Shell Deutschland GmbH has approved the final investment for REFHYNE II, a 100-megawatt renewable hydrogen electrolyzer at the Shell Energy and Chemicals Park Rheinland in Germany. Set to begin operations in 2027, this facility will use renewable electricity to produce up to 44,000 kilograms of green hydrogen daily, aiding in the decarbonization of local operations, reported Chemanalyst.
The REFHYNE II project has been made feasible by supportive policies such as the European Union’s binding targets for renewable hydrogen use and the German Federal Government’s regulatory framework. It has also received substantial funding from the EU’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program. These combined efforts highlight a strong commitment to advancing renewable hydrogen technologies and fostering sector innovation, ensuring the project’s progress and success.
The renewable hydrogen generated by REFHYNE II will be used at the Shell Energy and Chemicals Park to produce energy products, including transport fuels with lower carbon intensity. This initiative aims to significantly reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions at Shell Rheinland, supporting the facility’s sustainability goals. As demand for cleaner energy increases, the hydrogen produced could be supplied to other industrial sectors in the region, further reducing industrial emissions. This long-term strategy reflects Shell’s commitment to promoting cleaner energy solutions and supporting regional decarbonization efforts.
Huibert Vigeveno, Shell’s Director of Downstream, Renewables, and Energy Solutions, emphasized that the investment in REFHYNE II is a key component of their strategy to create more value with fewer emissions. This move underscores Shell’s dedication to the hydrogen economy, which is crucial for decarbonizing their operations and products. Vigeveno noted that the decision illustrates the potential for achieving competitive projects with the right conditions, reflecting Shell’s focus on sustainability and innovation in energy solutions.
REFHYNE II will build on the expertise of Shell and its partners, ITM and Linde, in developing, constructing, and operating renewable hydrogen projects across Europe. Following the success of REFHYNE I, a 10-megawatt PEM electrolyzer that began operations in 2021 using similar technology, REFHYNE II aims to further enhance renewable hydrogen production. Since 2021, efforts have concentrated on detailed engineering plans, on-site groundworks, and integration with existing infrastructure. This collaboration will ensure the smooth development and operational efficiency of REFHYNE II, amplifying its impact on renewable hydrogen production.
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