Shell Announces Construction of 100MW Hydrogen Electrolyser in Germany
Key Ideas
- Shell to build a 100MW renewable hydrogen electrolyser at Rheinland refinery in Germany to reduce carbon emissions.
- The electrolyser will produce 44,000 kg per day of renewable hydrogen, with plans to decarbonise site operations and potentially supply the region with renewable hydrogen.
- Shell's CEO Wael Sawan led decision to progress with Refhyne II after setbacks in low-carbon projects, focusing on profitable operations while investing in low-carbon energy.
- The company plans to invest US$10-15 billion in 2023-25 for low-carbon energy development, with US$5.6 billion invested in 2023, including capital spending for renewable and hydrogen projects.
Shell announced its plans to construct a 100-megawatt renewable hydrogen electrolyser in Germany at the Rheinland refinery, with operations scheduled to begin in 2027. This project, named Refhyne II, aims to produce up to 44,000 kg per day of renewable hydrogen to help in partially decarbonizing site operations. Shell also mentioned the possibility of supplying renewable hydrogen to lower industrial emissions in the region based on evolving customer demand. The decision to move forward with Refhyne II came after several setbacks in low-carbon projects under CEO Wael Sawan's leadership. Shell, under his direction, has refocused on profitable operations, including oil and gas, while investing in low-carbon energy. The company has plans to invest between US$10-15 billion in 2023-25 for this purpose, with a substantial portion of the investment directed towards renewable and hydrogen projects. In 2023, Shell invested US$5.6 billion in low-carbon energy, allocating 23% to capital spending. The company's commitment to renewable hydrogen projects in Europe, including the construction of the Holland Hydrogen I project in the Netherlands, reflects its dedication to reducing carbon emissions and moving towards sustainable energy sources.