The Shell Energy and Chemicals Park Rhineland is nearing completion of Europe’s largest PEM electrolysis (Polymer Electrolyte Membrane) for the development of green hydrogen.
The building of the REFHYNE facility has reached another significant milestone with the completion of massive roofs.
ITM Power had previously manufactured and mounted the electrolyser modules as the core. As part of an official opening ceremony for which political celebrities have already confirmed their attendance, the first shot for industrial-scale hydrogen production will be fired. The transformation of the former Rhineland refinery into the Energy and Chemicals Park Rhineland is symbolized by REFHYNE, a concrete building block. The aim is, among other things, to take an active role in shaping the energy transition and the potential viability of the Rheinisches Revier business site. The Fuel Cell Hydrogen Joint Undertaking is funding the REFHYNE project and European consortium (FCHJU).
The two so-called Venturi roofs required three special cranes to be hoisted onto the structure. The two modules weigh 46 tons and cover a roof area of 25 by 18.5 meters. The roof structure, which is oriented in the direction of the prevailing main wind, ensures that the production area is ventilated in an environmentally sustainable and resource-saving manner. Mechanical ventilation is not needed.
Following a good trial run, the five electrolyser modules were shipped from the United Kingdom to Wesseling and assembled. Water is divided into its constituents hydrogen and oxygen in electrolysers using direct current. The oxygen produced is then released into the atmosphere. The hydrogen is fed into the refining system and used to upgrade goods in plants. Since the electricity used in electrolysis is renewable, “green hydrogen” is generated, making it one of the most significant energy sources for influencing the energy transition.
The assembly work is nearing completion. For the production of green hydrogen, the commissioning of Europe’s largest PEM hydrogen electrolysis (PEM stands for Proton Exchange Membrane) is scheduled for July. REFHYNE has the potential to produce 1,300 tons of hydrogen each year. The technology is being used as a test bed for applications such as mobility, industrial applications, energy storage, and heating.
Shell Energy and Chemicals Park Rheinland is thus pursuing its ambitious goal of aggressively assisting in the energy transition and participating in the German climate goals. Since the green hydrogen is generated using renewable energy, the project contributes to a long-term reduction in CO 2 emissions at the site. This helps Shell achieve its target of becoming a net-zero-emissions energy firm by 2050.
