Fuel Tech Awarded Air Pollution Control Orders Totaling $2.1 Million

Rhea-AI Summary

Fuel Tech, Inc. (FTEK) secures $2.1 million worth of air pollution control and Chemical Technologies orders from customers in Europe, the US, and the Caribbean. The orders include SCR technology for NOx reduction, FUEL CHEM® equipment, and SNCR system upgrades. Equipment deliveries are expected between 2024 and 2025, showcasing the company's global growth and expertise in providing environmental solutions.

Insights

Environmental Engineer

An Environmental Engineer would examine the implications of Fuel Tech's recent contracts from a regulatory compliance and environmental impact perspective. The adoption of Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction (SNCR) technologies reflects a growing industry trend towards meeting stricter nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions standards. SCR is a more effective but also more complex and costly technology compared to SNCR, which is generally used in smaller or less demanding applications.

The EPA's Good Neighbor Rule is driving the demand for these technologies as it mandates states to address cross-state air pollution that affects downwind states' ability to meet air quality standards. As a result, utility and industrial combustion unit owners are compelled to upgrade their NOx reduction systems, which could reduce overall NOx emissions during the summer ozone season when ozone levels are at their peak.

However, the implementation of these technologies comes with challenges such as the safe handling and storage of reagents like anhydrous ammonia and aqueous ammonia and the potential need for ongoing maintenance and catalyst replacement. The environmental benefits must be carefully weighed against these operational considerations.

Market Analyst

A Market Analyst specializing in industrial and utility markets would focus on the financial and strategic aspects of Fuel Tech's new contracts. The aggregate value of $2.1 million, while not substantial in terms of large-cap companies, could be significant for a smaller firm like Fuel Tech, signaling potential growth and stability in its niche market. The contracts span multiple geographical regions, indicating a diversified customer base and resilience to regional economic fluctuations.

In the context of the broader market, companies that provide technologies enabling compliance with environmental regulations are likely to see increased demand, especially in light of global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Investors might view these contracts as indicative of Fuel Tech's competitive positioning and potential for future growth, particularly as the company secures orders from both new and existing customers.

However, investors should also consider the timing of the revenue recognition from these contracts, given that equipment deliveries are scheduled for as late as 2025. This delay in revenue could affect short-term financial performance but may provide long-term stability and growth prospects.

Energy Sector Analyst

An Energy Sector Analyst would analyze the impact of these contracts on the energy industry's efforts to reduce emissions. The transition towards cleaner energy sources and the reduction of pollutants like NOx is a critical aspect of the industry's response to climate change. Fuel Tech's contracts for NOx reduction technologies are in line with the global push for more sustainable energy practices.

It is also worth noting the role of such technologies in extending the operational life of existing fossil fuel-based plants by ensuring they comply with new regulations. This can be seen as a double-edged sword; while it helps utilities to avoid the immediate cost of plant retirement or conversion to cleaner fuels, it may also delay the transition to renewable energy sources.

The long-term implications for the energy sector include a potential increase in operational costs associated with the adoption of advanced emission control technologies, but also an opportunity for companies like Fuel Tech to innovate and provide cost-effective solutions in a market that is increasingly driven by environmental considerations.

WARRENVILLE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Fuel Tech, Inc. (NASDAQ: FTEK), a technology company providing advanced engineering for the optimization of combustion systems, emissions control and water treatment in utility and industrial applications, today announced the receipt of air pollution control (APC) and Chemical Technologies orders from new and existing customers in Europe, the US and the Caribbean. These awards have an aggregate value of approximately $2.1 million.

Two orders were received from new customers in Europe for Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology, which uses a catalyst along with urea or ammonia as the reagent to provide high levels of nitrogen oxide (NO_x) reduction. The first order is for a natural gas and process gas fired heater used at a chemical processing plant. The SCR system includes the catalyst and reactor and will utilize anhydrous ammonia which is already on-site. Equipment delivery is expected in the fourth quarter of 2024. The second order is for a natural gas fired boiler at a municipal solid waste facility. The SCR system includes the catalyst and reactor and an aqueous ammonia reagent delivery system. The scope also includes a catalyst to reduce carbon monoxide emissions from the customer process. Equipment deliveries are expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2025.

