kulewater wrote: Xebec to Accelerate H2 and Renewable NG Developments with Strategic Agreements
May 11, 2018 | Canada: Montreal QC
Xebec biogas upgrade plantXebec Adsorption Inc. (Xebec), a global provider of clean energy solutions for the industrial, energy and renewables marketplace, has entered into strategic relationships in China, Korea and Italy. The agreements relate to the Canadian company’s hydrogen energy solutions and biogas upgrading products for fuel for transportation, and technology exchange that will see new products for the North American market.
Strategic Cooperation Agreement with Zhangjiagang Furui Hydrogen Power Equipment Co. Ltd (Furui HP), China
Through complementary expertise, Furui HP and Xebec will work together over the next three years to help accelerate the development of hydrogen energy solutions in China, particularly as it relates to liquid hydrogen production and hydrogen mobility with fuel cell vehicles.
Through a cooperative exchange, Furui HP will deploy Xebec’s Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) to purify hydrogen and enable their renewable hydrogen energy supply chain. They will also identify other market opportunities within China, collaborating with Xebec Shanghai on technical and commercial proposals. Details on potential project value and timeframe will follow in the near future.
The Strategic Agreement exploits the strengths of both companies. Furui HP already provides solutions for the hydrogen economy, including upstream hydrogen generation, midstream transportation and storage, and downstream distribution and terminal equipment like hydrogen refueling stations and hydrogen dispensers. Xebec has diverse experience in the global clean energy space, designing and manufacturing gas purification products and renewable energy technology solutions for industrial use, transportation, electrical grids and the public sector, and sees itself as a facilitator of the global energy transition. Furui HP was searching for this expertise and believes this collaboration is a perfect fit for their vision moving forward.
“There is a global effort to introduce zero emission fuel cell electric vehicles and the need for cost-effective renewable hydrogen fuel and fueling infrastructure is a great opportunity. Xebec is proud to partner with a strong company like Furui HP whose experience in the hydrogen field, coupled with our gas purification technology, will allow both companies to gain market share in the rapidly developing China market,” said Dr. Prabhu Rao, Chief Operating Officer, Xebec Adsorption Inc.
Strategic Partnership with JNK Heaters, Korea
The partnership with JNK Heaters Co. Ltd. (JNK) of Korea aims to advance biogas upgrading and on-site hydrogen generation solutions. Through this collaboration, JNK will exclusively market the Xebec biogas solutions in Korea and India and use Xebec innovative Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) technology in their on-site Steam Methane Reformer (SMR)-based hydrogen generation products. Additionally, Xebec will have exclusive rights to manufacture and market JNK’s SMR-based on-site hydrogen generators in North America and Europe. Both companies will also explore opportunities to collaborate in the Chinese market.
This partnership will enable both companies to address emerging opportunities in the biogas, renewable hydrogen generation, hydrogen purification and refueling industry. With the introduction of hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCV’s) around the world, there is a need to develop renewable sources of hydrogen, and the market for reliable and cost effective on-site hydrogen generators is expected to grow over the next few years. Xebec and JNK will combine their complementary expertise to develop such solutions for fuel cell automotive, fork lift and heavy duty applications.
“JNK’s technology for SMR integration into on-site hydrogen refueling stations, and Xebec’s innovative PSA technology are well suited as renewable energy technology solutions for industrial use, transportation, electrical grids and the public sector. This collaboration will allow both companies to gain market share in the rapidly developing Hydrogen Fueling, Renewable Hydrogen and Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) markets,” said Kurt Sorschak, President and Chief Executive Officer, Xebec Adsorption Inc.
Exclusive Partnership with SAPIO Group, Italy
Xebec entered into a Letter of Intent to establish a three year partnership in February this year with SAPIO, Italy’s largest distributor of technical gases, to help develop Italy’s renewable natural gas (RNG) upgrading infrastructure from biogas facilities such as landfills, digesters and waste water treatment plants.
Canadian-based clean energy provider Xebec confirmed today that it has signed an exclusive agreement to join forces with SAPIO Produzione Idrogeno Ossigeno Srl in developing the biomethane (BM) market in Italy. Xebec will be responsible for designing, building, installing and servicing SAPIO’s biogas upgrading projects, from landfills, agri-waste and dairy digesters, and waste water treatment facilities, using Xebec’s adsorption technology solution. Details on potential project value and timeframe will follow in the near future.
“Although Xebec has been involved globally in renewable natural gas projects for over a decade, it is just within the last few years that RNG has become recognized as a viable, ultra-clean, ultra-low carbon natural gas alternative,” said Prabhu Rao.
Italy’s Biomethane Decree
In March, Xebec applauded the approval by the European Union (EU) of a 4.7 billion euro (US$5.73 billion) support scheme in Italy for advanced biomethane and biofuels and, on March 2nd, the Biomethane Decree was signed.
“The scheme will encourage the production and consumption of advanced biofuels in Italy, while limiting distortions of competition,” Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said in a statement. The scheme will support the distribution and production of advanced biofuels and biomethane used in the transport sector, by paying premiums to compensate for the higher costs compared to traditional fuels.
According to Piero Gottoni, President of the Italian Biogas Association (CIB) “2018 will finally be the year of change. The one in which the first agricultural biomethane plant can be inaugurated.”