BP explores making “green hydrogen” via water electrolysis for its refinery in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
BP, Nouryon (formerly AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals) and the Port of Rotterdam join forces to explore making “green hydrogen” via water electrolysis for BP’s refinery in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, which reportedly has the potential for significant reductions in CO2 emissions. The refinery currently uses hydrogen made from hydrocarbons, to desulphurize products. Replacing this entirely with green hydrogen produced from water using renewable energy could potentially result in a reduction of 350,000 tons of CO2 emissions per year based on current circumstances, according to Nouryon.
The parties have signed a memorandum of understanding to study the feasibility of a 250-megawatt water electrolysis facility to produce up to 45,000 tons of green hydrogen yearly using renewable energy. It would reportedly be the largest of its kind in Europe. Nouryon would build and operate the facility and the Port of Rotterdam would facilitate local infrastructure and investigate options for further development of a green hydrogen hub in the area. The partners intend to take a final investment decision on the project in 2022.
“We have committed to reduce emissions in our operations, improve our products to help customers reduce their emissions and create low carbon businesses. The use of green hydrogen, made from water with renewable energy, has the potential to deliver significant emissions reductions at Rotterdam,” says Ruben Beens, CEO of BP Netherlands. “Working with Nouryon and the Port of Rotterdam will allow us to explore and fully understand the technical, operational and financial dimensions of this potential opportunity.”
Allard Castelein, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam, says, “Development of large-scale electrolysers connected to offshore wind farms is vital for making solid progress with the new energy system in order to realize our climate goals. This 250-megawatt electrolyser is a key proof point that Rotterdam has the ability to be a frontrunner in the energy transition, which is an important differentiator for the port industry.”
For more information, visit: www.nouryon.com
