydrogen supplier, BOC has proven ability in the safe and reliable operation of hydrogen plants and also has a strong presence in the Humber region.

Asbjørn Haugsgjerd, Equinor’s Project Director for the H2H Saltend project, said:

“We are delighted to be working alongside Linde, who have demonstrated their expertise and commitment throughout the rigorous selection process over the last year and through their previous work with this technology and operations.

H2H Saltend is a vital first step in creating a low carbon hydrogen economy and achieving net zero in the Humber, safeguarding local industries and creating greater opportunities, whilst helping the UK to tackle climate change. With Linde Engineering, BOC and Johnson Matthey on board we are even better positioned to deliver this vision.”

For more information visit www.equinor.com

UM Group is committed to becoming a more sustainable organisation.

Sustainability is defined as “fulfilling the needs of current generations without compromising the needs of future generations, while ensuring a balance between economic growth, environmental care and social wellbeing”.

UM Group has rolled out a road map, which will see our business take several important steps towards increasing sustainability. The immediate requirements include developing company policies and conducting audits under the 2023 ESOS (Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme).

Once the ESOS audits have been carried out, UM Group will be seeking to identify any potential cost / energy savings that can be implemented.

Alongside this, and by working closely with companies within our Group such as UM Terminals, the business is busy scoping out its carbon footprint and looking for ways in which this can be improved, in line with various UK and International requirements.

The initial focus for the carbon footprint work are UM’s sites in the UK, such as our eight bulk liquid storage terminals, and thereafter extending to our international sites.

The decisions taken by UM Group regarding sustainability are closely aligned with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) credentials.

Dr Nigel Jones, UM Group’s Sustainability, Quality & Technical Manager, said: “Having our approach towards ESG right is critically important to the future success of our organisation, with customers and stakeholders favouring businesses with robust ESG frameworks, governments implementing regulations that require greater transparency and consumers choosing brands for their ethical behaviour and record on climate change.

“UM Group wants to be a market-leading sustainable organisation, regarded as a responsible business and at the forefront of driving the change that is necessary to ensure a sustainable future for the sectors in which we operate.

“The roadmap we have developed is just a starting point and one which will continue to evolve over the coming months and years.”

Among the policies due to be published by UM Group is its ESG policy with its key pillars including:

• Environmental Stewardship
• Investing in our People / Supporting Local and International Charities
• Responsible Sourcing
• Integrating Sustainability into our Business.
• While overall responsibility for the sustainability strategy lies with the UM Group board, the organisation is adopting a collaborative approach involving employees and other key stakeholders.

UM Group is part of W&R Barnett, a fourth-generation family-run business which is based in Belfast. Other companies within W&R Barnett are also developing their sustainability strategies.

Dr Jones added: “We are in the early stages of developing and rolling out our sustainability action plan – and we look forward to providing regular updates during 2023.”

For more information visit www.umterminals.co.uk

Imperial said it will further help Canada achieve its net zero goals by investing about $720 million (USD $560 million) to move forward with construction of the largest renewable diesel facility in the country. The project at Imperial’s Strathcona refinery near Edmonton is expected to produce more than one billion litres of renewable diesel annually primarily from locally sourced feedstocks and could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the Canadian transportation sector by about 3 million metric tons per year, as determined in accordance with Canada’s Clean Fuel Regulation. Regulatory approval for the project is expected in the near term.

“Imperial supports Canada’s vision for a lower-emission future, and we are making strategic investments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our own operations and to help customers in vital sectors of the economy reduce their emissions,” said Brad Corson, Imperial chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “The investment at our Strathcona refinery will deliver immediate benefits to the local economy creating jobs and contributing to a lower-emission energy future for our employees, neighbours and communities.”

The renewable diesel project was first announced in August 2021, with the Province of British Columbia supporting this project through a Part 3 Agreement under the BC low carbon fuel standard. A significant portion of the renewable diesel from Strathcona will be supplied to British Columbia in support of the province’s plan to lower carbon emissions. Imperial also intends to use renewable diesel in operations as part of the company’s emission reduction plans.

