Neste starts renewable hydrogen production test in Rotterdam
The world's largest high-temperature electrolyzer for renewable hydrogen has been commissioned at Neste's Rotterdam refinery. The pilot project aims to demonstrate the replacement of fossil hydrogen in refining processes.
Neste Oyj has started a demonstration project for the production of renewable hydrogen at its refinery in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The "MultiPLHY" project has successfully commissioned the world's largest multi-megawatt high-temperature electrolyzer (HTE) in an industrial setting. The initiative aims to prove the viability of using renewable hydrogen to substitute fossil-derived hydrogen, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions within the refining sector.
The electrolyzer, supplied by German manufacturer Sunfire, utilizes Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC) technology operating at high temperatures of 850°C. This setup can produce over 60 kg of renewable hydrogen per hour. High-temperature electrolyzers are noted for their potential to require significantly less electricity compared to other electrolysis methods due to their ability to utilize heat, thus enhancing energy efficiency and potentially lowering production costs.
The MultiPLHY project is a collaboration involving Neste, Sunfire, the French research organization CEA, and energy company ENGIE. Neste is responsible for integrating the electrolyzer into refinery operations and overseeing its functioning alongside Sunfire. CEA serves as the project coordinator, while ENGIE conducts the techno-economic assessment.
Funded in part by the EU's Clean Hydrogen Partnership, the project underscores the importance of cross-value chain collaboration in advancing green hydrogen technologies and reducing the industrial sector's environmental footprint.