Pioneering technology uses light to
decarbonize chemical production, helping manufacturers reduce both
emissions and operational costs
HOUSTON, May 15, 2023
/PRNewswire/ -- Global technology and software company Emerson
(NYSE: EMR) has been chosen by Syzygy Plasmonics to automate its
innovative catalyst reactor technology that uses light instead of
thermal energy, such as heat generated from burning fossil fuels,
for chemical manufacturing. The all-electric production method is
designed to replace fossil fuel-based combustion, helping reduce
industrial greenhouse gas emissions and operational costs while
advancing global sustainability goals. Syzygy estimates its reactor
systems could eliminate 1 gigaton of CO2 emissions by 2040.
The Syzygy catalyst reactor technology will advance
decarbonization in a cost-effective way by electrifying
carbon-intensive activities such as chemical manufacturing and
reducing the carbon intensity of hydrogen, methanol and fuel
production. Rather than rely on thermal energy, the Syzygy reactor
harnesses the power of light to energize chemical reactions and
reduce the carbon footprint in transportation fuels.
"We are excited to advance this opportunity with Emerson not
only for its automation technologies and software but also its
sustainability leadership and domain expertise in chemical
engineering, electrification and hydrogen production," said Syzygy
Chief Executive Officer Trevor Best.
"As we expand beyond traditional paradigms of reactor technology
and launch a new way to electrify chemical manufacturing, we wanted
a technology partner who can help us scale our technology
efficiently, safely and reliably."
"Emerson is excited to collaborate with Syzygy Plasmonics on
such promising technology that could have a significant impact on
industries that are some of the most challenging to decarbonize,"
said Peter Zornio, chief technology
officer at Emerson. "This aligns with Emerson's culture of
innovation that takes on our customers' biggest challenges."
Syzygy has developed, scaled and integrated its core
technologies, incubated at Rice
University, into a universal photocatalytic reactor
platform, which includes the Rigel™ photoreactor and the
proprietary photocatalyst that enables light-driven chemical
reactions at unprecedented efficiency.
For the Syzygy modular reactors, Emerson will provide hardware,
software and services, including its DeltaV™ distributed control
system, industrial software for process simulation and data
analytics; Rosemount instrumentation to measure pressure,
temperature, level and flow; and Fisher™ valves to control pressure
and improve safety.
Syzygy has received funding from the U.S. Department of Energy
and the National Science Foundation and investments from Aramco
Ventures, BP, Chevron Technology Ventures, Equinor Ventures, EVOK
Innovations, Goose Capital, Horizons Ventures, LOTTE Chemical,
LOTTE Fine Chemical, Pan American Energy, Sumitomo Corporation of
Americas, The Engine and Toyota Ventures.
Syzygy has three field trials planned for 2023. Leading global
partners are driving strong market interest with trials located in
North Carolina, California and South
Korea.
About Emerson
Emerson (NYSE: EMR) is a global
technology and software company providing innovative solutions for
the world's essential industries. Through its leading automation
portfolio, including its majority stake in AspenTech, Emerson helps
hybrid, process and discrete manufacturers optimize operations,
protect personnel, reduce emissions, and achieve their
sustainability goals. For more information, visit
Emerson.com.
About Syzygy
Syzygy Plasmonics is a
deep-decarbonization company. It builds reactors that use light
instead of combustion to electrify chemical manufacturing and power
a cleaner, safer world. Utilizing technology licensed from
Rice University and advanced
engineering, Syzygy is commercializing a universal photocatalytic
reactor platform. When powered with renewable electricity, this
tunable technology is designed to reduce both cost and emissions
from many different chemical reactions. For more information, visit
plasmonics.tech.
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SOURCE Emerson