Imperial’s renewable diesel facility will use low-carbon hydrogen produced with carbon capture and storage technology to help Canada meet low emission fuel standards. Imperial has entered into an agreement with Air Products for low-carbon hydrogen supply and is developing agreements with other third parties for biofeedstock supply. The low-carbon hydrogen and biofeedstock will be combined with a proprietary catalyst to produce premium lower-emission diesel fuel and will reduce greenhouse gas emissions relative to conventional fuels.

Site preparation and initial construction are underway. Renewable diesel production is expected to start in 2025. The project is expected to create about 600 direct construction jobs, along with hundreds more through investments by business partners.

After more than a century, Imperial continues to be an industry leader in applying technology and innovation to responsibly develop Canada’s energy resources. As Canada’s largest petroleum refiner, a major producer of crude oil, a key petrochemical producer and a leading fuels marketer from coast to coast, our company remains committed to high standards across all areas of our business.

For more information visit www.imperialoil.ca/en-CA

Singapore has announced its plans to develop hydrogen as a major decarbonisation pathway to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

To gain insights and exchange views on energy transition strategies, JTC — together with teams from the Ministry of Trade and Industry (Singapore), Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) met with companies at the Port of Rotterdam and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, both established energy and chemicals parks with clear climate ambitions.

With Jurong Island pursuing sustainability pathways, there is much to learn from our overseas counterparts. We hope these discussions will inspire our efforts to transform Jurong Island into a sustainable energy and chemicals hub, and we look forward to fruitful collaborations with our partners.

For more information visit www.jtc.gov.sg

N-7 LLC, a joint venture between OCI N.V. and Dakota Gasification Company (DGC), has announced it signed an exclusive agreement with Cornerstone Chemical for an offtake arrangement for DEF and urea liquor from their plant in Waggaman, LA, starting January 2023. The agreement increases N-7’s marketing footprint to create a portfolio of 4 producers and 5 production facilities with reach across the United States, strengthens N-7’s number two position in the country, and further increases supply security for N-7’s customers.

Ahmed El-Hoshy, Chief Executive Officer of OCI N.V. said: “We are pleased to work with Cornerstone. which solidifies our leading position in the diesel exhaust fluid markets. This partnership helps us to offer enhanced services for this product, that offers environmental benefits and fuel-efficiency to our customers.”

Todd Telesz, CEO of Basin Electric (parent of Dakota Gasification Company), said: “We are extremely excited to have Cornerstone as a partner of N-7, OCI, and Dakota Gas. This opportunity provides even more reliability to our customer base and solidifies additional supply in the United States. We look forward to the partnership and serving the DEF, urea liquor, and automotive grade urea markets as a supplier of choice.”

For more information visit www.n-7llc.com

Grain Belt Express, an Invenergy Transmission project, has selected Siemens Energy Inc. to supply the high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission technology for Phase 1 of the 800-mile project.

Grain Belt Express will deliver 100 percent domestic, clean, and affordable electricity to homes and businesses across four Midwest states—Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana—and other regions. At 5,000 megawatts of capacity, it is the highest-capacity line in development in the United States, connecting grid regions that serve 40 percent of American households. Phase 1 of the project is proposed to include an HVDC transmission line that extends approximately 530 miles between the converter stations in Kansas and Missouri.

Under a Preferred Supplier Agreement, Siemens Energy will support the final integrated design of the HVDC converter stations located in Ford County, Kansas, and Monroe County, Missouri. Grain Belt Express and Siemens Energy are also partners on the engineering, procurement, and construction of the HVDC converter stations. Invenergy Transmission has already secured land control for converter station parcels in Kanas and Missouri.

Construction of the HVDC converter stations will be a significant driver of local job creation. According to an economic impact report issued by Strategic Economic Research in December 2022, the Grain Belt Express transmission line and enabled renewable energy generation are expected to create 22,300 direct jobs during construction and represent $20 billion in combined new infrastructure investment.

