LSB Ind. turns to Bloom Energy to build 10 MW electrolyser for large-scale green hydrogen production

Operating at superior efficiencies compared to PEM and alkaline electrolyser technologies, Bloom Energy’s solid oxide electrolyser is uniquely positioned to unlock clean, low-cost hydrogen at the scale needed for a net-zero economy. Bloom Energy’s high-temperature electrolyser requires less energy to generate hydrogen than low-temperature electrolysers on the market today. When integrated with the most energy efficient high-temperature processes like ammonia synthesis, which produces extra heat energy, Bloom’s electrolyser is up to 30-40 percent more efficient than competing electrolyser technologies, resulting in the lowest cost hydrogen for end customer use. With electricity accounting for up to 80% of the cost of hydrogen production through electrolysis, solid oxide electrolysis at scale offers a viable, cost-accessible pathway to hydrogen production. Further, clean hydrogen produced at LSB’s facility may qualify for federal incentive programs, such as those currently under evaluation by Congress.

Rick Beuttel, vice president, hydrogen business, Bloom Energy said: “Achieving a net-zero future requires clean hydrogen at scale, and the collaboration between Bloom Energy and LSB is a milestone for both green hydrogen production and the decarbonisation of an industry that’s vital to farmers and consumers alike. We’re excited to collaborate with LSB to provide significant electrolysis efficiencies, demonstrating that zero-carbon fuels are available and accessible today.”

Ammonia is a crucial component in agricultural fertilizers, with 80% of ammonia production used to fertilize crops that will grow food necessary to feed the world. The vital production of ammonia, however, has historically been even more emissions-intensive than other hard-to-abate industrial sectors like cement or steel. The 10 MW solid oxide electrolyser installation – which will contribute to making LSB’s Pryor facility the largest green ammonia production site in North America – will demonstrate the ability of hydrogen to decarbonise ammonia production and other industrial sectors, which are collectively responsible for more than one-third of global energy consumption.

ThyssenKrupp, a leading global technology, engineering, procurement, construction, and service provider to chemical plants, will co-develop the multi-phase project, developing an initial engineering design to convert a small portion of existing conventional ‘grey’ ammonia capacity at LSB’s Pryor facility into green ammonia. Bloom Energy will then install, operate, and maintain the 10 MW electrolyser at LSB’s Pryor facility, targeting hydrogen production to begin in 2023.

For more news and technical articles from the global hydrogen sector, read the latest issue of Global Hydrogen Review magazine.

Global Hydrogen Review's Spring 2022 issue

The inaugural issue of Global Hydrogen Review is full of detailed technical articles and case studies exploring the entire spectrum of hydrogen production and its applications worldwide. This issue covers a range of topics including the current status of blue hydrogen, how cryogenic technology is helping to shape the energy transition, and integrity management of hydrogen pipelines. Other features include green hydrogen, simulation, transportation, compressor technology, and much more.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalhydrogenreview.com/hydrogen/27052022/lsb-ind-turns-to-bloom-energy-to-build-10-mw-electrolyser-for-large-scale-green-hydrogen-production/