• Electric cracking furnace aspires to advance the global energy transition by taking steps toward decarbonizing the olefins production process.
• Demonstration unit, capable of utilizing low CO₂ electricity, will be built at commercial scale.

Technip Energies, LyondellBasell and Chevron Phillips Chemical (CPChem) announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the design, construction and operation of a demonstration unit for Technip Energies’ electric steam cracking furnace technology (eFurnace by T.EN™) to produce olefins. The demonstration unit will be located at LyondellBasell’s site in Channelview, Texas, USA, and is designed to prove the technology at industrial scale.

Steam cracking furnaces play a significant role in the production of basic chemicals by breaking down hydrocarbons into olefins and aromatics. This cracking process requires a temperature of more than 1,500°F (850°C).

Technip Energies, a leader in the ethylene market, developed the concept and design for the e.Furnace by T.EN™ technology, which could achieve this temperature using electricity as the heat source. The use of renewable electricity in this process would contribute to significantly reducing GHG emissions associated with olefins production.

Arnaud Pieton, CEO of Technip Energies, stated: “We are delighted to team up with LyondellBasell and CPChem to bring the eFurnace by T.EN™ to fruition. Consistent with our purpose to engineer a much-needed sustainable future Technip Energies is making huge strides toward reducing the CO₂ emissions resulting from the production of ethylene and this design will enable olefins producers to take advantage of the growing supply of available renewable energy to operate the most energy-intensive part of the plant.”

Peter Vanacker, CEO of LyondellBasell, said: “We are taking decisive steps toward reducing our absolute scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions, while creating solutions for everyday sustainable living. Deployment of an industrial-scale electric cracking furnace is one option we are considering in this space because of its ability to reduce furnace GHG emissions by up to 90% compared to a conventional furnace. Our Channelview site has the infrastructure, and our people have the expertise to test this advanced furnace technology and help our industry accelerate climate action.”

Bruce Chinn, President and CEO of Chevron Phillips Chemical, said: “Climate change is a global issue that will take action from all segments of society, and we want to be part of the solution by reducing the intensity of our carbon footprint. This project supports our efforts toward lowering the carbon intensity of our operations and demonstrates our continued focus on accelerating change for a sustainable future.”