Chemical company Evonik and VoltH2 have signed an agreement to accelerate the production of green hydrogen at the Delfzijl chemical park. Under the agreement, VoltH2 will build a 50 MW electrolyzer close to Evonik's hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) plant.
VoltH2's plant will be the first industrial-scale green hydrogen electrolysis plant in the north of the Netherlands. The electrolyzer will start operating at the end of 2027 and will be responsible for a significant part of Evonik's hydrogen needs. For its remaining hydrogen requirement, Evonik will use its own conventional hydrogen production at the site. This approach will ensure an uninterrupted supply until the supply of green hydrogen has grown sufficiently to meet demand at any time. VoltH2 will also build a refuelling station for tube trailers on Evonik's site. The hydrogen in tube trailers will be available to VoltH2's other customers around the clock.
Switching to renewable sources with electrolyzer
Managing director Peter Metten of Evonik Peroxide Netherlands explains: "We want to switch our production completely to renewable sources. By introducing green hydrogen in Delfzijl, we are taking an important step in that direction. Three resources are needed to produce H2O2: electricity, steam and hydrogen. It is not so difficult to find a sustainable solution for the first two. But for green hydrogen, the situation is very different. Fortunately, in VoltH2 we have found a partner with the necessary facilities, technical know-how and vision to work together for a cleaner, greener industry."
Green hydrogen economy
André Jurres, founder and Managing Director of VoltH2, stresses the importance of Delfzijl's position in the emerging green hydrogen economy: "Thanks to this system integration, a large industrial company like Evonik shows how we can optimise the use of green power and its natural allies, such as green hydrogen production. With our long-term commitment, we can significantly reduce CO2 emissions in the near future."
Collaboration needed
"This is an example of how collaboration is the key to sustainable transformation," continues Christophe Batz-Sohn, Director for Sustainable Transformation at Evonik's Active Oxygens business line. "A greener future requires the combined expertise and commitment of companies across all sectors and industries. Ideally, this joint initiative between Evonik and VoltH2 sets an example for more similar partnerships in our other production sites around the world."
Lower footprint
The Active Oxygens business line has already taken extensive measures to reduce emissions from its footprint. By the end of 2024, the production department was already using 90% electricity from renewable energy sources. Evonik in Delfzijl is currently investigating various options for the construction of a large heat pump to generate steam. The business line is also looking into green hydrogen solutions at a number of sites.
Source: Volth2 Photo: Evonik’s hydrogen peroxide plant in Delfzijl (Photo: Evonik)
See also: Novar and Avitec invest in the H2 Hollandia green hydrogen project
