Global leader in carbon emission reduction technologies to build plant in Va.

Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced that Topsoe, a Danish manufacturer and global leader in carbon emission reduction technologies, plans to invest more than $400 million to build a factory at Meadowville Technology Park in Chesterfield County, outside Richmond.

Pending Final Investment Decision, the company will manufacture advanced, energy-efficient Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cells (SOEC) that are essential in the production of clean hydrogen at the facility.

Federal tax credits from the U.S. Department of Energy under the Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Credit (Section 48C) will support the construction of the facility, which would be Topsoe’s largest U.S. investment, according to the Governor’s Office.

The project is expected to create 150 new jobs. 

To support the next generation of innovators, Youngkin said that Topsoe also plans to launch the “Topsoe STEM Scholarship” program to annuallyl award five $10,000 one-year scholarships to high school seniors from Chesterfield County high schools. These scholarships will be awarded to eligible high school seniors seeking to continue their education in a STEM major in college, with the first awards given in the spring of 2025 for the next academic year. Topsoe plans to continue this scholarship program in subsequent years, according to the governor.

“I am thrilled that Topsoe has chosen the Commonwealth of Virginia for its new, state-of-the-art factory that will be key to scaling clean hydrogen production,” said  Youngkin. 

“Virginia’s robust workforce, strategic location, and top business climate provide the necessary tools for Topsoe to continue to grow as a leader in the clean energy industry. I also applaud Topsoe’s commitment to the next generation of Virginians with the launch of the Topsoe STEM Scholarship program that will drive the innovation pipeline for years to come,” he added in a statement from the Governor’s Office.

“Global manufacturers like Topsoe are recognizing the Virginia advantage that will enable Topsoe to continue to play a leading role in clean energy innovation,” said Caren Merrick, Va. Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “We are proud that the Commonwealth continues to attract companies like Topsoe with our strong business climate, premier location, and workforce training opportunities.”