In October 2021 E.ON, Enel and Iberdrola joined forces to start a unique project with aim to build an industrial scale green hydrogen value chain as to serve the European market.
E.ON, Enel, Iberdrola together with ABB and SAP are cooperating together to build up an industrial scale green hydrogen value chain as to serve the European market, leveraging their competitive advantage in building renewable production in southern Europe to supply green hydrogen and green ammonia to industrial hubs in central and northern Europe – with a special focus on the German Ruhr area. The German part of the project, called H2.Ruhr, includes the construction of a regional hydrogen pipeline infrastructure including direct connection to a broad spectrum of consumers in the Ruhr area. H2.Ruhr also includes the development of the ammonia terminal to receive, store and distribute green ammonia. This project is unique as it is the first example of such integrated pan-European project. It will test new innovative technologies at a large-scale, such as the ammonia cracking technology, electrolysis, emission-free transport (via hydrogen or ammonia powered vessels or trucks), as well as the long-distance transport of electricity dedicated for hydrogen production.
With the unique cross-sector and cross-national CEO-Alliance, we can make a difference together. Our project within the CEO-Alliance aims to establish a Europe-wide market for green molecules such as hydrogen and its derivatives like ammonia, making green hydrogen the second energy carrier of the energy transition.
In line with the 2030 EU decarbonization goals, all industries and companies need to drastically reduce their emissions resulting in 50% reduction as compared to 1990 levels in less than 100 months. Rather than focusing on large industries such as chemicals and steel, H2.Ruhr also targets municipalities, small and medium-sized enterprises as well as municipal utilities to provide them with clean and affordable hydrogen and its derivates such as ammonia for their decarbonization goals.
In the Ruhr area in particular, with its concentration of industrial companies in combination with many municipalities and SMEs, a high demand for green molecules and electrons is expected. Due to its industrial and consumer density, the Ruhr is considered as an ideal region to supply many diverse customers with green hydrogen and/or ammonia to support them in their decarbonization journey.
The project is a blueprint for cross-border and cross-organizational cooperation. Together the companies make a substantial contribution in establishing hydrogen and its derivatives as a core element of the energy transition. A broad spectrum of customers will be provided access to this green energy supply. This requires the development of new supply chains, which need to be established together with the local stakeholders, allowing the companies of the Ruhr region to run clean and future proof business processes.
