Linde plc will build, own and operate the steam methane reformer, which will have a capacity in excess of 170 million standard cubic feet per day of high-purity hydrogen.
The project, which is due to start construction late 2019 with commercial operations scheduled to begin in 2021, was initiated by Praxair before its merger with Linde to create Linde plc, which was confirmed on March 1.
The plant will increase the Linde’s Gulf Coast hydrogen capacity to more than 1.7 billion standard cubic feet per day, with the creation of 15 new direct jobs, according to a press release from Louisiana Economic Development. It will be one of the largest hydrogen plants in the US.
“Linde is committed to be the preferred hydrogen supplier in the US Gulf Coast and this investment further reinforces our strategy to support industrial growth in this vibrant region,” said DanYankowski, President, Global HYCO at Linde plc.
“We understand that hydrogen is a critical requirement for our customers and are committed to providing long-term reliability.”
Source: Linde
The new facility will be integrated with Linde’s extensive production network as part of the company’s Mississippi River corridor hydrogen pipeline system, which supplies chemical manufacturing companies in Louisiana’s Southeast and Capital regions. The 90-mile pipeline network stretches from Baton Rouge to St Charles Parish.
It was also recently announced that Praxair, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Linde plc, has completed a major investment project at its Geismar, Louisiana facility, bringing a new plant (13 million cubic feet per day of capacity) online that will increase carbon monoxide supply to customers in the Geismar area.
Linde has also signed a long-term agreement with BASF to design, build, own and operate a new syngas processing plant at BASF’s facility in Geismar, which is due to start up by 2020.
“Linde’s commitment to Louisiana is a vote of confidence in our state’s industrial corridor, and it represents another great win for Louisiana’s growing economy,” said Gov. John Bel Edwards.
“Our business-friendly climate, our natural resources, our world-class infrastructure and our highly skilled and highly engaged workforce are all contributing to the industrial expansion we’re seeing in Louisiana. This new investment from Linde will create new opportunities for our people and support increased economic activity in the region.”