Topsoe, ABB, and Fluor are partnering to build a standardized Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells (SOEC) factory in Virginia, USA, pending investment approval. This facility aims to produce green hydrogen efficiently, crucial for decarbonizing industries and transport by 2030.

Zurich, Switzerland:  A new collaboration between Topsoe, ABB, and Fluor aims to establish Topsoe’s Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells (SOEC) factory in Virginia, pending Final Investment Decision. This factory will feature cutting-edge electrolyzer technology designed for efficient green hydrogen production.

Green hydrogen, alongside derivatives like green ammonia and eMethanol, is crucial for decarbonizing energy-intensive industries and long-distance transport, serving as e-fuels or chemicals.

Topsoe, known for its expertise in carbon emission reduction, joins forces with ABB, a leader in electrification and automation technology, and Fluor, renowned for engineering and construction services. Together, they plan to develop a standardized approach for building Topsoe’s next SOEC factory. This strategy aims to streamline processes, reduce costs, enhance safety, and ensure efficient project execution.

The momentum in green hydrogen projects is gaining traction, with potential production levels projected to significantly increase by 2030, as per the International Energy Agency's Global Hydrogen Review 2023. Electrolyzers powered by renewable energy sources are expected to contribute nearly 75 percent of the projected annual hydrogen production of 38 million tonnes by 2030.

Topsoe is currently advancing its first SOEC factory in Herning, Denmark, slated to commence operations by late 2024. Drawing from this experience, the alliance is well-positioned to efficiently construct the next factory through a standardized concept.

Pending final approval, the upcoming factory in Chesterfield, Virginia, aims to be operational by 2028, marking a significant step forward in advancing sustainable hydrogen production capabilities.

Kim Hedegaard, CEO Power-to-X at Topsoe, said, “We’re committed to take a leading role in driving the energy transition forward. E-fuels are an important part of the equation to reach global net zero in 2050, and we need to scale electrolyzer capacity and production of e-fuels at a higher pace than is happening today. Our SOEC solutions for production of green hydrogen can deliver a substantial contribution to the e-fuels economy and with the alliance we can build our next SOEC factory more efficient and faster.”

Brandon Spencer, President of ABB Energy Industries, said, “Progressing the energy transition at any acceptable pace and scale will require collaboration and balance between existing and new technologies, driven by formal partnerships that span the entire energy value chain. By joining forces with Topsoe and Fluor and delivering our automation and electrical expertise as part of this alliance, we can support the scaling of technology to enable society’s efforts to move towards a net-zero future.”

Richard Meserole, President of Fluor’s Advanced Technologies & Life Sciences business, said, “Fluor is proud to be part of this collaboration supporting the state-of-the-art production of electrolyzers for green hydrogen as part of the global energy transition. Fluor looks forward to continuing to help our clients and partners achieve their decarbonization goals.”