Key Findings
Air Products has entered into a significant long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with German energy giant RWE, securing up to 75 GWh of wind and solar power annually. This green electricity will fuel Air Products’ hydrogen facilities in Rotterdam, critically including a new liquid hydrogen liquefaction plant. The initiative is set to produce RFNBO-compliant (Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin) hydrogen for various industrial and aerospace applications, with the new Rotterdam plant projected to become Europe’s largest liquid hydrogen production site by 2027.
Technical / Clinical Details
RFNBO-compliant hydrogen adheres to the stringent emission criteria outlined in the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED II), ensuring that the hydrogen is truly derived from renewable sources. By leveraging RWE’s clean energy portfolio, Air Products can meet these high standards, enabling the supply of hydrogen to sectors demanding high purity and exceptional environmental performance, such as the aerospace industry. The liquid hydrogen plant in Rotterdam will dramatically enhance the ease of hydrogen storage and transportation by efficiently liquefying green hydrogen. Liquid hydrogen boasts a higher energy density than gaseous hydrogen, making it ideal for long-distance logistics and large-scale storage. The operation of this facility is crucial for strengthening Europe’s clean hydrogen supply chain and accelerating its decarbonization efforts.
The annual electricity supply of 75 GWh is substantial, underscoring Air Products’ serious commitment to expanding its green hydrogen operations in Europe. This partnership with RWE, a leading European renewable energy developer, symbolizes the growing integration of large-scale renewable energy generation with hydrogen production infrastructure.
Background & Context
The European Union is prioritizing the establishment of a robust green hydrogen economy to achieve its carbon neutrality goals by 2050. Green hydrogen is recognized as an indispensable component for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors like industry and mobility. Rotterdam Port, Europe’s largest port and a vital energy hub, was strategically chosen as the location for this hydrogen production and transport infrastructure. The EU’s implementation of strict certification schemes like RFNBO ensures that only genuinely sustainable hydrogen is brought to market. The collaboration between Air Products and RWE is a direct response to these policy frameworks and market demands, aligning with the broader European energy transition.
Strategic Significance & Outlook
Air Products’ construction of Europe’s largest liquid hydrogen plant and the secured long-term green electricity supply from RWE are poised to significantly boost Europe’s green hydrogen supply capacity. This expansion will not only serve existing industrial customers but also enable the supply to new hydrogen applications, such as long-haul trucks, shipping, and aviation, thereby accelerating the growth of the hydrogen market. The plant’s targeted operational start by 2027 will make a crucial contribution to achieving Europe’s energy transition targets and solidify Europe’s position in the global hydrogen supply chain. The success of this project is expected to serve as a model for large-scale green hydrogen infrastructure investments, further catalyzing the development of the hydrogen economy.
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