Shell has started its green hydrogen production operations in what it says is the largest PEM hydrogen electrolyzer in Europe.

The Shell’s Energy and Chemicals Park Rheinland plant is part of the European Refhyne consortium and is supported by funding from the European Commission through the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking.

The other members of the consortium supporting the project are ITM Power, the research organization SINTEF and the consultants Sphera and Element Energy.

The electrolyser was manufactured by ITM power in Sheffield, UK, and includes parts made in Italy, Sweden, Spain and Germany.

Shell said plans were underway to increase the electrolyzer capacity from 10 MW to 100 MW at the Rheinland site near Cologne.

The Rheinland electrolyser will use renewable electricity to produce up to 1,300 tonnes of green hydrogen per year.

Shell’s downstream director, Huibert Vigeveno, said: “This project demonstrates a new kind of energy future and a model of low-carbon power generation that can be replicated around the world,” at the ceremony. official opening today.

“Shell wants to become one of the main suppliers of green hydrogen for industrial and transport customers in Germany.

“We will be involved in the whole process – from power generation, using offshore wind, to hydrogen production and distribution across all sectors.

“We want to be the partner of choice for our customers by helping them to decarbonise. “

Shell also intends to produce sustainable aviation fuel using renewable energy and biomass in the future.

A liquefied renewable natural gas plant is also in development.

North Rhine-Westphalia Minister-President Armin Laschets said: “We are a hydrogen region. With the commissioning of the largest PEM electrolysis plant in Europe, we are further strengthening our leadership role in this field.

“We are thus laying the foundations for a modern and green industry, with highly qualified jobs.

“Today, 30% of German hydrogen demand already comes from industry in North Rhine-Westphalia. Estimates predict that demand will double by 2030.

“This is why we need innovative solutions that will meet the demand for CO₂ neutral hydrogen. Projects like Refhyne demonstrate how innovation can benefit both the environment and the economy.