Piloting Cutting-Edge Carbonate Fuel Cell Technology for CO2 Emissions Reduction

ExxonMobil, in collaboration with FuelCell Energy, has initiated an innovative pilot project to assess the effectiveness of carbonate fuel cell (CFC) technology in reducing CO2 emissions from industrial processes. The primary focus of this partnership is to evaluate the potential of CFC technology within ExxonMobil’s affiliate, Esso Nederland BV, which will be constructing a pilot plant at its Rotterdam Manufacturing Complex.

In addition to evaluating the technical feasibility of CFC technology in a real-world setting, the project aims to gain insights into the financial aspects of setting up and operating a CFC facility for carbon capture.

This groundbreaking carbonate fuel cell technology, developed in partnership with FuelCell Energy, is expected to play a pivotal role in reducing environmental impact and could potentially revolutionize key industries. Unlike traditional methods, carbonate fuel cells have the unique capability of capturing CO2 emissions from industrial sources before they are released into the atmosphere. They also produce valuable by-products, enhancing the overall efficiency of the capture process and creating additional value streams, ultimately reducing the cost of carbon capture and storage.

Furthermore, CFC technology is modular and adaptable, making it feasible to facilitate carbon capture at various deployment scales. Once this technology is deemed technically viable for widespread implementation, it could offer cost-effective decarbonization solutions for clients across a wide spectrum of industries, contributing to the overarching objective of transitioning towards a net-zero future.

Geoff Richardson, Senior Vice President of Commercial and Business Development for ExxonMobil Low Carbon Solutions, emphasized the distinct advantage of CFC technology, underscoring its ability to not only trap CO2, but also generate low-carbon power, heat, and hydrogen as by-products. He expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to test this pioneering technology at ExxonMobil’s Rotterdam facility.

As the first site globally to test this technology, the Esso integrated manufacturing site in Rotterdam will be at the forefront of this groundbreaking initiative. If the demonstration proves successful, ExxonMobil may consider implementing this technology at its manufacturing facilities worldwide.

Furthermore, the pilot initiative of ExxonMobil and FuelCell Energy has secured financial support from the European Union through the Emissions Trading System Innovation Fund and from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency through a Demonstration Energy and Climate Innovation (DEI+) grant.

In conclusion, the collaboration between ExxonMobil and FuelCell Energy to pilot carbonate fuel cell technology represents a significant step towards achieving a greener and more sustainable future. With the potential to reduce CO2 emissions and pave the way for cost-effective decarbonization solutions, this innovative technology holds great promise for industries seeking to embrace environmentally-friendly practices.