Shell and Dow start electric heating pyrolysis experimental device

Recently, Shell and Dow announced that the two sides have launched an electric heating steam cracking experimental unit in the Amsterdam Energy Transition Pilot Zone in the Netherlands. The parties announced that this is a major milestone in the companies' joint plan to electrify their steam crackers, taking the companies one step closer to decarbonization.

It is reported that the test device was developed for the transformation of today's gas-fired steam cracker. The data generated by the unit will be used to validate the model to support the next stage of electrification of the steam cracker. Under the investment support, the two parties will design and build a megawatt-scale pilot plant, which may be commissioned in 2025.

As the energy grid becomes increasingly dominated by renewables, using renewable electricity to heat steam crackers could be one of the ways to decarbonize the chemical industry. Electric cracking furnaces running on renewable electricity are more economically competitive and can reduce direct carbon emissions by 90% compared to conventional cracking furnaces. Last year, the project received 3.5 million euros in funding from the Dutch government. The partnership also aims to support Shell and Dow in achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.