Shell’s bold move: German 100-megawatt hydrogen electrolyzer project

Shell has announced an ambitious new project, revealing plans on Thursday to build a 100-megawatt renewable hydrogen electrolyser in Germany, the company’s second such facility in Europe and playing a significant role in its efforts to cut carbon emissions from its refineries.

The Refhyne II electrolyser, located at the Rheinland refinery, is scheduled to begin operations in 2027. It is designed to produce up to 44,000 kilograms of renewable hydrogen per day, partially decarbonizing the refinery’s operations. Shell said in a statement that in the longer term, the renewable hydrogen initiative aims to help lower industrial emissions across the region while meeting changing customer demand.

Meanwhile, in the Netherlands, Shell is building Holland Hydrogen I, which at 200 megawatts is one of Europe’s largest renewable hydrogen plants. The decision to press ahead with Refhyne II comes despite several low-carbon project setbacks under CEO Wael Sawan, who took office in January 2023. Since then, Shell has abandoned or sold some renewable and hydrogen projects and withdrawn from some energy markets, focusing instead on more profitable oil and gas operations to boost profitability. Nevertheless, Shell plans significant investments of $10 billion to $15 billion by 2025 to accelerate the development of low-carbon energy solutions.

(Based on information from the agency.)