- Wesseling site to stop processing crude oils by 2025.
- Hydrocracker conversion to produce 300,000 tonnes of base oils annually.
- REFHYNE II project to install a 100 MW electrolyzer producing 44,000 kg of renewable hydrogen daily.
- Final investment decision for REFHYNE II achieved in July 2024.
Decarbonization Projects at Rheinland Park
Worley is partnering with Shell on two significant projects aimed at decarbonizing operations at the Energy and Chemicals Park Rheinland in Wesseling, Germany. The site plans to cease processing crude oils by 2025.
Hydrocracker Conversion
The first project involves converting the site's hydrocracker into a base oil production unit to produce high-quality lubricants, such as engine and transmission oils. The plant's production capacity will be around 300,000 tonnes per year, meeting approximately 9% of EU demand and 40% of Germany's demand for base oils. This repurposing, along with increased electrification, is expected to reduce Shell's scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by about 620,000 tonnes annually.
REFHYNE II Electrolyzer
The second project, REFHYNE II, will install a 100 MW electrolyzer designed to produce up to 44,000 kilograms of renewable hydrogen daily. This hydrogen will be used to create energy products with lower carbon intensity and further decarbonize operations. The electrolyzer builds on the 10 MW REFHYNE I, which started in 2021 and uses the same technology. The final investment decision for REFHYNE II was achieved in July 2024.
Project Phases and Execution
Worley has been the primary engineering partner for the Assess, Select, and Define phases of the hydrocracker conversion project. As the project advances into detailed design and procurement stages, efforts are focused on meeting standards for functionality, safety, and regulatory compliance. The execution is managed from Worley's Cologne office, with support from the Global Integrated Delivery team in Mumbai.
