Raven SR, Howden further hydrogen compressor partnership

Howden makes a variety of hydrogen compressors. (Photo: Howden.)

Howden plans to standardize a design for hydrogen compressors based on the specific needs of renewable fuel plants developed by Raven SR. In addition, the two companies have agreed to reduce lead times by providing inventories of dedicated compressor parts.

These efforts will help Raven SR meet the increased volume of demand for its offering in the market and address waste management issues. The companies will also determine how to support aftermarket equipment needs at Raven SR’s hydrogen production facilities, the companies announced.

“With Raven SR developing up to 15 hydrogen production facilities in the coming year around the world, we are expanding our relationship with Howden to coordinate and reduce any potential supply chain issues for crucial equipment, such as compressors and steam turbines,” said Matt Murdock, CEO of Raven SR. “With Howden’s leading hydrogen compression expertise and global presence, they are well placed to supply this critical equipment and support. We hope this joint framework for components procurement, including fabricated steel, will foster a standardized process for bringing renewable hydrogen projects online faster and more efficiently.”

Howden’s hydrogen solutions portfolio includes leading compression technologies, including Burton Corblin diaphragm compressors. The Raven SR Steam/CO2 Reforming non-combustion process converts waste, methane, and natural gas into hydrogen and Fischer-Tropsch fuels, including sustainable aviation fuel.

Ross B. Shuster, CEO at Howden Group, said: “Raven SR has truly innovative technology to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges including clean energy and waste management. We are excited to be collaborating with Matt and his team to help advance a more sustainable world and are pleased that Raven SR recognized Howden’s leading technologies and has chosen to collaborate with us.”

In June, Howden signed a contract to provide three hydrogen diaphragm compressors for Raven SR’s renewable hydrogen facility in Richmond, California which is slated to begin operations in April of 2023. The Howden equipment will provide hydrogen compression into mobile high-pressure tube trailers that will deliver transportation-grade hydrogen for local customers. Additionally, Howden will supply compression for a Raven SR G Series (gas-to-fuels) system, also slated to begin operations in 2023.

Raven SR transforms biomass, mixed municipal solid waste, bio-solids, sewage, medical waste, and natural or biogas into renewable fuels. Its technology is designed to produce more hydrogen per ton of waste than competing processes, making the cost per kg of hydrogen competitive, the companies said.

Raven SR’s process can also convert waste to produce other renewable energy products, such as sustainable aviation fuel, synthetic liquid fuels (diesel, Jet A, mil-spec, JP-8), additives and solvents (such as methanol, butanol, and naphtha).