ExxonMobil sees 45V as 'critical' for H2 market: Update

: Hydrogen
25/01/31

Adds details from the earnings call

ExxonMobil chief executive officer Darren Woods said hydrogen production tax credit 45V, a key component of former President Joe Biden's efforts to curb emissions, is critical to establishing a market for the zero-emissions fuel that can stand on its own.

Pointing to the company's Baytown Low-Carbon Hydrogen project in Texas as an example, Woods noted the project depends on 45V to be economically viable.

"We believe these incentives are critical to establishing a fully market-based future where hydrogen competes head-to-head with traditional fuels," Woods said in a call following the company's release of fourth-quarter earnings. "The end goal is clear: a system where no energy source remains dependent on government subsidies."

Woods' comments come as President Donald Trump has ordered a review of the previous administration's clean energy polices, reversing a moratorium on new LNG export facilities and pausing funding related to Biden's signature climate bill, 2022's Inflation Reduction Act, which established 45V as an incentive to kickstart US hydrogen production.

Woods noted that roughly 10pc of the company's capital expenditure is earmarked for "nascent, lower-emissions markets, where market forces have yet to fully take hold."

ExxonMobil expects its low-carbon business, which includes hydrogen, lithium and carbon capture and storage, to provide $2bn in earnings growth between now and 2030, chief financial officer Kathryn Mikells said on the earnings call.

ExxonMobil is developing what it describes as the largest low-carbon hydrogen plant in the world in Baytown, designed to produce 1bn cf/d of hydrogen from natural gas with carbon capture. If completed as designed, the project would represent nearly 10pc of the Biden administration's goal as laid out in the US National Clean Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap, the company says on its website.

Most of the plant's production would be used to decarbonize its refinery operations at Baytown but the company recently signed an agreement to sell ammonia from the plant to European trading firm Trammo. Japanese power producer Jera has said it is considering 500,000 t/yr of ammonia offtake from the plant as part of its plans to take an equity stake in the project.

Earlier in January, ExxonMobil announced a technical breakthrough that would enable it to crack hydrocarbon molecules into olefins for plastics using furnaces that operate entirely on hydrogen fuel. The company said it is the first company to demonstrate this technology at industrial scale and is a part of "getting hydrogen-ready."  The company is expected to make a final investment decision on the hydrogen plant later this year.

By Jasmina Kelemen

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25/03/04

Germany launches second industry decarbonisation call

Berlin, 4 March (Argus) — Germany's economy ministry has launched a second call for funding decarbonisation projects aimed at mid-sized industry companies, the tender manager announced today. The main tender part, managed by Cottbus-based Competence Centre for Climate Protection in Energy-Intensive Industries KEI, addresses decarbonisation measures planned by mid-sized companies, either through the electrification of processes or the use of hydrogen. Support is capped at €200mn per project. Interested companies are expected to submit a "meaningful" outline of their project by 15 May, KEI said. The formal application phase will begin once their proposal has been accepted. Financing will be provided under the EU's Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework (TCTF), which aims to accelerate green technology funding for a climate-neutral economy. To conform with EU state aid law, grants under the TCTF must be approved by 31 December. The other part of the tender is managed by the Julich research institute and addresses carbon capture and storage or use projects, restricted to hard-to-abate emissions. Support is capped at €30mn per project, or €35mn for industrial research. A total of €3.3bn has been set aside until 2030 for the support, to be financed by Germany's climate and transformation fund KTF, itself financed through the EU emissions trading system and Germany's domestic carbon price. Both tender parts are aimed at industrial companies based in Germany, and which plan or operate plants with industrial processes that are to save at least 40pc of their carbon emissions in production through investments or research projects. The programme is focused on, but not limited to, companies in energy-intensive basic industries such as steel, chemicals, glass, ceramics, paper, cement and lime. The first tender round was held in August . The outgoing government has planned annual calls for funding until 2030. Germany's economy ministry has also held tenders for carbon contracts for difference aimed at larger industry groups. By Chloe Jardine Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