“Grain Belt Express will serve as a regional reliability backbone by connecting multiple US grid regions and delivering electricity that Americans can count on,” said Shashank Sane, Executive Vice President and head of transmission at Invenergy. “This critical HVDC transmission line is necessary for reliability and resilience – especially given the more frequent and severe power disruptions, like the most recent bomb cyclone, Winter Storm Elliot and Winter Storm Uri in 2021. Our partnership with Siemens Energy, an industry leader in HVDC technology, is key to ensuring that this transmission project provides the reliability, resilience, and stability for millions of Americans, and is successfully completed on schedule.”

“A high-impact project like Grain Belt Express requires the most state-of-the-art technology,” said Tim Holt, member of the Executive Board of Siemens Energy. “We are pleased to collaborate with Invenergy Transmission on this transformative long-distance HVDC project and deliver the extensive benefits of our voltage-sourced converter technology.”

HVDC technology offers the most efficient means of transmitting large amounts of power over long distances and allows power to be precisely controlled to flow bidirectionally, an important feature for when emergency conditions require grid operators to rely on imported supply from other regions to meet power needs.

Grain Belt Express will be ready to start full construction on Phase 1 by the end of 2024, subject to regulatory reviews.

For more information visit www.grainbeltexpress.com

Stolthaven Terminals and XL Batteries have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the development of a flow battery with industrial-scale electricity storage capability.

The partnership brings together XL Batteries’ expertise and innovations in flow battery technology and Stolthaven Terminals’ global presence in providing bulk liquid services.

A flow battery is an electrochemical energy storage device in which two chemical solutions are pumped on opposite sides of a conductive membrane. Ion transfer across the membrane allows electrical energy to be either stored or used. XL Batteries’ breakthrough chemistry provides a highly stable, efficient and sustainable solution at low cost.

As well as developing the technology, the companies will explore opportunities to apply it in the port and industrial sector. This includes the potential to support Stolthaven Terminals’ ambition to make its primary activities carbon neutral and the potential decarbonisation of surrounding industrial and residential areas by providing local energy storage. In the future, flow battery technology also offers the potential to provide shore power to ships calling at its terminals.

President of Stolthaven Terminals, Guy Bessant, said: “While there has been significant focus on renewable power generation there has been less focus on long-term energy storage, which is critical for the global transition to ‘greener’ energy alternatives. Stolthaven Terminals has been working on finding a partner in electrochemical storage and in XL Batteries we have found one that shares our vision to use innovation and skills partnerships to develop energy solutions for the future.”

Founder and CEO of XL Batteries, Tom Sisto, said: “We are excited to work with Stolthaven Terminals to help their transition to green-energy usage. Our plan to deploy XL batteries at Stolthaven Terminals represents a huge win for carbon neutrality, and we appreciate Stolthaven’s recognition of XL’s product differentiation and potential. Compared to other technologies, such as lithium-ion, vanadium flow and iron-air, XL’s flow batteries are safer, more cost effective and a better overall fit for long-duration energy storage, which is critical for fully enabling renewables and carbon neutrality.”

For more information visit www.stolt-nielsen.com

Technip Energies announced signing two separate Memorandums of Understanding (MoU), one with PCL Industrial Management Inc. and another with Capital Engineering, to work collaboratively on efforts associated with energy transition markets in Canada.
Under the PCL agreement, Technip Energies services will include conceptual, front-end and detailed engineering, procurement, and technical capabilities with PCL leading constructability solutions, logistics evaluations, direct hire construction performance and execution solutions associated with hydrogen, ammonia, carbon capture, liquefaction, sustainable chemistry, and decarbonization solutions developments throughout Canada.

Technip Energies and Capital Engineering will work together to provide Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED), and Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management (EPCM) services. With clear focus on the ongoing energy transition, the companies will explore opportunities involving industrial projects in areas such as carbon capture, hydrogen developments, sustainable fuels, and overall energy transition developments.

