Clariant will supply catalysts to SYPOX’s e-SMR, enabling large-scale syngas production with renewable electricity and lower CO2 emissions.
Clariant, a leading specialty chemicals company with a strong focus on sustainability, has entered into a strategic supply agreement with SYPOX to provide catalysts for what is set to become the world’s largest electric steam methane reformer (e-SMR). This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to decarbonize industrial chemical production by combining SYPOX’s state-of-the-art electrical reformer technology with Clariant’s long-standing catalyst expertise. The revolutionary e-SMR project is slated to commence operations in 2026 and will leverage 10 megawatts of renewable electricity to produce an estimated 150 tons of syngas per day, dramatically reducing carbon dioxide emissions compared to conventional processes.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with SYPOX to design, optimize, and produce the high-performance catalyst for their inaugural 10 MW e-SMR plant,” said Xaver Karsunke, Vice President Specialties at Clariant Catalysts. “SYPOX’s technology represents a true breakthrough in the reforming process and will enable highly efficient syngas production. This plant is anticipated to be not only the largest facility of its kind but also the first to operate commercially on this scale.”
Martin Baumgaertl, Chief Technology Officer at SYPOX, added, “As innovators focused on electrifying chemical processes, partnering with a globally recognized catalyst leader like Clariant is invaluable. We are eager to combine our technologies and expertise to deliver this e-SMR system to our client successfully.”
SYPOX, founded in 2021 as a spin-off from the Technical University of Munich, received initial funding from the German Ministry of Economy. The company has pioneered an innovative approach to decarbonize chemical production by electrifying traditional processes such as steam methane reforming. Unlike conventional SMR methods that rely on external fossil fuel combustion—leading to energy-intensive operations and high greenhouse gas emissions—SYPOX reformers use direct electrification within the reactor itself. This results in a system nearly two orders of magnitude more compact, significantly improving both efficiency and sustainability while simplifying plant operations. The modular and flexible design also makes the technology suitable for a broad range of applications, from small-scale modular units to large industrial installations.
Clariant brings over seven decades of expertise in catalyst development and manufacturing to this ambitious initiative. Leveraging state-of-the-art production facilities, advanced technical know-how, and a diverse portfolio of catalyst materials and capabilities, Clariant is uniquely equipped to scale and commercialize high-performance catalysts for industrial partners worldwide. This collaboration underscores Clariant’s commitment to advancing sustainable chemical processes and delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of the global market.
