Chart Industries operates at the intersection of multiple energy sectors, each playing a critical role in the transition towards a cleaner, more sustainable future. Chart is a unique player in the energy landscape, thanks to our molecule-agnostic approach.
This means that we do not prioritise one energy source over another; rather, we design and manufacture equipment that supports a range of energy solutions, from LNG and hydrogen to carbon-capture technologies and water treatment. Chart’s mission is to provide solutions across what the company calls the Nexus of Clean™: clean power, clean water, clean food and clean industrials. This strategic business model positions the company well in a world where energy demand is growing rapidly and solutions are evolving at an unprecedented pace.
Today, global energy demand is on the rise due to population growth, increasing urbanisation and industrial expansion. According to the IEA, energy demand is expected to grow by about 30% by 2040.
Collaboration is key to meeting the world’s energy challenges
At the same time, the world faces the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions to mitigate climate change. These two challenges—rising demand and the need for decarbonisation—seem contradictory on the surface, but they are not insurmountable.
At Chart, we believe the solution lies in a diversified energy portfolio, where no single technology or energy source can meet all the world’s needs. Hydrogen, natural gas, carbon capture, renewable energy and even nuclear energy each have a role to play. As a molecule-agnostic company, we are not tied to one energy pathway; instead, we are focused on developing the technologies that make all these pathways more efficient, scalable and sustainable.
One of the most exciting developments in the energy world today is the rise of hydrogen as a clean fuel. While Chart has experience designing, engineering and manufacturing hydrogen-related equipment for nearly 160 years, hydrogen is now being recognised as a versatile, zero-emission fuel for industries ranging from transportation to heavy industry.
Our hydrogen solutions span the entire value chain, from production and storage to transportation and end-use. Chart is involved in global hydrogen developments such as the world’s first green steel project in Sweden, the world’s largest hydrogen refuelling station in China and the world’s largest hydrogen compression solution in Kuwait, among others. We continue to partner with other industry leaders on large-scale hydrogen deployment projects and are also involved in exploring liquid hydrogen in new markets and applications, such as aviation. The versatility of hydrogen makes it a powerful tool in decarbonising sectors that are traditionally hard to electrify, such as shipping and heavy manufacturing. However, for hydrogen to reach its full potential, we need to build out the infrastructure that will allow it to scale, a challenge that will require cooperation between public and private sectors globally.
While hydrogen and renewable energies hold significant promise for the future, the reality is that we still rely on fossil fuels to meet the bulk of our energy needs today. LNG plays a critical role in this transitional phase. As a cleaner alternative to coal and oil, LNG is helping to reduce emissions while providing the reliable, affordable energy that is necessary to power industries and economies.
Chart is a leader in LNG infrastructure, supplying the liquefaction, storage and transport equipment that underpins this sector. We have worked on major projects around the world, from ExxonMobil’s liquefaction technology in Mozambique to LNG facilities that provide energy security in times of geopolitical instability. LNG is not the end goal, but it is an essential step in the journey towards a more sustainable energy future.
At Chart, we also focus on technologies that address two critical elements of sustainability: carbon and water. Our small and industrial scale carbon-capture solutions are designed to help industries capture and store CO₂ emissions before they enter the atmosphere. These systems can be deployed across various sectors, from breweries and wineries to industrial manufacturing and cement plants, making them a vital tool in reducing global carbon emissions.
Our molecule-agnostic approach allows us to stay flexible, providing solutions that work across the entire energy spectrum
Water is another area that we believe will be a key priority as we move towards a clean energy future. The nexus between energy and water is well-known: energy production requires water, and water treatment requires energy. Our water treatment technologies help reduce water consumption and improve water quality in industrial processes, which is especially important as water scarcity becomes an increasing concern in many parts of the world.
Other sectors where Chart is making a difference include marine and mining applications, to name but two. For mining, we support the electrification of mines and improve overall sustainability through our equipment and digital monitoring solutions, such as Ventsim™. Our solutions help reduce energy consumption, enhance operational efficiency and promote safer working conditions with real-time monitoring. Similarly, in the marine industry, we offer cleaner solutions such as hydrogen and LNG, helping to reduce emissions and promote a low-carbon future for maritime operations.
One of the most important lessons we have learned as a molecule-agnostic company is that collaboration is key to meeting the world’s energy challenges. No one company, technology or government can solve these issues alone. It will take partnerships across industries, regions and sectors to develop the infrastructure, policies and innovations needed to transition to a low-carbon economy.
Chart continues to partner with global industry leaders to prioritise technological breakthroughs and innovation, while also participating in initiatives such as the UN Global Compact. These collaborations allow us to apply our expertise to a wide range of industries, each with its own unique challenges and opportunities.
The world’s energy landscape is changing rapidly, and we are proud to be at the forefront of that transformation. Our molecule-agnostic approach allows us to stay flexible, providing solutions that work across the entire energy spectrum. Whether it is hydrogen, LNG, carbon capture or water treatment, we believe all forms of energy must work together to meet the growing global demand while addressing the urgent need for decarbonisation.
As a company, we are committed to providing the innovative technologies that will make this future a reality, helping the world transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources without compromising reliability or affordability. The energy future is not about choosing one path—it is about embracing them all.
This article is taken from Outlook 2025, our annual publication examining the year ahead in energy. Subscribers can click here to read their free copy. The publication can also be bought from our store here.
Jillian Evanko is president & CEO of Chart Industries Inc
Author: Jillian Evanko