Baker Hughes and Russian gas giant Novatek will cooperate on the development and application of compression and power generation technologies aimed at reducing carbon emissions from natural gas and LNG production. Under the agreement, Baker Hughes technologies will be used on Novatek’s LNG projects in order to support emissions reduction, better efficiencies, and long-term sustainability.
The initial step in the partnership will be a pilot program introducing hydrogen blends into the main process of natural gas liquefaction to reduce carbon emissions from LNG facilities, including Novatek’s Yamal LNG complex in Russia.
Baker Hughes will provide engineering and turbomachinery equipment to convert existing natural gas liquefaction trains at Yamal LNG to run on hydrogen blends rather than solely run with methane from feed gas.
“We are working with Novatek to introduce the first solution for decarbonizing the core of the LNG production—the turbines driving the liquefaction process,” said Lorenzo Simonelli, chairman and CEO, Baker Hughes. “The combination of our world-class expertise in LNG engineering and deep experience with hydrogen compression technology positions us to further lead in reducing emissions from LNG operations and further support the energy transition.”
Yamal’s liquefaction trains currently employ the Baker Hughes-supplied Frame 7/1EA single-shaft gas turbine, which can be retrofitted to operate with hydrogen blends. According to the contractor, hydrogen blends present opportunities for the natural gas sector to cut emissions for LNG turbomachinery equipment, the main mechanical driver of the liquefaction process.