Sean Ricketts, Houston Operating Center Managing Director for Technip Energies commented, “We are pleased to team up with PCL and Capital Engineering as we expand our services in Canada. There are many energy transition opportunities throughout the country, and we bring our depth of knowledge and experience from both a technology and an engineering standpoint.”

Chris Pullen, Vice President and General Manager for PCL Industrial Management added, “PCL has a longstanding relationship with Technip Energies. The complementary capabilities of our organizations mean we can offer Canadian clients solid EPC solutions. We match Technip Energies well-established expertise in engineering and technology with our own strong history of delivering industry-leading planning, project management, and execution to energy transition projects.”

Scott Martin, Senior Partner with Capital Engineering adds “Capital is very excited to be jointly pursuing Canadian energy transition projects with Technip Energies. The combination of Technip Energies’ global expertise with Capital’s proven industry track record, knowledge of local requirements and Canadian project execution strategies provides a compelling offering to clients in this space.”

For more information visit www.technipenergies.com/en

Enagás has agreed with the Swiss company Axpo to purchase a 4 percent stake in Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) for 168 million euros, percentage that is added to the 16 percent that the company already owns in TAP. With this operation, Enagás reinforces the fulfilment of the objective announced in the presentation of its 2022-2030 Strategic Plan to contribute to reinforcing the security of energy supply and decarbonisation in Europe.

After the closing of the acquisition, the shareholding composition of TAP will remain with a 20 percent participation of Enagás, the same percentage as the British company BP, the Azeri SOCAR, the Italian Snam and the Belgian Fluxys. The latter has also achieved this percentage following an agreement to acquire a 1 percent stake from Axpo.

With these two purchase operations of Axpo’s shareholding by Enagás (4 percent) and Fluxys (1 percent), the role of European Transmission System Operators (TSOs) in this strategic infrastructure for the European Union is strengthened, facilitating progress in its security of supply and decarbonisation objectives.

Trans Adriatic Pipeline is an 878 km long infrastructure, which runs through Greece, Albania, the Adriatic Sea and Italy. It is the European section of the Southern Gas Corridor and transports natural gas from Azerbaijan to Italy, Greece and Bulgaria. Since the start of its commercial operation in November 2020, this infrastructure has had 100 percent availability and has transported 18 bcm of natural gas to Europe. TAP’s transportation capacity could be increased as a result of the market test process currently underway.

Additionally, TAP is included in the map of the European Hydrogen Backbone (EHB) —an initiative that involves 31 European TSOs from 28 European countries that promote a future hydrogen network in the EU— and could be adapted for the transport of green hydrogen by connecting the points of production and consumption along its route and thus contributing to Europe’s decarbonisation objectives.

The purchase operation is subject to compliance with the conditions precedent inherent to this type of transaction.

For more information visit www.enagas.es/es/

Champion Painting Specialty Services Corp, has announced that is has acquired WRS Environmental Services, Inc. For more than 25 years, WRS has been an outstanding provider of environmental, utility, and industrial services, with a strong emphasis on developing a highly trained and experienced workforce. Utilising state-of-the-art equipment and advanced technologies, WRS has built a reputation for providing customers with quality workmanship and innovative, customised, turn-key solutions. The acquisition will expand CPSSC’s capabilities and expertise in nuclear plant decommissioning and demolition, industrial, infrastructure, and power delivery services.

“Creating customer value and continually striving to better meet the needs of the customers and end markets we serve is a key component of our strategy. Combining the complimentary capabilities of WRS with the capabilities of the current CPSSC business units will strengthen our ability to serve our customers,” said Carlos Hernandez, CPSSC CEO. “WRS has a long history of being an outstanding provider of environmental, utility, and industrial services, both CPSSC and WRS customers will benefit from the industry leading practices from both companies.”

