Linde Engineering has announced that it has signed an agreement with Shell Deutschland GmbH (“Shell”) to construct a 100-megawatt (MW) renewable hydrogen plant for the REFHYNE II project. The plant will be located at the Shell Energy and Chemicals Park Rheinland in Wesseling, Germany.

Engineering, procurement, and construction by linde

Linde Engineering will take on the responsibility for the engineering, procurement, and construction of a new proton-exchange membrane (PEM) hydrogen electrolysis facility. The electrolyzer stacks required for this project will be supplied by ITM Power.

Significant step towards decarbonization

REFHYNE II is projected to produce up to 44,000 kilograms of renewable hydrogen per day. This hydrogen will be utilized to partially decarbonize site operations at the Shell Energy and Chemicals Park. The renewable hydrogen produced will also contribute to the creation of cleaner energy products, such as low-carbon transport fuels. Moreover, as demand evolves, the hydrogen produced at REFHYNE II could be supplied directly to industrial customers in the region, assisting them in reducing their emissions. The facility is expected to commence operations in 2027.

Linde’s commitment to hydrogen technology

"Hydrogen will play a key role in decarbonizing energy-intensive industrial sectors, and Linde is at the forefront of developing the technology needed to achieve this," said John van der Velden, Senior Vice President Global Sales & Technology at Linde Engineering. He added, "This project draws on our decades of experience in developing hydrogen projects at scale worldwide, and we are proud to have been selected by Shell to help deliver its vision for REFHYNE II."

Support from European union and German government

The REFHYNE II project is supported by financial contributions from both the European Union and the Federal Government of Germany. The project also benefits from a regulatory framework that encourages the use of renewable hydrogen, highlighting strong political commitment and incentives that drive the development of the hydrogen economy.

Building on the success of REFHYNE I

REFHYNE II is a follow-up to the success of the 10 MW PEM electrolyzer REFHYNE I, which began operations in 2021. The experience gained from REFHYNE I and other renewable hydrogen projects in Europe will be invaluable as Shell, Linde, and ITM Power collaborate on this larger-scale initiative.

“With the 100 MW electrolysis REFHYNE II, we are further advancing Shell’s goal of being a net-zero-emissions company by 2050," stated Andrew Beard, Shell's VP Hydrogen. "For Shell Energy & Chemicals Park Rheinland, REFHYNE II is a great investment and a milestone in its transition."

REFHYNE II represents a significant milestone in the transition to cleaner energy, reinforcing Shell's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. With the collaboration of industry leaders like Linde and ITM Power, the project not only underscores the potential of renewable hydrogen in decarbonizing industrial operations but also sets a precedent for future large-scale hydrogen initiatives in Europe and beyond. As the world shifts towards sustainable energy solutions, projects like REFHYNE II are paving the way for a greener, more resilient energy future.