Evonik has signed a term sheet with Dutch company VoltH2 to advance the production of green hydrogen at the Delfzijl Chemical Park. Under the terms of the agreement, VoltH2 will build a 50 MW electrolyzer near Evonik's hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) plant. Evonik will then source a significant portion of its hydrogen needs from the electrolyzer, which is expected to be operational by the end of 2027. VoltH2's plant will be the first green hydrogen water electrolysis plant on an industrial scale in the north of the Netherlands.
In the medium term, Evonik's remaining hydrogen demand will continue to be covered by its own conventional hydrogen production on site. This solution will ensure an uninterrupted supply until the capacity for green hydrogen grows to fully cover demand at all times. VoltH2 will also build a tube trailer refueling station on Evonik's premises. The hydrogen in the tube trailers will be made available to VoltH2's other customers around the clock.
The aim of the collaboration is to advance Evonik's sustainability agenda and, together with VoltH2, to form the nucleus of a broader hydrogen network at this important industrial site.
Peter Metten, Managing Director of Evonik Peroxide Netherlands, explained: “We want to switch our production completely to renewable raw materials. With the introduction of green hydrogen at the Delfzijl plant, we are taking an important step towards this goal. This is because the production of H2O2 requires three critical resources: Electricity, steam and hydrogen. For the first two, it is easier to find sustainable solutions. Sourcing green hydrogen is the tricky part. Fortunately, with VoltH2 we have found a partner with the local resources, technical know-how and vision to work optimally on a cleaner, greener industry.”
André Jurres, founder and CEO of VoltH2, emphasized the importance of Delfzijl's unique position in the emerging green hydrogen economy: “Thanks to this system-integrated approach, large industrial companies like Evonik are demonstrating how they can optimize their processes by using sustainable resources such as renewable electricity and green hydrogen. The long-term commitment of Evonik and VoltH2 shows that it is possible to achieve significant CO2 emission reductions on a large scale in the coming years.”
“This is an example of how collaboration is key to a sustainable transformation,” adds Christoph Batz-Sohn, Director Sustainable Transformation in Evonik's Active Oxygens Business Line. “A greener future requires the combined expertise and commitment of players from all sectors and industries. Ideally, this joint initiative with VoltH2 will be an example for further such partnerships at our other production sites around the globe.”
The Active Oxygens Business Line has already implemented far-reaching measures to reduce the emissions of its footprint. By the end of 2024, for example, 90% of the electricity used in production will come from renewable energy sources. Options for the construction of a large heat pump for steam generation in Delfzijl are currently being examined. The division is also pursuing solutions for green hydrogen at some locations.