ABB will provide front-end design services for automation, electrical and advanced digital solutions at Cerilon’s first gas-to-liquids (GTL) facility.
The site in North Dakota will produce up to 24,000 barrels (3.8 million litres) per day of high-performance synthetic energy products including ultra-low sulphur diesel (ULSD), naphtha and lubricant base oils from natural gas reserves.
The first phase of the build is due to start operating in 2028. The site also aims to integrate carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology to collect CO2 emissions at the location for transport to underground storage reservoirs.
The project will use automation and digital twin technology, which provides a virtual replica of a physical process or facility to test scenarios and ensure the design is future-proof and fit for purpose.
“No other GTL facilities in the world have CCS, making us the least carbon intensive. We appreciated ABB’s visionary approach for this project. Their team understood the requirements and presented us with excellent automation and digitalization solutions,” said Nico Duursema, chief executive officer of Cerilon.
“ABB has pioneered power and automation technologies and holds market leadership in these areas. We look forward to collaborating with them and leveraging their competencies.”
ABB will develop the Automation Design Basis (ADB) methodology, which will influence and guide the automation project throughout the system lifecycle execution.
ABB wins automation contract at gas-to-liquids facility
