- The EU's Innovation Fund awarded EUR 94 million for a SOEC factory in Herning, Denmark.
- The factory will be operational by 2024 with an initial capacity of 500 MW.
- The facility will produce Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cells for green hydrogen.
- The project aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 7.5 million tonnes over ten years.
Investment and Factory Details
The EU's Innovation Fund has awarded EUR 94 million to Topsoe for constructing its first electrolyzer manufacturing facility in Herning, Denmark. This is the largest investment in Topsoe’s history. The factory is expected to be operational by 2024 and will have an initial capacity of 500 megawatts (MW), with the potential for further expansion.
Production and Impact
The facility will produce Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cells (SOEC), which are crucial for generating green hydrogen and its derivatives. These electrolyzers are essential for decarbonizing energy-intensive industries such as steel, mining, and long-distance transportation, which account for about 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The EU Commission has proposed deploying 40 GW of hydrogen electrolyzer installations and producing 10 million tonnes of green hydrogen in Europe.
Environmental Benefits
Topsoe’s electrolyzers are expected to reduce emissions by approximately 7.5 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent over the first ten years of operation compared to hydrogen produced from natural gas. The SOEC technology is up to 30% more efficient than competing technologies, making it a significant advancement in the energy transition.
Employment and Infrastructure
Once fully operational, the factory will employ 200 people and create numerous indirect job opportunities through its supply chain, infrastructure, logistics, and maintenance. The facility will cover 23,000 square meters and is located at Haldor Topsøes Vej 2, 7400 Herning, Denmark.
