Linde announced on 6 February that it has agreed to a long-term commitment to supply clean hydrogen and other industrial gases to OCI’s latest, large-scale blue ammonia plant in Beaumont, Texas. As part of the agreement, Linde will construct, own, and operate an autothermal reforming facility, including carbon capture technology, in addition to a sizable air separation plant. 

This complex will be seamlessly linked with Linde’s already extensive Gulf Coast industrial gas infrastructure, to provide clean hydrogen and nitrogen to OCI’s yearly 1.1-million-ton blue ammonia plant, the first greenfield ammonia facility of its size to become operational in the United States. Through sequestration of more than 1.7 million metric tons of CO2emissions per annum, Linde will supply OCI with clean hydrogen. 

Furthermore, with its expansive pipeline network, Linde is well-equipped to satisfy the rising demand for companies to decarbonize their operations by providing clean hydrogen to both new and existing clients in the U.S. Gulf Coast area. Lastly, the facility will be able to distribute atmospheric and rare gases to both new and existing customers. In total, Linde is investing approximately $1.8 billion in the venture, which is projected to start operations in 2025.

“Linde’s capabilities are already enabling the transition to a low carbon intensity economy,” said Sanjiv Lamba, Chief Executive Officer, Linde. “Our strategy is to support decarbonization by working with off-takers, like OCI, to safely and reliably supply low carbon industrial gases at scale. With Linde’s track record in successfully executing complex projects, its extensive pipeline network, and support from the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, the company is well positioned to secure many more clean energy projects.”

“The Beaumont facility will allow us to build and strengthen our world-leading blue ammonia and clean fuels platform, supplying both the U.S. and export markets with blue ammonia, an ideal solution to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors such as agriculture, power and marine fuels at a competitive cost,” said Ahmed El-Hoshy, Chief Executive Officer, OCI. “Linde’s expertise in managing large-scale and complex engineering projects, and safely and reliably delivering industrial gases, made it a solid choice as a partner for this project.”