BP, Nouryon and Port of Rotterdam partner on green hydrogen study

BP, Nouryon and the Port of Rotterdam have joined forces to explore the opportunity of making green hydrogen via electrolysis for BP’s refinery in Rotterdam, which has the potential for significant reduction in CO2 emissions.

The refinery currently uses hydrogen made from hydrocarbons, to desulphurise products, and replacing this entirely with green hydrogen produced from water using renewable energy could potentially result in a reduction of 350,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year based on current circumstances.

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 tonnes of green hydrogen yearly using renewable energy, making it the largest of its kind in Europe.

Nouryon would build and operate the facility based on its leadership position in sustainable electrochemistry.

The Port of Rotterdam would facilitate local infrastructure and investigate options for further development of a green hydrogen hub in the area, and the partners intend to take a final investment decision on the project in 2022.

Ruben Beens, CEO of BP Netherlands, said: “BP is committed to advance a low carbon future. 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 the deliver significant emissions reductions at Rotterdam. Working with Nouryon and the Port of Rotterdam will allow us to explore and fully understand the technical, operational and financial dimensions of the potential opportunity.”

Knut Schwalenberg, Managing Director for Industrial Chemicals at Nouryon, said: “This partnership builds on our expertise in electrolysis technology to open up new value chains. With green hydrogen, we can provide sustainable solutions to our customers ranging from low-carbon fuels and industrial processes to new forms of circular chemistry.”

Allard Castelein, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam, said: “Development of large-scale electrolysers connected to offshore wind farms in vital for making solid progress with the new energy system in order to realise our climate goals.”

“This 250-megawatt electrolyser is a key proof that Rotterdam has the ability to be a frontrunner in the energy transition, which is an important differentiator for the port industry.”