The Baytown plant is expected to be the “world’s largest of its kind upon startup,” scheduled to produce up to 28.3 million metres of low-carbon hydrogen daily and nearly one million tonnes of ammonia per year.
The contract awarded to global engineering company Worley will be subject to a final investment decision on the facility, supportive government policy and necessary regulatory permits.
“We’re delighted to continue our strategic, global relationship with ExxonMobil in its execution of upcoming projects,” explained Chris Ashton, Worley CEO, “Particularly in delivering this EPC project on the US Gulf Coast, which contributes significantly to strengthening Worley’s backlog.”
So far this year, both Mitsubishi Corporation and ADNOC acquired stakes in the Baytown plant, which they expect to reach FID next year and start in 2029.
Blue hydrogen is forecasted to be a key energy driver in the US in 2025, with global consultancy Wood Mackenzie predicting that at least three large-scale blue hydrogen projects in the country will reach FID next year.
Exceeding 1.5 million tonnes per annum, the successful progression of financial closes would establish the US as a global leader in blue hydrogen production. It already boasts the largest post-FID blue hydrogen capacity in the world.
Read more:US blue hydrogen to gain ground in 2025 as green hydrogen faces headwinds: Wood Mackenzie
