UK-based energy major Shell has made a final investment decision for a green hydrogen production facility in Rotterdam as part of the Maasvlakte 2 project.
Once it becomes operational in 2025, Holland Hydrogen I is expected to be the largest facility producing renewable hydrogen in Europe, with a 200 MW electrolyser producing up to 60,000 kg of green hydrogen each day. The energy will be provided by an offshore windfarm that is part-owned by Shell.
The new facility will be connected to the HyTransPort pipeline, a planned underground pipeline through Rotterdam’s port, so it can supply hydrogen to a large biofuels plant at the Shell Energy and Chemicals Park Rotterdam. This pipeline will become part of the Netherlands’ larger hydrogen pipeline network and ultimately connect with other European regions, such as Germany’s North Rhine-Westphalia.
Speaking at the Aurora Energy Summit held recently in Oxford, Ben van Beurden, the CEO of the energy and lubricant company, said the company relied on its traditional oil and gas business to fund its progress in renewable energies, adding:
“The world needs an energy system that provides a secure supply of energy that is reliable and sustainable and affordable. This means Shell will continue to supply oil and gas for many years to come. Across the world, and also in the UK.”
In terms of its UK plans, van Beurden said that Shell expects, subject to board approval, to invest £20–25 billion in the UK to develop zero- and low-carbon services and products.
