Shell has locked in long-term renewable electricity through PPAs to power its 100 MW electrolyser at the Rheinland refinery in Germany — part of the Refhyne II green hydrogen project.
⛰️ Hurdles
Ensuring consistent renewable electricity supply to match high-capacity electrolyser demand. Integrating large-scale hydrogen production into existing refinery operations without disrupting core processes.
Project timeline risk — Refhyne II is set to come online in 2027 and needs steady offtake.
🌱 Opportunities
Produces large volumes of green hydrogen to decarbonise refinery operations.
Helps lower Scope 1 and 2 emissions at Shell’s Rheinland refinery via renewable-powered hydrogen.
Serves as a model for large-scale industrial hydrogen integration using renewable power via PPAs.
🔑 Your Move
📊 Monitor how much renewable electricity is being delivered via the PPAs and its impact on hydrogen output.
🤝 Explore partnerships with Shell or other large industrial players who are investing in hydrogen for decarbonisation.
⚙️ Prepare to supply or support infrastructure: electrolysers, hydrogen storage, compression, and logistics.
🧭 Track EU and German hydrogen policy, incentives, and regulation supporting projects like Refhyne II.
🦁 Muzaffar’s Comment
Locking in PPAs for 100 MW at a refinery is not a small bet — Shell is showing that it means business when it comes to green hydrogen. This is how big-industry decarbonisation actually starts.
🦉 Sameer’s Comment
It’s a solid move by Shell — but the numbers really need to stack up. High PPA costs, electrolyser economics, and long-term demand will determine if this is a breakthrough or just a pilot.
