Linde and Shell's Green Hydrogen Initiative

Linde Engineering and Shell Deutschland GmbH are joining forces to advance the decarbonization of industrial sectors through a groundbreaking renewable hydrogen project. This collaboration will lead to the construction of a 100-megawatt (MW) proton-exchange membrane (PEM) hydrogen electrolysis facility at the Shell Energy and Chemicals Park Rheinland in Wesseling, Germany, as part of the ambitious REFHYNE II project.

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The Impact of REFHYNE II on Renewable Hydrogen Production

REFHYNE II is expected to play a significant role in the production of green hydrogen, with the capability to generate up to 44,000 kilograms of renewable hydrogen daily. This output will be crucial in reducing the carbon intensity of energy products like transport fuels, contributing to the broader decarbonization efforts of site operations.

Timeline and Expected Outcomes

The facility is scheduled to begin operations in 2027, marking a significant step forward in cleaner energy production for the region. The project's success will also enable the direct supply of renewable hydrogen to industrial customers, helping them lower their emissions and contributing to a more sustainable energy landscape.

Expertise and Leadership in Hydrogen Technology

John van der Velden, Senior Vice President Global Sales & Technology at Linde Engineering, emphasized the importance of hydrogen in the future of energy. “Hydrogen will play a key role in decarbonizing energy-intensive industrial sectors, and Linde is at the forefront of developing the technology needed to achieve this. This project draws on our decades of experience in developing hydrogen projects at scale worldwide, and we are proud to have been selected by Shell to help deliver its vision for REFHYNE II.”

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The Role of Partnerships

Van der Velden also highlighted the impact of strong political commitment and supportive incentives in advancing the hydrogen economy. The collaboration between Linde, Shell, and ITM Power demonstrates the strength of partnerships in driving forward renewable energy initiatives.

Building on Previous Success: REFHYNE I

The REFHYNE II project builds on the success of its predecessor, the 10 MW PEM electrolyzer REFHYNE I, which began operations in 2021. This earlier project laid the groundwork for expanding into REFHYNE II, showcasing the effectiveness and scalability of PEM electrolyzer technology in producing renewable hydrogen.

Contributions of ITM Power

ITM Power, a key partner in the project, will supply the electrolyzer stacks essential to the facility's operation. The success of REFHYNE II will contribute not only to cleaner energy production at the Shell Energy and Chemicals Park Rheinland but also to potentially supplying renewable hydrogen directly to industrial customers in the region.

Financial and Regulatory Support

The financial backing for REFHYNE II has been secured through support from both the European Union and the Federal Government, reflecting the broader regulatory and financial framework encouraging the adoption of renewable hydrogen technologies. This support is crucial in mitigating the initial costs and risks associated with pioneering large-scale green hydrogen projects.

The Future of Renewable Hydrogen

In conclusion, the collaboration between Linde, Shell, and ITM Power on the REFHYNE II project is a testament to the innovative spirit driving the energy transition. With a planned operation date set for 2027, REFHYNE II is set to play a pivotal role in advancing the production of cleaner energy, contributing to the broader goal of achieving a sustainable and low-carbon future.