The demand for green hydrogen and energy oplsag is rising. That is why the Port of Rotterdam Authority and Battolyser Systems will cooperate. They will realise in the port of Rotterdam the first industrial production facility for green hydrogen equipment in the Netherlands: the Battolyser plant.
The 1 GW per year Battolyser plant will be on the M4H site. This is an industrial estate in the heart of Rotterdam. The size of the production site is about 14,000 m2. The cost of its development is estimated to be around €100 million. This includes new office and laboratory facilities. Once fully operational, it will require about 700 direct employees and create up to four times as many indirect jobs with supply partners.
Europe's Hydrogen Hub
"Rotterdam is positioning itself as Europe's Hydrogen Hub. New sustainable industries are welcome to help realise the transition taking place in Rotterdam. We need companies like Battolyser Systems. And we believe the port is the ideal place for its first large-scale plant," said Allard Castelein, CEO Port of Rotterdam.
Germany and the Netherlands
Germany and the Netherlands are currently the first and second largest hydrogen consumers in Europe. Both countries have extensive plans for green hydrogen. Of these, production, import or consumption takes place in the port of Rotterdam.
Addition to portfolio
"In this industrial ecosystem, the Battolyser factory should become an anchor point. An anchor point for companies that want to build a supply chain for equipment manufacturing," Castelein said. "Companies in the port are already actively working on projects around production, import, shipping, storage and use of green hydrogen. With this plant, we are adding the production of equipment for green hydrogen to that portfolio. This greatly helps the port in its continuous efforts to facilitate sustainable industries for the future. And to reduce CO2 emissions."
R&D headquarters
The plant will also act as Battolyser Systems' headquarters and R&D centre. It is scheduled to open in the second half of 2024. The final investment decision will be made before the end of 2023 and will require private and public investment to compete internationally.
Scoop
Battolyser has developed and realised the world's first integrated battery/electrolyser system. The technology was invented by Prof Dr Fokko Mulder and his research team at Delft University of Technology. A Battolyser can produce hydrogen from sun and wind when energy prices are low. It delivers electricity to the grid when prices are high. The system is highly flexible, efficient and robust and can help alleviate grid congestion. In addition, it enables the construction of more solar and wind power projects. It also offers the cheapest green hydrogen. Battolyser technology is widely applicable using raw materials nickel and iron. These are abundantly available and conflict-free.
Collaboration
"Collaborating with the Port of Rotterdam to develop our first large-scale production facility is a big step forward in our commercialisation. The plant will allow us to supply Battolysers on an industrial scale and at affordable prices. We are having constructive discussions with the Dutch government and EU institutions. And we are confident that together we can secure the necessary financing." So says Mattijs Slee, CEO of Battolyser Systems.
Between 5,000 and 10,000 GW
"A net-zero world requires between 5,000 and 10,000 GW of installed electrolysis capacity. The supply chain of electrolysers therefore offers the Netherlands a huge opportunity to develop new sustainable industries. Industries that support our energy transition needs and can offer export products to the world..."
Photo: Concept Design Battolyser Systems (source: Kraaijvanger Architects)
