German energy giant RWE AG has secured a significant grant from a Dutch government agency to initiate the establishment of a cutting-edge 50-megawatt (MW) electrolyser at its Eemshaven power plant in the Netherlands.
Under the auspices of the Dutch government's subsidy initiative, “Upscaling Fully Renewable Hydrogen Production via Electrolysis” (OWE), the Netherlands Agency Enterprise (RVO) has extended a funding commitment of EUR 124.9 million (USD 133.9 million) to RWE for the landmark project dubbed “Eemshydrogen.”
Eemshydrogen, a pioneering venture spearheaded by RWE, is poised to revolutionize the hydrogen landscape, leveraging green energy sources to produce hydrogen sustainably. The project will harness electricity generated from RWE's 171-MW Westereems wind farm, located approximately 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) from the Eemshaven power plant in Groningen province.
RWE's Chief Operating Officer of Hydrogen Generation, Sopna Sury, lauded the significance of the funding, remarking, “The funding is one crucial component to make the overall project economically viable and advance the ramp-up of the hydrogen market in the province of Groningen and beyond.” Sury emphasized the pivotal role of the Eemshaven electrolyser in facilitating carbon emissions reduction for industrial enterprises across North-Western Europe.
With environmental and building permits already secured, RWE is actively engaging with potential off-takers to expedite the project's progression. The company aims to reach a financial investment decision (FID) by the conclusion of 2024, following which it will commence collaboration with suppliers and construction contractors.
The anticipated operational commencement of the Eemshydrogen electrolysis plant is slated for 2027, marking a significant milestone in RWE's mission to drive sustainable energy innovation.
