Chevron Phillips Chemical, Technip Energies and LyondellBasell are collaborating on the design, construction and operation of a demonstration unit for Technip Energies’ electric steam cracking furnace technology, designed to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the olefins production process.
The demonstration unit, which will be constructed at LyondellBasell’s site in Channelview, Texas, is expected to advance the global energy transition by taking steps toward decarbonizing the olefins production process, said Arnaud Pieton, CEO of Technip Energies.
Electric cracking furnace can reduce furnace GHG emissions by up to 90% compared to a conventional furnace.
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.
Technip Energies 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 the greenhouse gas emissions associated with olefins production.
“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,” said Bruce Chinn, President and CEO of Chevron Phillips Chemical. “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.”