HDF Energy selects Topsoe for its hydrogen power plant intended for Texas data centers

Approximately 400 tonnes of hydrogen per day, with carbon capture

The BaseBlue Power project plans to produce approximately 400 tonnes of hydrogen per day from natural gas, using Topsoe's SynCOR technology, with capture of 98% of the carbon generated.

This hydrogen is intended to power proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, designed and manufactured by HDF Energy, in order to produce electricity for data centers without resorting to on-site gas turbines. According to the company, its fuel cells will be manufactured in its plant located near Bordeaux.

License, basic engineering and catalysts supplied by Topsoe

As part of this project, Topsoe will supply the technology license, basic engineering, proprietary equipment and catalysts necessary for the hydrogen production and CO₂ capture unit.

This unit will be based on SynCOR, the Danish group's autothermal reforming technology, which the press release presents as used at industrial scale to produce large quantities of hydrogen from natural gas.

Continuous electricity production and a model intended for other sites

HDF Energy indicates that the development of data centers is placing increasing pressure on electrical infrastructure, with operators seeking electricity available continuously and with a low carbon footprint. BaseBlue Power thus aims to provide controllable electricity, available 24 hours a day.

The company highlights, for PEM fuel cells, an electrical efficiency exceeding 50%, rapid response to demand variations and the absence of NOₓ and SOₓ emissions during electricity production. Thanks to its modular architecture, the project is intended to be deployed on other sites.