A contract was also received from an existing customer in the Caribbean for FUEL CHEM^® equipment using our proprietary TIFI^® Targeted In-Furnace Injection technology. The existing customer is restarting operations on a fourth heavy oil-fired unit at its metals processing facility where our FUEL CHEM program uses boiler fireside additives to help reduce boiler slagging and corrosion. The chemical injection equipment is expected to be delivered in the second quarter of 2024.

The final contract was received from an existing US customer for upgrades to an existing Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction (SNCR) system for a coal-fired utility unit in the Midwest. Fuel Tech’s SNCR technology is a proven solution for utility and industrial combustion unit owners looking to comply with more stringent NO_x control requirements. The SNCR upgrades are being driven by EPA’s Good Neighbor Rule, which requires combustion units with existing NO_x reduction equipment to operate at improved efficiency throughout the summer ozone season. Deliveries are expected to be completed by the end of the second quarter of 2024.

Vincent J. Arnone, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We are pleased to announce these contract awards which represent continued growth using our wide range of product solutions on a global basis. Our long-time customer in the Caribbean continues to rely on our expertise to support their on-going operations. NO_x reduction requirements generated by the EPA Good Neighbor Rule could create a number of opportunities for both SNCR and SCR technology over the next several years. Fuel Tech’s range of technologies continues to provide value to support the needs of a wide range of industrial and utility operations.”

About Fuel Tech
Fuel Tech develops and commercializes state-of-the-art proprietary technologies for air pollution control, process optimization, water treatment, and advanced engineering services. These technologies enable customers to operate in a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable manner. Fuel Tech is a leader in nitrogen oxide (NO_x) reduction and particulate control technologies and its solutions have been in installed on over 1,300 utility, industrial and municipal units worldwide. The Company’s FUEL CHEM^® technology improves the efficiency, reliability, fuel flexibility, boiler heat rate, and environmental status of combustion units by controlling slagging, fouling, corrosion and opacity. Water treatment technologies include DGI^® Dissolved Gas Infusion Systems which utilize a patented channel injector to deliver supersaturated oxygen solutions and other gas-water combinations to target process applications or environmental issues. This infusion process has a variety of applications in the water and wastewater industries, including remediation, aeration, biological treatment and wastewater odor management. Many of Fuel Tech’s products and services rely heavily on the Company’s exceptional Computational Fluid Dynamics modeling capabilities, which are enhanced by internally developed, high-end visualization software. For more information, visit Fuel Tech’s web site at www.ftek.com.

NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” as defined in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and reflect Fuel Tech’s current expectations regarding future growth, results of operations, cash flows, performance and business prospects, and opportunities, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, our management. Fuel Tech has tried to identify forward-looking statements by using words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “plan,” “expect,” “estimate,” “intend,” “will,” and similar expressions, but these words are not the exclusive means of identifying forward-looking statements. These statements are based on information currently available to Fuel Tech and are subject to various risks, uncertainties, and other factors, including, but not limited to, those discussed in Fuel Tech’s Annual Report on Form 10-K in Item 1A under the caption “Risk Factors,” and subsequent filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which could cause Fuel Tech’s actual growth, results of operations, financial condition, cash flows, performance and business prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these statements. Fuel Tech undertakes no obligation to update such factors or to publicly announce the results of any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future events, developments, or changed circumstances or for any other reason. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including those detailed in Fuel Tech’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240311773918/en/

Vince Arnone

President and Chief Executive Officer

(630) 845-4500

Devin Sullivan

Managing Director

The Equity Group Inc.

dsullivan@equityny.com

Source: Fuel Tech, Inc.

FAQ

What type of technology orders did Fuel Tech, Inc. (FTEK) receive?

Fuel Tech, Inc. received air pollution control (APC) and Chemical Technologies orders, including SCR technology, FUEL CHEM® equipment, and SNCR system upgrades.

From which regions did Fuel Tech, Inc. (FTEK) receive orders?

Fuel Tech, Inc. received orders from customers in Europe, the US, and the Caribbean.

What is the total value of the orders received by Fuel Tech, Inc. (FTEK)?

The orders received by Fuel Tech, Inc. have an aggregate value of approximately $2.1 million.

What is the purpose of the SCR technology mentioned in the PR?

The SCR technology uses a catalyst along with urea or ammonia as the reagent to provide high levels of nitrogen oxide (NOx) reduction.

What is the significance of the SNCR upgrades mentioned in the PR?

The SNCR upgrades are being driven by EPA’s Good Neighbor Rule, which requires combustion units with existing NOx reduction equipment to operate at improved efficiency throughout the summer ozone season.