Air Products plans to construct a cutting-edge carbon capture and carbon dioxide (CO2) treatment facility at its existing hydrogen production plant in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
This innovative facility, expected to be operational by 2026, is set to produce “blue” hydrogen to cater to ExxonMobil’s (Esso) Rotterdam refinery and other customers through Air Products’ extensive hydrogen pipeline network system. Once operational, it will be the largest blue hydrogen plant in Europe.
The heart of this transformation lies in the retrofit that will capture CO2 emissions from both Air Products’ existing hydrogen plant and ExxonMobil’s Rotterdam refinery. Furthermore, the plant will be seamlessly connected to the Porthos system, a pioneering consortium working on the first large-scale CO2 transport and storage system in the Netherlands, which recently secured final investment decision approval. The captured CO2 will be transported to depleted gas fields deep in the North Sea, approximately 20 kilometers off the coast, where it will be permanently stored more than three kilometers below the seabed.
This dynamic venture not only marks a significant step in reducing Air Products’ CO2 emissions but also plays a vital role in achieving the Dutch National Climate Agreement targets. Air Products is dedicated to further decarbonizing its own operations and that of its customers by making plans to offer green hydrogen generated from imported renewable energy in the Rotterdam port area.
Air Products’ collaboration with ExxonMobil and the Dutch State on this project underscores the company’s long-term commitment to environmental stewardship. This blue hydrogen production will be instrumental in helping various industries and the mobility sector transition to cleaner energy sources while also contributing to the preservation and creation of jobs in a key industrial region.
Dr. Samir J. Serhan, Chief Operating Officer of Air Products, emphasizes the company’s dedication to reducing emissions and decarbonizing industry activities. He highlights the impact of sequestering CO2 through Porthos and the provision of blue hydrogen to ExxonMobil and other clients, which collectively contribute to a greener future.
ExxonMobil is equally committed to environmental sustainability, with aspirations to achieve net-zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions from its operated assets by 2050. Edward Dekker Kleijn, Rotterdam Site Manager, underscores the significance of this project as a major step in reducing carbon dioxide emissions in the Rotterdam port area. Carbon Capture and Storage, a critical technology in addressing climate goals, is prominently showcased in this collaborative effort to curb emissions.