Founded in 2006, CPSSC and subsidiaries’ mission is to be a leader for the industrial specialty services business segment by providing our clients, in the public and private sectors, quality products, professional service, and unsurpassed industry knowledge while always maintaining the highest degree of integrity and safety. Being an industry leader means we will meet or exceed safety, performance, and specification requirements for each and every client and project. CPSSC is currently ranked #3 by Engineering News and named one of the best and brightest companies to work for in the nation for 2021 by the National Association for Business Resources.

For more information visit www.championssc.com

Advario are proud to announce that Advario Stolthaven Antwerp is now ISCC certified!

ISCC is a globally applicable sustainability certification system and covers all sustainable feedstocks. With the ISCC-EU certificate we are certified as warehouse ready to store and handle circular and bio-based products, renewables, food, feed and biofuels.

Many thanks to our colleagues Sam Roeffaers, Mo Al Farisi, Elyne Beernaert, Bart Van Lommen, and Hilde Farinon for their valuable contribution to a successful audit!

For more information visit www.advario.com

Rotork has been awarded a contract to supply IQ3 and Skilmatic SI range actuators to an essential and unique industrial decarbonisation project in Norway.

Northern Lights is developing the world’s first open-source CO2 transport and storage infrastructure. It is a major milestone towards decarbonising Europe, and as a first-of-its-kind operation, it is trailblazing for similar projects in the future.

To meet the Norwegian and European Union’s long-term climate targets, a full-scale Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) project called “Longship” is scheduled to be operational by 2024. Northern Lights provides CO2 transport and storage as a service as part of this full-scale operation.

The process begins when the liquefied CO2 is shipped from industrial capture sites to an onshore receiving terminal located on the Norwegian west coast.

At the receiving terminal, liquefied CO2 will be transferred from the ship to intermediate storage tanks. From there, the liquefied CO2 will be transported by pipelines 100 km offshore to be injected and stored safely and permanently in a saline aquifer 2.6 km under the seabed.

Skilmatic SI actuators were selected for CO2 storage tank applications at the onshore receiving terminal; the actuators feature smart technology so that in the event of an Emergency Shutdown (ESD) valves will close to protect the system.

IQ3 actuators will operate shut-off valves along the pipeline when required, in line with stringent safety system requirements. Equinor chose Rotork’s robust, safe and reliable actuators due to their prior experience with Rotork products in the oil and gas offshore environment. The actuators are due to be installed in 2023.

A significant strategic ambition for the Northern Lights project supply chain was for ‘zero maintenance’. Rotork’s flow control solutions have a proven track record of extensive reliability for decades, perfectly suiting this project.

The Northern Lights project aligns with Rotork’s commitment to supporting the energy transition. Rotork will continue to focus on principle needs for next-generation CCS projects, including optimising operations, improving efficiency and reducing risks.

For more information visit www.rotork.com/en

Trelleborg Marine and Infrastructure partnered with Höegh LNG to supply its industry-leading SafePilot Offshore solutions for a first-of-its-kind Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal in Wilhelmshaven, Germany. The terminal, officially commissioned week commencing December 17, 2022, took ten months to construct.

Trelleborg’s products for this project include its field-proven CAT MAX Portable Pilot Units (PPUs) and SafePilot Control Unit, which combines the functions of both a Vessel Positioning System (VPS) & Berthing Aid System (BAS).

Richard Hepworth, President of Trelleborg Marine and Infrastructure, said: “It is an honour to be a part of this groundbreaking project with our long-term partner, Höegh LNG. Our SafePilot Offshore solutions are modular in design, so transitioning to these systems is extremely easy and seamless. SafePilot software configurations are also modified according to our client’s specific requirements, making them highly reliable and effective. In the long run, these offerings are crucial to ensuring port operations are safe, efficient, and sustainable.”

As part of this project, Trelleborg’s VPS will deploy on board the FSRU. In combination with the CAT MAX PPU on LNG carriers and support vessels, the system will provide 360-degree visibility and 6-axis monitoring of all floating assets, in addition, the system will serve as a unified monitoring system for pilots, tugs, and FSRU.

