Oil giant Shell and Ireland-based chemical company Linde signed an agreement to collaborate in the commercialisation of ethane-oxidative dehydrogenation (E-ODH) technology for ethylene production. According to Shell, the alternative catalytic process uses electrification of power input which lowers the overall carbon footprint. It also offers economic advantages through acetic acid co-production.
Shell and Linde have been developing the E-ODH technology separately for years. The collaboration is expected to accelerate the process through complimentary patent positions and expertise sharing. Under the agreement, Linde will market the novel technology under the name EDHOX. It aims at introducing the new technology to cross the broader chemicals sector.
