ExxonMobil Pioneers Hydrogen Burners for Decarbonizing Olefins Production
Key Ideas
  • ExxonMobil has successfully developed pyrolysis burners that can operate on up to 100% hydrogen fuel, reducing carbon emissions in olefins production.
  • Commercial testing at the Baytown, Texas plant demonstrated that these hydrogen-capable burners can produce ethylene and other olefins identical to traditional methods.
  • The company plans to expand the use of these burners in additional steam cracking furnaces, aiming for a 90% reduction in direct CO2 emissions.
  • ExxonMobil is preparing for hydrogen production by building a plant at Baytown that will capture and store over 98% of the CO2 emissions created during the process.
ExxonMobil has made significant progress in the decarbonization of the chemical industry by pioneering the use of hydrogen in olefins production. The company has designed and installed pyrolysis burners at its Baytown, Texas plant that can operate on up to 100% hydrogen fuel, a move aimed at reducing carbon emissions associated with traditional hydrocarbon-fueled furnaces. The successful commercial testing of these burners has shown that they can produce ethylene and other olefins identically to conventional methods, marking a major breakthrough in emissions reduction. ExxonMobil plans to further implement these hydrogen-capable burners in additional steam cracking furnaces at the Baytown plant in the coming years, with the goal of achieving a 90% reduction in direct CO2 emissions from the process. Additionally, the company is preparing for future hydrogen production by constructing a plant at Baytown that will prioritize capturing and storing over 98% of the CO2 emissions generated during production. This innovative approach represents a significant step towards a more sustainable future in the chemical industry, showcasing ExxonMobil's commitment to driving the energy transition and reducing environmental impact.
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