Shell Says Yes To Renewable Hydrogen
Shell Nederland B.V. and Shell Overseas Investments B.V., subsidiaries of Shell plc, have taken the final investment decision to build Holland Hydrogen I, which will be Europe’s largest renewable hydrogen plant once operational in 2025.
The 200-MW electrolyzer will be constructed on the Tweede Maasvlakte in the port of Rotterdam and will produce up to 66 tons (60 tonnes) of renewable hydrogen per day. The renewable power for the electrolyzer will come from the offshore wind farm Hollandse Kust (noord), which is partly owned by Shell. Thyssenkrupp Uhde Chlorine Engineers signed a supply contract with Shell to engineer, procure, and fabricate the electrolysis plant in 2021.
The renewable hydrogen produced will supply the Shell Energy and Chemicals Park Rotterdam, by way of the HyTransPort pipeline, where it will replace some of the grey hydrogen usage in the refinery. This will partially decarbonize the facility’s production of energy products like petrol, diesel, and jet fuel. As heavy-duty trucks are coming to market and refueling networks grow, renewable hydrogen supply can also be directed toward these to help in decarbonizing commercial road transport.
The HyTransPort pipeline is designed for large-scale transport of hydrogen through the Port of Rotterdam. The first phase of the 24-in. (609-mm) pipeline extends across 20 miles (32 km). The pressure in the pipeline is between 435 and 725 psi (30 and 50 bar).
“Holland Hydrogen I demonstrates how new energy solutions can work together to meet society’s need for cleaner energy. It is also another example of Shell’s own efforts and commitment to become a net-zero emissions business by 2050,” said Anna Mascolo, executive vice president of emerging energy solutions at Shell. “Renewable hydrogen will play a pivotal role in the energy system of the future and this project is an important step in helping hydrogen fulfil that potential.”
