EnergHys

Introduction

The EnergHys project plans to produce clean hydrogen with a 300 megawatt (MW) electrolyser, located in the Vlissingen area, the Netherlands. This electrolyser system, powered by renewable energy from offshore wind farms, can produce up to 22,000 tonnes of renewable hydrogen annually. The overall objective of EnergHys is to become a world-leading clean hydrogen hub, aiming to unlock wider environmental and economic benefits for hard-to-abate industrial customers and the mobility sector. The project will lead to a relative greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions avoidance of 99.86% compared to the reference scenario.

Innovation in Electrolyser Technology

The main innovation behind EnergHys lies in the mix of two electrolyser technologies that will be used to reach 300 MW in 2029. This value represents 10% of the Dutch goal of at least 3 gigawatts (GW) of electrolysis capacity by 2030.

Benefits of Technology Mix

• The mix of two electrolyser technologies allows for better management of renewable intermittency.
• EnergHys goes beyond the state of the art in terms of by-product valorisation (oxygen and heat).
• The project includes a commitment to reduce its environmental impact by:
  1. Minimising the water intake of the project.
  2. Favouring the circularity of the materials used.
  3. Developing refurbishment and stack recycling with module suppliers.

Energy Management System

Another innovation is the Energy Management System, which includes additional functionalities to increase the energy efficiency of the whole system. This will contribute to developing key knowledge about real-time data tools for a greener economy.

Example of Increased Energy Efficiency

One example of increased energy efficiency is the valorisation of residual heat of EnergHys (~220 GWh per year) to heat nearby greenhouses with an area of 62 hectares (ha) – comparable to approximately 90 football fields. The project is expected to avoid 2 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent of GHG emissions over the first ten years of operation.

Contribution to Climate Neutrality

EnergHys, coordinated by TotalEnergies Renewables Nederland B.V., contributes to the ambitious European objective of climate neutrality by 2050 by kickstarting a complete hydrogen value chain in the Vlissingen area near the industrial harbour facilities and the future hydrogen (H2) backbone.

Modular Design Benefits

In addition, the replicable modular design will allow for scale-up and cost optimisation, which will contribute to the deployment of domestic renewable hydrogen production in line with the European Hydrogen Strategy.

Project Phases and Job Creation

With the realisation of the 300 MW electrolyser in the Vlissingen area, world-class engineering studies will be needed in the development phase.

Construction and Operations

During the construction phase, labour-intensive operations with the highest industry standards will be carried out. In the operations phase, high-skilled people will be needed; it is estimated that:

• 22 direct jobs will be created.
• 140 indirect jobs will be created for the management, maintenance, and technical operation of the industrial assets.

Impact on the Value Chain

The lessons that will be learnt through the EnergHys project will positively impact all sectors of the value chain, from offshore wind to H2 mobility activities, by providing them with practical data and knowledge. Furthermore, the project will accelerate the maturity curve and consequently help to lower costs and move towards a circular economy.

Scalability Potential

The project also has the potential to be scalable to 600 MW, with further replicability potential at the European level.