Skip to main content

Energy Optimisation

Press Release: NextChem (Maire) is awarded a three-year engineering and technology services contract


Milan, 6 March 2025

  • NextChem Tech will provide engineering and technology solutions to improve energy efficiency and carbon footprint of the Sulfur Recovery Complex at SATORP’s refinery.
  • This agreement strengthens the relationship with SATORP and the Group’s presence in the region


MAIRE (MAIRE.MI) announces that NEXTCHEM (Sustainable Technology Solutions), through its subsidiary NextChem Tech, has been awarded a three-year contract by SATORP – a joint venture between Saudi Aramco and TotalEnergies – to provide engineering and technology services related to the Sulphur Recovery Complex of SATORP’s refinery in Jubail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.


Specifically, NextChem Tech will provide process and engineering advisory services to enhance performance, support operational troubleshooting, and improve energy efficiency and the carbon footprint of the three units (Sulfur Recovery Unit, Amine Regeneration Unit and Sour Water Stripper) which compose the Sulphur Recovery Complex.

The services will also include recommendations for capital investment opportunities, design enhancements, and technology improvements. This award reinforces NEXTCHEM’s position as reliable technology and process leader, recognized for its expertise and commitment to continuous R&D and innovation.

Alessandro Bernini, CEO of MAIRE, commented: “This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to drive sustainability and efficiency in the refining industry. This agreement not only strengthens our relationship with SATORP, after TECNIMONT’s multibillion-dollar petrochemical expansion project awarded in June 2023 – so called Amiral project –, but also underscores our commitment to delivering cutting-edge engineering and technology solutions that reduce environmental impact.”

Further information

Tommaso Verani, Group Media Relations, tel +39 02 6313-7603, mediarelations@groupmaire.com

Silvia Guidi, Investor Relations, tel +39 02 6313-7823 investor-relations@groupmaire.com

MAIRE S.p.A. is a leading technology and engineering group focused on advancing the Energy Transition. We provide Integrated E&C Solutions for the downstream market and Sustainable Technology Solutions through three business lines: Sustainable Fertilizers, LowCarbon Energy Vectors, and Circular Solutions. With operations across 50 countries, MAIRE employs over 9,800 people. MAIRE is listed on the Milan Stock Exchange (ticker “MAIRE”).


For further information: www.groupmaire.com.

Latest in Energy Optimisation

JM releases data on reformer catalyst

Johnson Matthey (JM) has released new production performance data which shows the significant improvements in efficiency of existing steam methane reformer (SMR) based hydrogen plants with the use of its catalyst, CATACEL SSR ™ . The company says that the data show that the catalyst can increase hydrogen plant capacity by 15% and reduce reformer energy use per unit of hydrogen by 15%, with a 5% reduction in gas consumption per unit hydrogen, as well as ease of installation, and enhanced durability and heat transfer. The catalyst uses uniquely engineered structures of thin metal foils, or “fans,” coated with catalysts through a proprietary process, which offer greater surface area, higher durability, and superior heat transfer, essential for high-temperature processes such as SMR.

Producing sulphuric acid from gas streams with variable SO2

The first installed combination of a regenerative SO2 scrubbing system with a sulphuric acid plant using Worley Chemetics’ CORE™ reactor technology started up in November 2022. The combination of these technologies allows production of high-grade sulphuric acid from gases with low and/or fluctuating SO2 concentrations. C. Trujillo Sanchez and R. Dijkstra of Worley Chemetics report on the design concepts of this integrated process, highlight where it is most effective and report on the start-up and first years of operation of the plant.