Clariant provides custom catalysts for world's largest electrically heated steam methane reforming unit, sypox

Clariant's customized catalyst production technology offers optimized catalyst products, reducing emissions by up to 40%.

The world's largest electric steam methane reforming unit (e-SMR) plans to use 10 megawatts (MW) of renewable electricity to produce 150 tons of syngas per day.

The project is scheduled to commence commercial operation in 2026, marking a significant milestone in the field of sustainable chemical production.

On September 17, 2025, Clariant, a specialty chemicals company focused on sustainability, announced a supply agreement with SYPOX to produce and deliver catalysts for the world's largest electrically heated steam methane reforming unit (e-SMR). This pioneering project combines SYPOX's advanced electrically heated conversion furnace technology with Clariant's expertise to produce syngas with significantly reduced carbon emissions. The project is scheduled to commence operations in 2026, utilizing 10 megawatts of renewable power to produce approximately 150 tons of syngas per day.

"We are very pleased to collaborate with SYPOX to optimize and produce high-performance catalysts for the world's first 10 MW electrically heated steam methane reforming unit," said Xaver Karsunke, Global Vice President of Clariant's Specialty Catalysts Business Unit. "SYPOX's technology has revolutionized the conversion process, providing strong support for syngas production. This system is expected to become the largest and first commercially operated unit of its kind."

Martin Baumgaertl, Chief Technology Officer of SYPOX, added: "As a pioneer in the electrification of chemical process technology, we are honored to collaborate with a globally renowned catalyst technology partner like Clariant. We look forward to working closely with Clariant to deliver this unit to our customers."

SYPOX was founded in 2021, originating from the renowned Technical University of Munich in Germany, and initially received funding support from the German Ministry of Economic Affairs. The company has developed an innovative solution to electrify traditional processes, including steam methane reforming, to reduce carbon emissions in chemical production processes.

The traditional steam methane reforming (SMR) process provides heat through the combustion of fossil fuels outside the reaction tubes, resulting in high energy consumption and significant emissions. The SYPOX reactor innovatively electrifies the chemical conversion process directly inside the reactor, reducing the system's size by nearly a hundredfold. This technology not only significantly enhances economic benefits and sustainability but also greatly simplifies device operation. With its flexible design, SYPOX technology can cater to both small modular applications and large industrial installations.

Clariant has leveraged over 70 years of experience in custom catalyst production for this innovative project. Through deep collaboration and strategic partnerships, Clariant has successfully scaled up and commercialized catalyst technologies for global customers. With advanced production facilities and expertise in a variety of catalyst materials and manufacturing processes, Clariant has a unique advantage in supporting this innovative field.

Image: SYPOX 10 MW Electric Heating Steam Reforming Furnace © SYPOX