EU Energy Commissioner visit to REFHYNE, the world's largest PEM hydrogen electrolysis plant under construction

On 6 July, European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson visited REFHYNE, where the world’s largest PEM hydrogen electrolysis plant is under construction. Supported by the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking, REFHYNE will use renewable electricity to produce green hydrogen at Shell’s Rheinland Refinery in Wesseling, Germany.

Clean hydrogen is expected to play a vital role in the transition to a climate neutral Europe, helping decarbonise sectors that are harder to electrify, such as heavy industry or freight road transport. The EU hopes that REFHYNE will become a stepping stone in the journey to create a clean hydrogen economy. On 8 July, Commissioner Simson will unveil a European Hydrogen Strategy intended to create a market for clean hydrogen and incentivise investments in supply. Commissioner Simson believes that the EU can gain a competitive advantage by becoming a first mover in creating a clean hydrogen industry. Talking about her vision for the transition to a climate neutral Europe, the Commissioner for Energy said:

“To reach climate neutrality by 2050, we need to fundamentally transform our energy system and clean hydrogen will have a key role to play, as it has great potential to decarbonise sectors where electrification is impossible or too costly. Therefore, we will propose a roadmap to scale up renewable hydrogen production and use in Europe. Europe is well placed to be the global frontrunner in this field, with our leading position in wind energy and with innovative projects like RefHyne already underway “

“FCH-JU funded projects like REFHYNE give the opportunity to European electrolyser industry to build equipment that meets the strict standards of the European refining industry. They will help reducing the CO2 footprint of large industrial processes through the production and incorporation of green hydrogen. We are delighted that Commissioner Simson chose the REFHYNE project facility in the context of the EU Hydrogen Strategy that will be announced soon”, explains Bart Biebuyck, Executive Director of the FCH JU.

Read the full press release here

Speech by Commissioner Simson during her visit to the PEM hydrogen electrolysis plant Refhyne available here