- 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 and capacity flexibility
- Operational efficiency: small reactor size and footprint compared with the standard SMR
- Environmental efficiency: energy-efficient reforming technology with low CO₂ emissions 45% less than standard SMR w/o CC
- Financial efficiency: lower CAPEX and OPEX requirements over ELZ
Industrial Applications
NX eBlue™ is suitable for:
- Steel manufacturing
- Synfuels production
- Refineries
- Chemical
Technical Overview
The process is equivalent to the standard Steam Methane Reformer (SMR) process.
The geometry of the reactor has been changed with the use of annular-shaped half-cylinder electrical heating elements surrounding.
The catalytic tubes in order to supply the process gas with the thermal duty necessary to sustain the endothermicity of the steam reforming reaction.
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.