• The study is related to the development of a pilot plantfor the production of green syntheticfuels from low carbon hydrogen and CO₂ in the Sarroch’s refinery (Sardinia), with the potential for scaling-up to an industrial plant
• NextChem will apply its proprietary NX CPO technology to boost carbon efficiency and global yield of the overall process through a catalytic partial oxidation process

Milan, 15 December, 2023 – MAIRE announces that NEXTCHEM (Sustainable Technology Solutions BU), through its subsidiary NextChem Tech, has signed an agreement with Saras S.p.A for an engineering design study to accelerate the path towards decarbonization of Saras’ refinery in Sarroch, Sardinia.

The study relates to the development of a pilot plant for the production of green synthetic fuels from low carbon hydrogen and CO₂ in the refinery with the potential for scaling-up to an industrial facility. This project will be among the first initiatives in the EU to demonstrate the viability of producing synthetic fuels for the aviation sector.

NextChem Tech will leverage on its proprietary NX CPO technology[1], an advanced innovative process to produce synthesis gas via a controlled partial oxidation, through a very fast reaction. When applied to the synthetic fuel production, this versatile technology is able to boost carbon efficiency and global yield of the overall process.

The activity will contribute to Saras' decarbonization strategy as part of its green synthetic fuel initiatives developed, among others, under an Italian NRRP (National Recovery and Resilience Plan) which implies the utilization of clean hydrogen in the hard-to-abate sectors.

Alessandro Bernini, CEO of MAIRE, commented: “This award represents a further confirmation of the soundness of MAIRE’s technology value proposition aimed at meeting global decarbonization goals. In this way, we are able to support our traditional clients in the conversion of existing refineries into valuable assets for a sustainable future”.

[1]NX CPO (Catalytic Partial Oxidation) technology, constitutes a solution for syngas production. Hydrocarbon or biobased feedstocks undergo a controlled partial oxidation in presence of a catalyst that facilitates the conversion into syngas through an entirely heterogeneous very fast reaction.