Topsoe plans to set up an advanced factory in Chesterfield, Virginia. The new facility will manufacture energy-efficient Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cells (SOEC).
These SOECs are crucial in producing clean hydrogen and its derivatives like eAmmonia and eMethanol efficiently. The company revealed its largest US investment plan following its allocation of almost $136 million in federal Section 48C tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act.
Once the Final Investment Decision is approved, this investment, which exceeds $400M, would generate about 150 direct jobs in Virginia. Furthermore, over 1,000 indirect jobs could be created throughout the value chain.
The factory is set to have a capacity of over 1 GW. With this capacity, the electrolyzer stacks produced can avert up to 2 million tonnes of CO2e annually. This reduction corresponds to the emissions avoided from over 400,000 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles driven for a year.
Electrolyzers are crucial to the decarbonization of energy-intensive sectors. These industries, including steel, mining, and long-distance transportation, contribute approximately 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Direct electrification is not a feasible solution for these industries.
Topsoe’s SOEC technology enhances electrolyzer efficiency by up to 30% compared to alternative electrolysis technologies. Thus, it generates more hydrogen per total power input.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin expressed excitement over Topsoe’s selection of Virginia for its new factory. He claimed that Virginia’s robust workforce, strategic location, and leading business climate provide the necessary tools for Topsoe to expand as a leader in the clean energy industry.
US Senator Mark R. Warner believes the Inflation Reduction Act to be a bold step towards preserving American leadership in manufacturing, creating next-generation clean energy jobs, and battling climate change.
The development of a new Topsoe manufacturing facility in Chesterfield County fulfills his vision. Backed by tax credits from this landmark law, Virginia would continue to power the nation and spearhead the clean energy transition.
