Hydrogen and CCS developments planned for the Port of Corpus Christi

The Port of Corpus Christi Authority and Howard Midstream Energy Partners have joined forces to explore the feasibility of converting Howard’s Javelina refinery services facility into a carbon-neutral hydrogen production facility with carbon capture and storage (CCS).

Formalizing such ambitions last week (August 12), the duo said they hope to scale Javelina’s current hydrogen production capacity for exports to overseas demand centres. At present, the company controls approximately 60 million cubic feet per day of hydrogen production.

According to a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Howard intends to capture its carbon emissions at Javelina, avoiding atmospheric release which contributes to global warming.

To do this, the parties will collaborate to identify uses for the residual carbon dioxide (CO2) as well as capture and storage options. Captured CO2 can be directed to industries that require it for production, such as steel, or that assimilate it, like cement.

Believed to be uniquely suited to become the nation’s premier carbon capture and sequestration management hub, the Port of Corpus Christi hosts a robust network of existing pipeline infrastructure.

Academics from the University of Texas at Austin have mapped the geology of the Texas Gulf Coast and have determined this region is uniquely suited for injection and storage of pressurized CO2.

The Port of Corpus Christi has committed to developing much-needed infrastructure to collect and pressurize CO2 for injection in permanent geological storage formations offshore in the Gulf of Mexico.

“With this exciting project and progressive partnership with the Port of Corpus Christi, we are demonstrating yet again our commitment to delivering clean, reliable energy that powers communities and businesses around the world,” said Mike Howard, HEP Chairman, and CEO.