Clariant to Supply Catalysts for World’s Largest Electric Steam Methane Reformer
Clariant, based in Munich, said it has signed a supply agreement with SYPOX to manufacture catalysts for a 10 megawatt electric steam methane reformer (e-SMR), which reportedly will be the largest of its kind when it begins operations in 2026. The facility is expected to generate about 150 tons of syngas daily using renewable electricity.
SYPOX, founded in 2021 as a spin-out from the Technical University of Munich, develops technologies to electrify chemical processes that traditionally depend on fossil fuels. The company said its e-SMR design eliminates the need for external fuel combustion by directly electrifying the reforming reaction inside the reactor. Compared to conventional systems, the design is significantly more compact and is expected to reduce emissions from syngas production.
Clariant said the collaboration combines SYPOX’s electrical reformer technology with its catalyst expertise to lower emissions compared to conventional SMR processes. The company said the e-SMR system will be both the first commercial installation and the largest operating unit of its type.
Separately, on September 8, Clariant Oil Services launched ClariHub, a digital platform providing customers with 24/7 access to technical documents, product data, and sustainability metrics. The company said the tool is designed to streamline compliance and operational planning for the oil and gas industry.
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Amanda Joshi
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Amanda Joshi has more than 18 years of experience in business-to-business publishing for both print and digital content. Before joining Chemical Processing, she worked with Manufacturing.net and Electrical Contracting Products. She’s a versatile, award-winning editor with experience in writing and editing technical content, executing marketing strategy, developing new products, attending industry events and developing customer relationships.
Amanda graduated from Northern Illinois University in 2001 with a B.A. in English and has been an English teacher. She lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and daughter, and their mini Aussiedoodle, Riley. In her rare spare time, she enjoys reading, tackling DIY projects, and horseback riding.