ZUG, Switzerland (Press release)–- Foster Wheeler AG announced today that a subsidiary of its Global Engineering and Construction Group has been awarded a contract for the basic engineering design of a new hydrogen production unit, based on Foster Wheeler Terrace-Wall™ steam reforming technology, to be built at the Atyrau Refinery, a member of JS National Company “KazMunayGas” group that it is the leading national oil and gas company of Kazakhstan.

The contract was awarded to Foster Wheeler by OJSC Omskneftekhimproekt, the project engineering contractor for the Deep Oil Conversion Complex, a major revamp and modernization of the Atyrau refinery. The main purpose of this project is to increase the oil conversion rate and production of all types of motor fuels to meet Euro IV and Euro V standards. The refinery will, as a result of this modernization, require additional volumes of high purity hydrogen

The Foster Wheeler contract value was not disclosed and was included in the company’s first-quarter 2011 bookings.

The new hydrogen unit, which will use high olefinic LPG as the main feedstock and natural gas as the alternate feedstock, will be designed to produce 24,000 normal m³/hour (Nm³/h) of pure hydrogen. The basic design package is scheduled for completion during the third quarter of 2011.

Foster Wheeler AG is a global engineering and construction contractor and power equipment supplier delivering facilities and equipment. It employs approximately 12,000 professionals. The company’s Global Engineering and Construction Group designs and constructs processing facilities for the upstream oil and gas, LNG and gas-to-liquids, refining, chemicals and petrochemicals, power, mining and metals, environmental, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and healthcare industries. The company’s Global Power Group is a world leader in combustion and steam generation technology that designs, manufactures and erects steam generating and auxiliary equipment for power stations and industrial facilities and also provides a wide range of aftermarket services. The company is based in Zug, Switzerland, and its operational headquarters office is in Geneva.