Topsoe to Build Cutting-Edge US Electrolyzer Factory for Clean Hydrogen

Topsoe, a renowned leader in technologies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, has unveiled its plans to construct a state-of-the-art facility in Chesterfield, Virginia. This facility will focus on manufacturing advanced and energy-efficient Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cells (SOEC), vital for the effective production of clean hydrogen and its derivatives such as eAmmonia and eMethanol. The decision by Topsoe to announce this plan represents its largest investment in the United States thus far and follows the company's receipt of an allocation of nearly $136 million in federal Section 48C tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act.

This investment, exceeding $400 million, is poised to create at least 150 direct job opportunities in Virginia, with an additional 1,000 indirect jobs anticipated throughout the value chain. With a targeted capacity surpassing 1 GW, the factory's production of electrolyzer stacks is projected to facilitate an annual avoidance of greenhouse gas emissions of up to 2 million tonnes CO2e. This avoidance is equivalent to the emissions prevented by more than 400,000 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles driven for a year.

Electrolyzers play a pivotal role in decarbonizing energy-intensive industries such as steel, mining, and long-distance transportation, collectively responsible for approximately 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions. In these sectors where direct electrification is not always feasible, the efficiency of Topsoe's SOEC technology, enhancing electrolyzer efficiency by up to 30% compared to alternative electrolysis technologies, enables the production of more hydrogen per total power input.

Governor Glenn Youngkin expressed enthusiasm over Topsoe's decision, highlighting Virginia's robust workforce, strategic location, and favorable business climate as conducive factors for the company's growth as a leader in the clean energy sector.

US Senator Mark R. Warner lauded the Inflation Reduction Act as a significant step towards maintaining American manufacturing leadership, fostering the creation of clean energy jobs, and addressing climate change. He welcomed Topsoe's announcement as a testament to the execution of this vision in Chesterfield County, emphasizing the role of tax credits from this legislation in driving job creation across the Commonwealth.

US Senator Tim Kaine echoed Warner's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of investments made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act in facilitating Topsoe's establishment of a cutting-edge facility in Chesterfield County. He expressed optimism regarding the economic growth, job creation, and advancement towards a clean energy future that this project promises.

US Representative Jennifer McClellan highlighted the significant economic impact expected from the new Topsoe facility in Chesterfield County, anticipating the creation of hundreds of jobs and stimulation of millions of dollars in economic activity. She reaffirmed her commitment, alongside Senators Warner and Kaine, to accelerating the transition to a clean-energy future and securing federal investments for the Commonwealth.

Roeland Baan, CEO at Topsoe, expressed delight in announcing plans for the new facility, emphasizing its pivotal role in manufacturing Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cell stacks, essential components for the world's most efficient electrolyzer technology in producing clean hydrogen. Baan credited legislative initiatives such as the Inflation Reduction Act and unwavering support from states like Virginia for accelerating the clean energy transition. He reiterated Topsoe's dedication to innovation and commitment to driving down the cost of clean hydrogen production while simultaneously creating clean energy jobs in the US.

Kim Hedegaard, CEO at Power-to-X at Topsoe, emphasized the company's belief in a sustainable future driven by science. He highlighted the innovative SOEC technology employed in the new facility, boasting efficiency levels up to 30% higher than competing technologies. Hedegaard underscored the economic and environmental benefits expected to be realized in the years to come through the manufacturing of clean hydrogen facilitated by Topsoe's new facility.