BASF has officially switched on Europe’s largest green hydrogen project at its Ludwigshafen, Germany chemicals site. This pioneering initiative marks a significant step in decarbonizing the industrial sector and advancing the hydrogen economy. The new 54-megawatt proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer, built in collaboration with Siemens Energy, is designed to produce zero-carbon hydrogen, supplying the main plant with up to one metric ton of this crucial chemical feedstock every hour.
Key Highlights of BASF’s Green Hydrogen Project
- Largest PEM Electrolyzer: The 54 MW PEM electrolyzer is the largest of its kind in Germany, surpassing previous projects in scale and potential impact.
- Zero-Carbon Hydrogen Production: The electrolyzer uses electricity from renewable sources to produce hydrogen, eliminating carbon emissions associated with traditional hydrogen production methods.
- Significant Emission Reduction: The project has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at BASF’s Ludwigshafen site by up to 72,000 metric tons per year.
- Integration with Existing Infrastructure: The electrolyzer is seamlessly integrated into BASF’s production and infrastructure, ensuring efficient distribution and utilization of the produced hydrogen.
- Financial Support: The project received substantial financial backing from the German government and the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, highlighting its importance for achieving climate targets.
Project Details and Technology
The green hydrogen project, designated as an Important Project of Common European Interest, represents a €25 million investment by BASF, complemented by €124.3 million in funding from the German government and the state of Rhineland-Platinate. The electrolyzer, developed in partnership with Siemens Energy, features 72 stacks where the electrolysis process takes place. This advanced technology enables the production of up to one metric ton of hydrogen per hour.
Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Electrolyzer Technology
The electrolyzer utilizes PEM technology, which offers several advantages:
- High Efficiency: PEM electrolyzers are known for their high efficiency in converting electricity to hydrogen.
- Fast Response Time: They can quickly respond to changes in electricity supply, making them suitable for integration with renewable energy sources.
- Compact Design: PEM electrolyzers have a compact design, allowing for easier integration into existing facilities.
Impact and Applications of Green Hydrogen
The hydrogen produced by the electrolyzer will be fed into BASF’s hydrogen Verbund network and distributed to production facilities as a raw material. Key applications include:
- Production of Ammonia, Methanol, and Vitamins: Hydrogen is a crucial component in the production of these essential chemicals.
- Mobility in the Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region: BASF plans to supply hydrogen for mobility applications, supporting the development of a hydrogen economy in the region.
- Decarbonizing Chemical Products: The use of green hydrogen enables the production of chemical products with a significantly reduced carbon footprint, helping BASF’s customers achieve their climate targets.
Replacing Grey Hydrogen
Currently, BASF produces around 250,000 tonnes of hydrogen at its Ludwigshafen site, primarily through natural gas-based steam reforming, a process that generates high levels of CO2 (referred to as “grey hydrogen”). The new 54MW electrolyzer will produce 8,000 tonnes of green H2 per year, initially decarbonizing about 3.2% of its existing hydrogen consumption.
BASF’s Commitment to Sustainability
The commissioning of the electrolyzer is a significant step in BASF’s ambitious path to net-zero emissions. In addition to increasing its use of renewable energy, the company plans to utilize renewable raw materials as alternatives to fossil energy sources like natural gas.
Quotes from Key Stakeholders
- Katja Scharpwinkel, BASF SE Board Member and Ludwigshafen Site Director: “The commissioning of the electrolyzer makes it possible for us to support our customers in achieving their climate targets by offering them products with a lower carbon footprint. Operating the 54MW project will also give the company further experience ahead of transforming the entire Ludwigshafen site.”
- Katrin Eder, Rhineland-Palatinate’s State Minister for Climate Protection, Environment, Energy, and Mobility: “BASF has embarked on an ambitious path to net zero. Through this collaboration, BASF is demonstrating what decarbonization of the industrial sector can look like in practice and inspiring further technological progress.”
Future Prospects for Green Hydrogen at BASF
BASF views this project as a crucial learning opportunity for the complete transformation of its Ludwigshafen site. The company aims to expand its green hydrogen production capacity in the future, further reducing its carbon footprint and supporting the transition to a sustainable chemical industry.
Expansion Plans and Collaborations
BASF continues to explore partnerships and investments in green hydrogen technologies. The company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability positions it as a leader in the development and implementation of green hydrogen solutions for the chemical industry and beyond.
