- Flexible feedstocks and oxidants
- Up to 99% CO₂ capture
- Compact modular design with reduced plot space
- Scalable hydrogen output
NX CPO™ is Nextchem’s proprietary Catalytic Partial Oxidation (CPO) technology, designed to meet the decarbonization needs of hard-to-abate sectors hile maintaining operational efficiency.
This solution represents a premier choice in this arena, offering a best-in-class solution to produce syngas. Syngas is leveraged in hard to abate sector for different applications as the building block for chemicals production, as well as Hydrogen.
Current Landscape of CPO Technology includes over 10 benchscale facilities, more than 5 pilot-scale facilities and a growing portfolio of innovative patents.
Key Benefits
- Production adaptability: feedstock and capacity flexibility
- Drastic reduction of on-site activities: modularity + Small reactor size leads to a surface plot area half of BAT SMR
- Environmental efficiency: CPO is less carbon intensive than BAT SMR allowing for capturing 99% of total CO₂ emissions
- Financial efficiency: lower Capex and Opex requirements over SMR, DRI and blast furnace for steel
Industrial Applications
NX CPO™ is suitable for:
- Steel manufacturing
- Synfuels production
- Refineries
- Chemical
Technical Overview
The process involves:
- The feedstock undergoes a controlled partial oxidation: very fast conversion into syngas (CO + H2).
- For pure H2 production, the syngas undergoes a Water Gas Shift and H2 purification PSA3.
- A Pre-Combustion Carbon Capture Unit is foreseen to separate the process CO₂ from the Syngas Stream.
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 CPO™ and how does it work?
NX CPO™ is a proprietary Catalytic Partial Oxidation (CPO) technology from NextChem that converts hydrocarbon feedstocks—such as natural gas, process off-gases, or bio-based gases—into hydrogen-rich syngas. The process is called partial oxidation because only a controlled portion of the feedstock reacts with oxygen, producing hydrogen and carbon monoxide instead of fully combusting into carbon dioxide and water. This fast, exothermic reaction takes place in a compact catalytic reactor, enabling efficient syngas production without the need for external heating and with a much smaller footprint than conventional units.
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 makes NX CPO™ distinct from steam methane reforming (SMR)?
NX CPO™ uses a different reaction pathway than SMR, avoiding the need for large reformer furnaces and high external heat input. Its compact, modular design simplifies integration into existing sites, especially where space or utility access is limited. NX CPO™ also operates without steam input, reducing system complexity and enabling faster syngas conversion through direct oxidation. These differences make it a suitable alternative in specific cases where SMR deployment is less practical.
Why is NX CPO™ suited for steel, refining, and chemical industries?
Industries such as steel manufacturing, refining, and chemical processing require reliable, scalable hydrogen and syngas production. NX CPO™ addresses these needs with its small footprint, fast deployment, and feedstock flexibility — including the ability to process industrial off-gases or bio-based streams. It’s especially beneficial in brownfield projects, space-constrained sites, and where decarbonization strategies require easy integration of CO₂ capture.
What feedstocks can NX CPO™ use?
NX CPO™ is designed to handle a wide range of feedstocks, including natural gas, associated gases, refinery off-gases, and biomass-derived gases. This flexibility supports customized project configurations and enables the use of available resources while reducing environmental impact.