Frontieras North America has announced the selection of Yokogawa Corporation of America as the main automation contractor (MAC) for its first commercial-scale FASform(TM) Solid Carbon Fractionation facility in Mason County, West Virginia. This partnership marks a significant step in the development of the $850 million project, which broke ground on April 2, 2026, and is poised to transform coal processing with a zero-waste, non-combustion technology.
Yokogawa will oversee the facility's automation and control infrastructure, encompassing process control and safety instrumented systems, analytical instrumentation, cybersecurity architecture, and advanced digital operations solutions. The scope of work extends from front-end engineering design through commissioning and startup, ensuring that the plant operates with cutting-edge efficiency and safety standards.
The facility is designed to process 2.7 million tons of coal annually, utilizing Frontieras' patented technology to produce refined liquid fuels, FASCarbon(TM) solid fuel, hydrogen, ammonium sulfate fertilizer, and industrial chemicals. This initiative is expected to generate approximately 2,000 construction jobs and create 200 permanent operational positions upon full commissioning, providing a substantial economic boost to the region.
The selection of Yokogawa as the MAC is a strategic move that highlights the project's focus on integrating sophisticated automation and digital solutions from the outset. By leveraging Yokogawa's expertise, Frontieras aims to optimize operational performance, enhance safety, and ensure reliable production processes. This collaboration is a testament to the project's commitment to leveraging state-of-the-art technology to achieve its ambitious goals.
Frontieras North America is an energy and environmental technology company commercializing FASForm(TM), a patented Solid Carbon Fractionation process that transforms coal and other hydrocarbons into clean-burning fuels, hydrogen, industrial carbon, and agricultural products. The company is dedicated to delivering abundant, affordable, and available energy through profitable, market-driven innovation. For more information about Frontieras, visit www.frontieras.com.
This development is part of a broader trend in the energy sector toward cleaner and more efficient coal utilization. The FASform technology represents a potential paradigm shift, offering a way to use coal without combustion, thereby reducing environmental impact while producing valuable commodities. The successful implementation of this facility could serve as a model for future projects, potentially influencing the industry's approach to coal processing worldwide.
The Mason County facility is set to become a landmark project in the region, and the partnership with Yokogawa ensures that it will be equipped with world-class automation and control systems. As the project progresses, it will be closely watched by industry stakeholders, given its potential to demonstrate the viability of advanced coal conversion technologies on a commercial scale.
