German energy supplier EWE AG and utility SWB AG have recently taken a significant step forward in their collaborative effort to decarbonize the steel industry in Bremen. An advanced electrolyser unit has arrived at SWB’s site in Bremen-Mittelsbueren, marking a pivotal moment for the 10-MW green hydrogen project known as Hydrogen for Bremen's Industrial Transformation (HyBit).

The electrolyser, crucial for the production of green hydrogen, was manufactured by Plug Power and transported from Farmsum, Netherlands. It arrived in Bremen in two modules, with the main unit weighing approximately 32 tonnes and a smaller 10-tonne utility container. These will be assembled on-site to form the complete electrolysis system necessary for hydrogen production.

This green hydrogen facility is strategically positioned to supply hydrogen primarily to the Bremen site of global steel giant ArcelorMittal SA, where it will be used to produce and process raw iron. The project also considers the possibility of distributing hydrogen to other locations, including refueling stations, thereby extending its benefits beyond industrial applications.

With an investment of about EUR 20 million (USD 21.9 million), the project is supported by substantial financial backing, with the state of Bremen contributing half of the funds. This initiative aligns with broader efforts in Germany to reduce carbon emissions in industrial processes, as evidenced by recent approvals from the European Commission allowing significant state aid for ArcelorMittal SA’s subsidiaries to decarbonize their steel production.

The HyBit project not only promises to enhance the sustainability of Bremen's steel production but also sets a precedent for similar industrial transformations across Germany and Europe, fostering a shift towards more environmentally friendly manufacturing practices.

The delivery was made via heavy transport from the manufacturer in Farmsum (Netherlands) to Bremen-Mittelsbüren. The delivery consisted of two separate modules that were connected to each other on site. The larger module consists of a container measuring 1,250 x 380 x 350 centimeters and weighs around 32 tons. The actual electrolysis will take place in this after commissioning. The smaller, so-called utility container has the dimensions of a 40-foot container (1,219 x 244 x 259 cm) and weighs ten tons.

The electrolyser that has now been delivered is the heart of the production of green hydrogen: In the container units, desalinated water meets electrical current from renewable energy sources. The electrical voltage splits the surrounding water into oxygen and hydrogen. This process is called electrolysis.

Dr. Karsten Schneiker, CEO of swb AG , commented: “With the successful delivery of the electrolyser, we are delighted about the next step in the HyBit project. Thanks to the close and productive cooperation with our partners from politics, business and science, we will soon be able to significantly reduce CO2 emissions in Bremen. This innovative project underscores our commitment to providing climate-friendly energy sources in our region, in which the use of hydrogen as an energy source will play a central role.

Stefan Dohler, CEO of EWE AG , added: “The energy transition will not be possible without hydrogen. On the one hand, it is important to replace conventional energy sources in their function as energy suppliers, but on the other hand, moving away from conventional energy sources also means replacing their function as a basic material in industrial applications with alternatives. Green hydrogen is suitable as an energy carrier and storage medium for renewable energies as well as a basic material in corresponding industrial processes. It is therefore a key to the success of the energy transition."

Dr. Thomas Bünger, CEO of ArcelorMittal Flachstahl Deutschland , says: "The decarbonization of steel production is a long-distance run. For our plant in Bremen, another part of the journey has been completed with the electrolyzer that has now been delivered. After commissioning, we will be able to use the first hydrogen in our processes. With the planned conversion of the production technology in the coming years, we are resolutely driving forward the transformation together with our partners in order to make climate-neutral steel production possible. The political and economic framework conditions are crucial in implementing rapid decarbonization."

Toyota to Unveil Revolutionary Portable Hydrogen Cartridges and More at Japan Mobility Show Bizweek 2024