ITM Power, a leading developer of electrolyzer technology, has announced the signing of a significant contract for the REFHYNE II project, following Shell’s positive Final Investment Decision (FID). This contract marks a major milestone in the expansion of green hydrogen production capabilities in Europe and underscores ITM Power’s position as a key player in the renewable hydrogen sector.
REFHYNE II: A Pioneering Project
The REFHYNE II project, located at Shell’s Rheinland Energy and Chemicals Park in Germany, represents one of the largest green hydrogen initiatives to date. ITM Power will supply 100MW of its advanced TRIDENT electrolyzer stacks and skids for the project, which will use renewable electricity to produce up to 44,000 kilograms of green hydrogen daily. This production will contribute to the partial decarbonization of fuel production at Shell’s Wesseling refinery, marking a significant step towards reducing the carbon footprint of one of Europe’s largest industrial sites.
Linde Engineering has been selected as the EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) integrator for the project. Known for their expertise in industrial gas engineering, Linde will work closely with ITM Power to ensure the successful delivery and operation of the project. The collaboration between ITM Power and Linde builds on their shared experience in developing and operating green hydrogen projects across Europe, including the successful 10MW REFHYNE I plant, which has been operational since 2021.
Building on Success: Lessons from REFHYNE I
REFHYNE II is set to build upon the lessons learned from REFHYNE I, a pioneering 10MW electrolyzer plant that marked one of the first large-scale uses of green hydrogen in an industrial setting. The success of REFHYNE I has provided valuable insights into the operation and scaling of green hydrogen production technologies, positioning ITM Power and Shell to take on the larger and more ambitious REFHYNE II project.
Dennis Schulz, CEO of ITM Power, highlighted the importance of the REFHYNE I project in securing the contract for REFHYNE II: “Shell is a leading global energy company, and we are proud they have selected us for this prestigious project. The performance of our latest generation electrolyzer stacks in the REFHYNE I plant played an important role in Shell’s proceeding to FID, as did their extensive due diligence on our technology and our capability to deliver this large-scale commercial project.”
Supportive Policies and Funding
The REFHYNE II project has been significantly enabled by supportive government policies and frameworks. The European Union’s binding targets for the use of renewable hydrogen in industry and transport, along with the German Federal Government’s regulatory framework, have created a favorable environment for large-scale green hydrogen projects. Additionally, the project has received funding from the EU’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program, further underscoring the EU’s commitment to leading the global energy transition.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Green Hydrogen
The electrolyzer for REFHYNE II is scheduled to begin operating in 2027, at which point it will be one of the largest green hydrogen production facilities in the world. This project is not only a testament to the growing demand for renewable hydrogen but also highlights the technological advancements that are making such large-scale projects feasible.
As green hydrogen continues to gain traction as a cornerstone of the energy transition, projects like REFHYNE II demonstrate the potential for renewable hydrogen to decarbonize some of the most challenging sectors, including heavy industry and transport. ITM Power, with its cutting-edge electrolyzer technology and strategic partnerships, is poised to play a central role in this rapidly evolving industry.
Conclusion
The signing of the REFHYNE II contract is a significant achievement for ITM Power and a major step forward for green hydrogen production in Europe. By leveraging the lessons learned from REFHYNE I and benefiting from strong policy support and funding, REFHYNE II is set to become a flagship project in the global push towards a sustainable energy future. With the collaboration of industry giants like Shell and Linde Engineering, this project will not only advance the green hydrogen sector but also pave the way for further innovations in renewable energy.
Sources:
ITM Power Official Announcement
European Commission Horizon 2020 Program
Shell Rheinland Energy and Chemicals Park Project Overview
Industry Reports on Green Hydrogen Development (2023-2030)
