Shell to Construct 100MW Green Hydrogen Electrolyser in Germany

Shell Deutschland GmbH has approved a final investment in REFHYNE II, a 100-megawatt renewable hydrogen electrolyzer situated at the Shell Energy and Chemicals Park Rheinland in Germany. This facility, slated for operation in 2027, will leverage renewable electricity to produce up to 44,000 kilograms of green hydrogen daily, contributing to the decarbonization of local operations.

The REFHYNE II project has been made possible by supportive policies such as the European Union’s binding taargets for renewable hydrogen usage and the German Federal Government’s regulatory framework. Additionally, the project has received significant funding from the EU’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program. These combined efforts underscore the commitment to advancing renewable hydrogen technologies and fostering innovation in the sector, ensuring the project's development and success.

Renewable hydrogen produced by the REFHYNE II project will be utilized at the Shell Energy and Chemicals Park to manufacture energy products, including transport fuels with reduced carbon intensity. This initiative aims to significantly cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions at Shell Rheinland, contributing to the facility's sustainability goals. Over time, as customer demand for cleaner energy grows, renewable hydrogen from REFHYNE II could be supplied directly to other industrial sectors in the region, further aiding in the reduction of industrial emissions. This long-term strategy underscores Shell's commitment to advancing cleaner energy solutions and supporting regional decarbonization efforts.

Shell’s Downstream, Renewables, and Energy Solutions Director, Huibert Vigeveno, highlighted the significance of their investment in REFHYNE II as a crucial step in advancing their strategy of creating more value with fewer emissions. This investment underscores Shell's commitment to the hydrogen economy, which is essential for decarbonizing the company's operations and customer products. Vigeveno emphasized that this decision demonstrates the potential of achieving competitive projects under the right enabling conditions, reflecting Shell’s dedication to sustainability and innovation in energy solutions.

The REFHYNE II project will leverage the extensive expertise of Shell and its partners, ITM and Linde, in the development, construction, and operation of renewable hydrogen projects across Europe. Building on the success of REFHYNE I, a 10-megawatt PEM electrolyser that commenced operations in 2021 and utilizes the same technology, REFHYNE II aims to further advance renewable hydrogen production. Since 2021, efforts have been focused on delivering detailed engineering plans, completing on-site groundworks, and integrating the project with existing infrastructure. This collaboration ensures the smooth progression and operational efficiency of REFHYNE II, enhancing its impact on renewable hydrogen production.