Hepworth continues: “In our role as Höegh LNG’s trusted partner, we’ve thoroughly enjoyed evaluating their operational and technical requirements and providing comprehensive solutions. As the safest and most accurate berthing aid and navigational support system available in the market today, our SafePilot Offshore solution sets the standard in confined water navigation.”

Trelleborg’s SafePilot Offshore provides operators with 360-degree visibility of all critical offshore operations, including loading and unloading, single and multiple buoy mooring, dual berth transfer, and FPSO drift monitoring – all with real-time updates.

It allows operators to analyse the approach, drift, alignment, and distance between assets during critical berthing, ship-to-ship transfers, and buoy loading and unloading, so they can adjust positioning as needed to optimise operations.

For more information visit www.trelleborg.com/en/marine-and-infrastructure

Proton Ventures and Fichtner are conducting a feasibility study for a multinational energy corporation for green hydrogen/ammonia production facilities at various locations throughout the world. The feasibility study will define the feasibility of a green ammonia production plant in Southern Europe, as well as explore other locations in South America and Africa.

The green ammonia plant will be fed with green hydrogen produced by electrolyzers which will be powered by renewable energy. The green ammonia produced will be used in the countries as well as exported to markets with a large ammonia, hydrogen or energy demand.

“This project fits perfectly with the countries’ strategies for the energy transition, and it is important for us to become part of this transition,” the client says.

“As a pioneer in the green ammonia industry for more than 20 years, Proton Ventures considers this to be a great opportunity to further develop the business. Together with our partner Fichtner, we have the right team in place to contribute to the transition towards green ammonia for the chemical and sustainable energy industry.” – Kevin Kardux, Manager Sales Engineering at Proton Ventures.

“During the last 30 years in which we have worked in hydrogen, it has been a niche sector. It is exciting to see how hydrogen is now rapidly reshaping how energy is transformed, transported and consumed. This project is a great example of how hydrogen can become a global commodity in the fight against climate change. We are therefore excited about the opportunity to contribute to its success.” – Matthias Schlegel, Head of Hydrogen at Fichtner.

All the stakeholders involved consider this project to be a great opportunity to contribute to the energy transition with the possibility to evolve towards more green hydrogen/ammonia initiatives and opportunities in the near future.

For more information visit www.protonventures.com

Vallourec has signed a long-term agreement with Petrobras for OCTG (Oil Country Tubular Goods) solutions. The three-year agreement covers the supply of OCTG Premium products, associated accessories, and specialised physical and digital services, representing a volume of supply above 110kt of products and accessories.

These products, associated accessories, and physical and digital services will support Petrobras in its offshore Oil & Gas exploration and production wells in the key Brazilian pre-salt oil region, an offshore reserve located below some 4,000 meters of salt and post-salt sediments. The pre-salt area production is expected to represent over 70 percent of Petrobras’ total production between 2023 and 2027.

This latest contract with Petrobras represents an increased scope for Vallourec, including for the first time, the supply of seamless 16” to 18” large diameter pipes manufactured in Brazil using state-of-the-art technology at its Jeceaba (Minas Gerais) mill and which will support Petrobras to maximise its production.

Petrobras will also leverage Vallourec’s digital solutions, including full pipe traceability, Smartengo Running Expert to circular economy solution for reuse of protectors, slings, and other components.

Philippe Guillemot, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Vallourec, commented: “I am delighted by this new agreement, which further cements the long-standing relationship between Vallourec and Petrobras.

This latest contract further demonstrates Vallourec’s ability to deliver solutions to the industry that are both technology and efficiency enablers to key players in the industry. I am grateful to Petrobras for once again placing its confidence in Vallourec for the exploitation of this key exploration area”.

For more information visit www.vallourec.com

The foundation stone of the renewable green hydrogen and synthetic methane production plant built by P2X Solutions was laid today in Harjavalta. Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä and Chairman of P2X Solutions’ Board Esa Härmälä attended the ceremony among other guests.

