- The project has received $10 million in funding from the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking.
- The facility is expected to be fully operational by 2020.
- The plant will produce 1,300 tons of hydrogen annually.
- The refinery currently requires 180,000 tons of hydrogen annually.
Project Overview
The world’s largest hydrogen electrolysis plant is set to be built in Germany at the Rhineland refinery. ITM Power and Shell are leading the project, collaborating with SINTEF, thinkstep, and Element Energy. The project has secured $10 million in funding from the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking, in addition to another $10 million in investments.
Operational Timeline
Dubbed “Refhyne,” the plant's technical planning has already begun, though it still requires approval. ITM Power and Shell anticipate the facility will be fully operational by 2020. The plant will utilize the world’s first industrial-scale polymer electrolyte membrane for hydrogen production, leveraging surplus electricity instead of fossil fuels like natural gas.
Production Capacity
The new plant is expected to significantly benefit the Rhineland refinery, which currently needs 180,000 tons of hydrogen annually. Initially, the plant will produce approximately 1,300 tons of hydrogen per year, with plans to increase production as technology advances.