Energy a priority for Uruguay’s new government

25/02/28

Energy a priority for Uruguay’s new government

Montevideo, 28 February (Argus) — Energy will play a central role as Uruguay's new president Yamandu Orsi begins his five-year term on 1 March. Orsi, of the left-wing Broad Front coalition, takes over one of South America's most economically and politically stable countries. The economy is forecast to expand by 3pc this year, above the regional average, and the government wants to attract investment to maintain growth. The energy sector is a priority. Uruguay already has one of the region's cleanest grids, with 99pc of power coming from renewable sources, and in February reached the goal of 100pc electrification nationwide, according to the state-run electric company, UTE. The Orsi administration is studying options for the second phase of the energy transition, which includes adding capacity to meet increasing demand from electrification of transportation and clean fuel production. New finance minister Gabriel Oddone said the administration would focus on reducing red tape and potentially provide incentives for investment in the energy sector. Uruguay currently has close to 5.3GW of installed capacity, with 78pc in renewable sources, for its population of 3.5mn. The UTE, which had a profit of $315mn in 2024, is adding 100MW in wind power in the next two years. The Orsi administration plans to prioritize solar capacity. The new government is keenly following the development of low-carbon hydrogen and e-fuel projects. The most advanced project is for production of 700,000 tonnes (t) of synthetic fuel by Chile's HIF Global and ALUR, the biofuel arm of the state-owned Ancap. Investment is estimated at $6bn, making it the largest planned single investment in the country's history. The company requested approval in January of environmental permits for the project's solar park that would include 1.84mn bifacial solar panels. It would produce a peak of 1,162MW. Construction would take 18 months from approval. The municipal council in Paysandu, in northwestern Uruguay where the project is planned, on 27 February approved a change in land use to facilitate plant construction. Ancap, which lost an estimated $130mn last year because its only refinery was closed for six months, has proposed offshore production of low-carbon hydrogen. The Orsi administration has not yet committed to the project. Reverse transition? The new government will also have to also have to decide on the future of seven offshore exploration blocks, with seismic testing planned for late this year, and the possible construction of a gas pipeline that would link Argentina and Brazil. A pipeline exists from Argentina to Uruguay, but it could be expanded and extended to supply southern Brazil. It would require an additional 415km (258mi) in Uruguay, and around 500km in Brazil's Rio Grande do Sul state. Orsi has taken a wait-and-see attitude toward exploration, while a gas pipeline would likely have more popular support because it could expand service from only a section of the coast to a wider region. By Lucien Chauvin Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

EU eyes clean industry drive, climate policy tweaks

25/02/26

EU eyes clean industry drive, climate policy tweaks

Brussels, 26 February (Argus) — The European Commission today published a wide range of proposals aimed at boosting the bloc's economy, clean energy and technology, while bringing down energy costs. Several legislative proposals aim at simplification, notably on climate reporting. The commission also announced plans to expand demand aggregation and joint purchase schemes, currently in place for natural gas, to other raw materials, including lithium. And an EU critical raw material centre would jointly purchase raw materials on behalf of interested companies. EU climate commissioner Wopke Hoekstra said the commission is going "all out" to protect and advance its economy. "There's no question of turning our backs on climate action," he added, noting the need for a strong business case for decarbonisation. The commission has said it is " staying the course " in terms of its recommended target for cutting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 90pc by 2040, compared with 1990 levels. Hoekstra noted that the commission did not today present 2040 GHG proposals because of the number of other plans unveiled. It is "very clear" that the EU is moving away from Russian gas and also from fossil fuels, energy commissioner Dan Jorgensen said, detailing an affordable energy plan . But a draft document seen by Argus showed plans for more flexibility on long-term supply deals and a "Japanese model" of investment in LNG export terminals. Hoekstra pointed to a new proposed EU bank for industrial decarbonisation, funded with money from the bloc's emissions trading system (ETS). The proposed bank could raise €100bn ($105bn) for industrial decarbonisation projects, including €20bn from the ETS innovation funds, over the next ten years. And that figure could hit €400bn, if leveraged with private funds, Hoekstra said. The commission aims to simplify the bloc's carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM). Hoekstra promised exemption for 90pc of the firms currently covered, while later proposals would see changes to scope and new products. Officials note that the exemption does not mean a "delay" of CBAM. The commission is also promising to promote clean products with new public procurement requirements in 2026. And a voluntary carbon intensity label for industrial products will be launched with steel in 2025, followed by cement. The commission also updated state aid rules to boost decarbonisation and clean tech, pledging a new, simplified framework by June. The hydrogen industry, commenting on a draft of the state aid framework, noted a lack of flexibility for EU states to promote demand and close the price difference between fossil- and non-fossil-based hydrogen. And the commission published eased due diligence obligations for some 6,000 EU and 900 non-EU large firms that require business models compatible with keeping global temperatures within 1.5°C of pre-industrial levels, in line with the Paris climate agreement. Qatari energy minister Saad Sherida al-Kaabi has warned that the country could not continue continued LNG exports if the EU did not "thoroughly" review its corporate sustainability due diligence directive (CSDDD). A senior EU official noted a "misunderstanding" on due diligence over a maximum fine of 5pc for firms' total worldwide revenue that would only be applied to "egregious" breaches of the CSDDD, including for serious violations of human rights. By Dafydd ab Iago Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

