Perspective Dec. 8, 2021
Exploring the potential for a hydrogen hub in southern England
ExxonMobil is joining a feasibility study to look at how hydrogen and carbon capture and storage (CCS) could be used to help lower emissions across the Southampton U.K. industrial cluster.
Perspective Dec. 8, 2021
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What’s happening:
ExxonMobil has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with gas distribution company SGN and Green Investment Group (GIG) to look at ways to lower industrial CO2 emissions in the Southampton (U.K.) area, including at the company’s Fawley (U.K.) complex, using low-carbon, or “blue,” hydrogen.
Blue hydrogen is a term often used to refer to hydrogen that has been manufactured from natural gas with carbon capture and storage technology capturing the associated CO2 emissions from the process.
If the technical and business feasibility of the initiative is confirmed, a facility to capture industrial CO2 emissions could be constructed near the Southampton Water industrial cluster in southern England. The captured CO2 would then be shipped offshore for safe and permanent storage.
The production of hydrogen could, in such a scenario, begin as early as 2030. Initial projections from the study identify that carbon capture and storage facilities associated with the hydrogen production could capture nearly 2 million metric tones of CO2 per year, while potentially producing more than 4 TWh of hydrogen annually.
Why it matters:
The potential of this initiative could increase the use of hydrogen, which may help decarbonize the area’s industrial sector. Hydrogen would be delivered to customers to help reduce emissions from domestic heating, industrial processes and transportation, and CO2 would be captured and shipped to a secure offshore storage location. This could also attract significant investment in the community, support existing employment and stimulate the creation of local jobs.
This initiative is a key part of ExxonMobil’s plan to advance climate solutions while providing the energy and products modern society demands.
Lowering carbon with blue hydrogen
Natural gas
Natural gas is comprised largely of methane (CH4) and can be turned into hydrogen through a reforming process
Water
Hydrogen
Once isolated, hydrogen can be used for domestic heating, transportation and in other industrial areas.
Steam methane reforming
Natural gas and steam undergo a series of reactions and separation to make H2 and CO2.
Carbon storage
CO2 is removed, transported and permenently stored.
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