- 45% less natural gas usage
- Up to 98% CO₂ capture efficiency
- Modular and scalable electric SMR
- Proven technology with global references
Blue Hydrogen production perfectly fits industrial applications and the utility sector with a high potential to produce low-carbon hydrogen.
NX eBlue™ technology exploits electrically powered steam reforming of natural gas for hydrogen production, requiring only 55% of the natural gas needed in conventional SMR. The CO₂ to be captured is 45% lower than conventional SMR, at pressure and with a CO₂ recovery efficiency higher than 98%, leading to lower costs of CO₂ capture.

Key Benefits
- Production adaptability: feedstock as per conventional SMR.
- Operational efficiency: Extensive operational flexibility leveraging on a precise electric control system.
- Environmental Efficiency: Reduced CO2 emissions by 33% to 45% compared to ALL grey and blue steam methane reforming methods, achieving over 98% carbon capture efficiency.
- Energy Efficiency: Use of less than one-third of the renewable energy required for electrolysis, enabling consistent hydrogen production even with limited renewable power.
Industrial Applications
NX eBlue™ is suitable for:
- Steel manufacturing
- Synfuels production
- Refineries
- Chemical
Technical Overview
At the heart of the NX eBlue™ process is an electric reformer design.
This electric reformer incorporates commercial electric heating elements positioned around a compact arrangement of tubular reactors
NEXTCHEM is MAIRE’s company dedicated to Sustainable Technology Solutions. Leveraging our deep expertise in nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon capture, fuels, chemicals, and polymers, we deliver groundbreaking solutions and processes that fully enable the energy transition.
Building on the rich legacy of our group for over 70 years, we are dedicated to developing and offering technology solutions, processes, basic engineering designs, as wellas proprietary equipment and catalysts, to drive global decarbonization efforts forward.
Whether you're planning a new hydrogen facility, upgrading an existing plant, or seeking low-carbon alternatives, Nextchem provides:
- Technology licensing
- Process design packages (PDP)
- Proprietary equipment
- Digital solutions
- Post-PDP services
Download the leaflet to discover all the key feature about our tecnology.
What is NX eBlue™ and how does it work?
NX eBlue™ is an electrically powered steam methane reforming (SMR) process, where electric heating elements provide the thermal energy needed for hydrogen production, replacing traditional fired burners.
How is NX eBlue™ different from conventional SMR?
While the reforming chemistry is the same, NX eBlue™ uses electric resistance heaters instead of fuel combustion, cutting natural gas use by 45% and enabling more efficient, lower-emission hydrogen production.
What are the emissions benefits of NX eBlue™?
The process generates 45% less CO₂ than standard SMR without carbon capture and allows for 98%+ CO₂ recovery, resulting in lower capture volumes and associated costs.
What kind of applications is NX eBlue™ suited for?
NX eBlue™ is ideal for industrial and utility-scale hydrogen projects where electrification is available and space or emissions are limited such as blue hydrogen hubs, refineries, and chemical plants.
How does NX eBlue™ compare to electrolysis in terms of cost?
NX eBlue™ generally offers lower CAPEX and OPEX than electrolysis while still significantly reducing carbon emissions, making it a cost-effective option for low-carbon hydrogen production where natural gas is available.