Shell opens PEM electrolyser for green hydrogen production in Cologne
By Jim Gibbins - 1st July 2021
Netherlands / Germany - Royal Dutch Shell NV of Eindhoven, Netherlands has started production of green hydrogen using what it claims is Europe’s largest Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) electrolyser at its Energy and Chemicals Park Rhineland in Wesseling, near Cologne, Germany. Shell says it is the first to use this technology at such a large scale in a refinery.
The new electrolyser was initiated under the REFHYNE project, which began in 2018, consisting of a consortium of industrial companies with the aim of developing and building a hydrogen refinery for Europe. The REFHYNE project is funded by the European Commission’s Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU). The European consortium consists of Shell, ITM Power, research organisation SINTEF1, consultants Sphera and Element Energy. The electrolyser was manufactured by ITM power in Sheffield, UK, and includes parts made in Italy, Sweden, Spain and Germany, and is being operated by Shell.