P2X Solutions’ Harjavalta plant is Finland’s first industrial-scale green hydrogen production plant that is progressing to the construction stage.

“The actual construction of hydrogen projects commencing in Satakunta today is part of the positive change that is taking place in the energy industry but has been overshadowed by the energy crisis so far. However, that is why the green transition is being accelerated by energy self-sufficiency in addition to environmental reasons,” states Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä. “We must also remember that there is market demand for example for green steel, in the production of which hydrogen plays an important role. Additionally, hydrogen is crucial for the heavy transport sector.”

“Today, we are making history in Finnish industry in Harjavalta. Once completed in 2024, P2X Solutions’ plant will open the market for Finnish green hydrogen. We believe that the Harjavalta plant is only the first development step in taking Finland to the top of the European hydrogen economy,” says Esa Härmälä, Chairman of the Board of P2X Solutions.

Laying the foundation stone of the Harjavalta plant is a major step for P2X Solutions as a company. The plant also boosts regional vitality in Satakunta.

“The first large-scale hydrogen plant creates significant know-how in Finland on the national and even international level and employs several experts in various business areas and on multiple levels of the value chain. I am extremely proud of what P2X Solutions has accomplished as a team. I would also like to warmly thank the Town of Harjavalta and other local operators for the good cooperation in promoting this project,” states Herkko Plit, CEO of P2X Solutions.

Green hydrogen production is part of Europe’s plan to move away from an economy that is based on fossil raw materials and energy. In the green hydrogen economy, fossil energy is replaced with clean electricity, which is increasingly produced using wind and solar power. Renewable green hydrogen and synthetic methane can help reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of industry and transport and thus support the achievement of climate and environmental targets.

P2X Solutions is a sustainable Finnish pioneer in green hydrogen and Power-to-X technology. The company was established in 2020, and its objective is to achieve 1 GW of electrolysis capacity by 2031.

In 2021, P2X Solutions’ Harjavalta plant received an approximately EUR 26 million grant for new energy technology from the Ministry of Employment and the Economy. In addition, the project has been funded by the Climate Fund.

For more information www.p2x.fi/en/

Chevron is contributing to a joint collaborative development project for Applied Impact Robotics’ technology. This novel robot solution enables remote, in-service inspection of crude oil Above Ground Storage Tanks (ASTs). The current inspection processes result in major cost, safety, and environmental concerns, prompting the need for this advanced technology.

Crude oil storage tanks are subject to corrosion, particularly on the tank floor. The American Petroleum Institute (API) requires operators to perform internal inspections of these tanks to prevent threats. Due to the sludge on the tank floor and the limits of today’s technology, these inspections must be performed only when the tanks have been emptied. This leads to concerns about human safety, lost revenue, and a possible negative environmental impact.

Applied Impact Robotics’ novel robot technology makes remote, in-service tank inspections possible. Using a tethered robot, the technology combines vibration and fluid injection to modify the sludge environment. Once the robot has reduced sludge viscosity, it can use Phased Array Ultrasonic (PAU) sensors to inspect the tank floor and send high-resolution imagery to operators to assess the tank’s condition. The solution provides real-time data, so operators can produce more accurate maintenance schedules. This approach extends the asset’s life, reduces lost revenue due to maintenance outages, and eliminates unnecessary maintenance costs. Additionally, it allows operators to meet regulatory requirements while mitigating risks such as human safety, environmental impact, and costs associated with tanks being out-of-service during inspection.

The joint collaboration with Applied Impact Robotics and Chevron seeks to validate the technology’s effectiveness through testing phases. Having access to Chevron’s storage tank assets will allow Applied Impact Robotics to validate the effectiveness of the robot and the PAU technology with different sludge profiles. Combining this validation with demonstrating the liquefaction and robot propulsion techniques and the tethering reliability, Applied Impact Robotics will be closer to providing industry operators with a more cost-effective and safe solution for tank inspections.

For more information visit www.appliedimpactrobotics.com