Nel upbeat on electrolysers as buyers change approach

25/02/26

Nel upbeat on electrolysers as buyers change approach

Paris, 26 February (Argus) — Norwegian electrolyser manufacturer Nel said today it is confident that major orders will materialise this year after a "disappointing" 2024, as hydrogen firms are securing equipment later in the project development process because of reduced concerns about availability. Nel registered a higher order intake in January alone than in the final quarter of last year, chief executive Hakon Volldal said during the company's results call today, adding that "2024 was a disappointment" but that "2025 is expected to be much better." Nel chief financial officer Kjell Christian Bjornsen said customers in the past anticipated an electrolyser shortage, so would place orders at an earlier stage of project development to secure the equipment. Some years ago, "clients signed up to engineering work, concept work and the equipment package at the same point in time" before securing project financing, he said. Now developers "get the full funding stack in place", including agreements with banks and lenders, when they place the electrolyser order, according to Bjornsen. "That's the major difference," he said. As many renewable hydrogen projects have been delayed or cancelled, electrolyser manufacturers have struggled to secure firm orders. Many industry participants now expect global electrolyser manufacturing capacity to far outstrip demand at least in the near future, arguably alleviating the need for developers to place orders early in the development process. While clearer regulations in Europe and the US, along with subsidies for projects, could help projects move ahead, the main factor behind Nel's optimism is "real client conversations," Volldal said. At this stage, project developers have a "much more realistic view on what the market is willing to pay for" renewable hydrogen, he said. Because of the change in approach Nel's customers often have completed permitting and engineering, and at times "there is an offtaker" by the time they place an electrolyser order, Volldal said. This means incoming orders are of a more firm nature and a number of Nel's customers are set to take final investment decisions (FID) for their projects "in the next quarters," he said. These are mid-sized projects with 20-100MW capacity, because larger projects of 500MW or more "have been pushed out in time," Volldal said. The "appetite to go green" seems less strong than it was a couple years ago, so projects are required to have a strong business case to reach FID, he said. Over the past quarter Nel saw "one large project in the US and one in Germany" at risk of cancellation, it said without naming the companies. In October, US developer Hy Stor cancelled an order for a 1GW electrolyser system . The customer in Germany might refer to developer HH2E which entered bankruptcy proceedings last November and said possible delays and changes in project timelines "depend on how fast a new investor comes on board". HH2E had placed an order for a 120MW electrolyser with Nel in early 2023 for its project in Lubmin. Nel expects "no more negative impact" from the two contracts in question beyond what it accounted for during the fourth quarter of 2024, Volldal said. The firm expects to be able to fulfil upcoming deliveries despite a halt in production at its facility in Norway — in response to weak demand — because it has sufficient inventory, Bjornsen said. "New order intake that will determine when we switch [the factory back] on," he said. By Pamela Machado Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

BP raises oil and gas output goal in strategy reset

25/02/26

BP raises oil and gas output goal in strategy reset

London, 26 February (Argus) — BP has raised its 2030 target for oil and gas production to 2.3mn-2.5mn b/d of oil equivalent (boe/d) as part of a "fundamental reset" of its strategy that also entails a cut in its renewable energy investments. The 2.3mn-2.5mn boe/d goal leaves little scope for substantial output growth given that BP produced 2.36mn boe/d last year. But it is a stark change from the company's previous target to reduce production to 2mn boe/d by 2030. BP intends to dial down its overall capital expenditure (capex) to $13bn-15bn/yr through to 2027 and to sell $20bn of assets during that time to help strengthen its balance sheet. Its previous plan was to spend $14bn-18bn/yr in 2024-30. The capex cut will be driven by lower spending on renewables, while investment on oil and gas is targeted at $10bn/yr, a slight increase on the $9.8bn it spent last year. BP plans to launch 10 major new upstream projects by the end of 2027, with a further 8-10 starting up by the end of 2030. It also plans to strengthen its upstream portfolio by "reloading [its] exploration hopper". BP expects investment in what it calls its "transition" businesses to be $1.5bn-$2.5bn/yr through to 2027 — around $5bn/yr lower than previous guidance. The company plans to make selective investments in biogas, biofuels and electric vehicle charging businesses and a more focused investment in hydrogen and carbon capture and storage (CCS) assets, alongside a capital-light partnership approach to renewable power. BP announced in December last year a new joint venture with Japanese utility Jera to house the two companies' offshore wind assets, saving it an estimated $4bn in capex until the end of the decade. Along with the higher oil and gas output target and the lower energy transition spend, BP has amended its emissions reduction goal. It now expects its scope 1 and 2 emissions to be 45pc-50pc lower in 2030 than in 2019. Previously, it was targeting a 50pc cut. Downstream assets will contribute to BP's $20bn divestment target. The company has already put its 257,800 b/d Gelsenkirchen refinery in Germany up for sale , it will carry out a strategic review of its Castrol global lubricants business and it plans to bring in a partner for its Lightsource BP solar business. BP expects proceeds from the divestment programme, savings from the reduced capex and the boost to cash flow from higher oil and gas production to help it cut its net debt to $14bn-$18bn by the end of 2027, from $23bn at the end of 2024. At the same time the company plans to allocate 30pc-40pc of its operating cash flow to shareholder returns, including a dividend that it sees increasing by more than 4pc/yr. Investment bank RBC Capital Markets noted that BP's new strategy is line with expectations. "To us, much of the release looks to be BP making the right calls for the long term, but it may not please investors today," the bank said. BP's share price was down by 0.9pc just before lunchtime in London. By Jon Mainwaring Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

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