BASF and Siemens Energy Partner to Lower CO2 Emissions

BASF and Siemens Energy have partnered to accelerate commercial implementation of new technologies designed to lower greenhouse gas emissions. By combining BASF’s technological expertise with Siemens Energy’s innovative product and services portfolio, BASF aims to extend its role in lowering CO2 emissions in chemical production.

Several pilot projects at its Ludwigshafen site are under discussion, such as the construction of a 50-megawatt PEM (proton exchange membrane) electrolyzer for hydrogen production — which will include the possibility of modular capacity expansions — and the installation of a high-temperature 50-megawatt thermal heat pump for generating process steam from waste heat in a production plant. In addition, the companies are evaluating a modernization of the power grid at the Ludwigshafen site using digital and CO2-optimized products from Siemens Energy. Furthermore, a study is underway to assess the potential for common system and catalytic converter development in an effort to boost the efficiency of electrolysis plants (PEM electrolysis), and for collaboration in generating electricity from wind energy.

BASF has sought further reduction of greenhouse gas emissions within the scope of its carbon management since 2018. Until the year 2030, the absolute level of BASF’s emissions is targeted not to exceed that of 2018. With a planned substantial increase in production volumes, this means a further reduction of emission intensity by around 30% over this period. In tandem with the availability of newly developed technologies and the increased use of renewable energies, BASF also aims to further reduce its emissions in absolute terms beyond the year 2030.

For Siemens Energy, the partnership represents a key step toward pursuing its strategic goals of shaping a sustainable hydrogen economy and of low-emission or emission-free generation of electricity and heat, improved transmission and storage of electricity, a smaller carbon footprint and lower energy consumption in industrial processes.