A Step Towards Flexible Hydrogen for Industry
Producing hydrogen from renewable electricity is an essential step in the energy transition. But renewable energy sources such as wind and solar are inherently variable, while industrial processes require a stable and continuous hydrogen supply.
At Evonik’s hydrogen peroxide site in Delfzijl, the FlexH2 project explored how these two worlds can be brought together.
Combining Green and Conventional Hydrogen
Evonik Peroxide Netherlands B.V. has successfully completed the FlexH2 study, supported by the TSE Industry Studies (GroenvermogenNL) program of EZK (ministry of economic affairs).
The study investigated how Evonik’s existing hydrogen plant can operate flexibly alongside renewable hydrogen produced by electrolysis. The results show that it is technically feasible to flexibilize the existing SMR hydrogen plant, allowing it to adapt to fluctuations in renewable hydrogen production while maintaining a stable supply for our industrial processes.
A Hybrid Approach for the Energy Transition
The concept combines renewable hydrogen from electrolysis with flexible conventional hydrogen production. When renewable energy is abundant, more green hydrogen can be used. When renewable production drops, the flexible SMR can fill the gap to ensure a stable baseload.
This hybrid approach (comparable with a hybrid electric car) offers a practical pathway to introduce renewable hydrogen into industrial processes that require continuous operation.
Enabling the Hydrogen Economy
The results of the study can support the development of the planned VoltH2 electrolyzer project in Delfzijl. By connecting renewable hydrogen production with existing industrial infrastructure, the project shows how the transition to renewable hydrogen can be accelerated.