Evonik has taken a major step toward sustainable hydrogen production by entering a long-term partnership with Dutch company VoltH2. The two firms have signed a term sheet to advance green hydrogen production at the Delfzijl chemical park, marking a significant milestone in the region’s energy transition.

Under the agreement, VoltH2 will construct a 50 MW electrolyzer adjacent to Evonik’s hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) plant. This state-of-the-art facility will be the first industrial-scale green hydrogen water electrolysis plant in the North of the Netherlands and is set to commence operations by the end of 2027. Evonik plans to source a substantial portion of its hydrogen needs from this facility, reducing its reliance on conventional hydrogen production. In the meantime, Evonik’s existing on-site hydrogen production will continue to ensure an uninterrupted supply until the green hydrogen capacity can fully meet demand.

In addition to the electrolyzer, VoltH2 will establish a tube trailer filling station on Evonik’s premises. This will enable the distribution of green hydrogen to other VoltH2 customers, ensuring continuous availability around the clock. The partnership extends beyond just meeting Evonik’s sustainability goals—it aims to lay the foundation for a broader hydrogen network within the industrial hub of Delfzijl.

Peter Metten, Managing Director of Evonik Peroxide Netherlands, emphasized the importance of this initiative in achieving the company’s renewable energy ambitions. “Our goal is to transition entirely to renewable resources in our production processes. The introduction of green hydrogen at our Delfzijl plant is a major step in this direction,” he stated. Metten highlighted that while electricity and steam, two critical inputs for H2O2 production, already have viable sustainable solutions, green hydrogen remains a challenging component. “Partnering with VoltH2 allows us to leverage their local resources and expertise, making a cleaner, greener industry a reality.”

André Jurres, Founder and Managing Director of VoltH2, underscored Delfzijl’s strategic position in the green hydrogen economy. “This integrated approach showcases how major industrial players like Evonik can maximize the potential of sustainable electricity alongside green hydrogen production. Our long-term collaboration demonstrates that large-scale carbon emission reductions are both practical and achievable in the near future.”

Christoph Batz-Sohn, Director of Sustainable Transformation at Evonik’s Active Oxygens business line, stressed that cooperation is the key to meaningful change. “The transition to a greener future requires expertise and commitment from stakeholders across industries. We hope this initiative with VoltH2 sets a precedent for similar collaborations at our other global production sites.”

Evonik’s Active Oxygens business line has already implemented significant emission-reduction measures. By the end of 2024, 90% of its electricity consumption will come from renewable sources. Additionally, the company is exploring the possibility of constructing a large heat pump at Delfzijl for sustainable steam generation. Efforts are also underway to integrate green hydrogen solutions across multiple Evonik sites, reinforcing the company’s commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable industrial landscape.