Evonik and VoltH2 Establish Long-Term Partnership to Lead Green Hydrogen Innovation in Delfzijl
Evonik has entered into a significant partnership with the Dutch company VoltH2 to accelerate the production of green hydrogen at the Delfzijl chemical park. This collaboration is a crucial step toward advancing sustainable industrial processes and the green hydrogen economy. The agreement outlines that VoltH2 will build a 50 MW electrolyzer near Evonik’s hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) facility, marking a substantial milestone in the pursuit of cleaner energy sources. The electrolyzer will begin operations by the end of 2027, and Evonik plans to source a significant portion of its hydrogen requirements from this facility.
This groundbreaking green hydrogen water electrolysis plant will be the first of its kind at an industrial scale in the northern part of the Netherlands, showcasing the region’s commitment to sustainable energy initiatives. While the green hydrogen facility is under construction and scaling up its capacity, Evonik will continue to meet its hydrogen needs through its conventional on-site production. This ensures a seamless transition and uninterrupted supply until the green hydrogen capacity reaches a level that can fully meet demand. Additionally, VoltH2 will set up a tube trailer filling station on Evonik’s premises, providing hydrogen in tube trailers to be distributed to VoltH2’s other customers continuously.
This partnership between Evonik and VoltH2 is not only aimed at advancing Evonik’s own sustainability agenda but also aspires to create a broader hydrogen network within this key industrial hub. Both companies are laying the groundwork for a future in which green hydrogen will be a cornerstone of industrial and energy transformation, supporting the transition to more sustainable and carbon-neutral operations.
Peter Metten, Managing Director of Evonik Peroxide Netherlands, elaborated on the significance of this partnership: “We are determined to transition our entire production to renewable resources. By introducing green hydrogen at our Delfzijl plant, we are making a pivotal step towards achieving that goal. The production of H2O2 requires three essential resources: electricity, steam, and hydrogen. While finding sustainable solutions for electricity and steam is more straightforward, sourcing green hydrogen remains a more complex challenge. However, with VoltH2, we’ve found the ideal partner that brings local expertise, technical knowledge, and a shared vision to make this green transformation a reality.”
André Jurres, Founder and Managing Director of VoltH2, emphasized the importance of the Delfzijl chemical park in the emerging green hydrogen sector: “Delfzijl’s strategic position makes it a prime location for large-scale green hydrogen production. This collaboration with Evonik showcases how industrial giants are leveraging sustainable electricity and integrating it with green hydrogen production to optimize carbon emission reductions. The long-term commitment between Evonik and VoltH2 underscores the viability of scaling up green hydrogen production and significantly reducing industrial carbon footprints in the years to come.”
Christoph Batz-Sohn, Director of Sustainable Transformation at Evonik’s Active Oxygens business line, added, “This partnership exemplifies how collaboration can drive the sustainable transformation of industries. A greener future requires shared expertise and a collective commitment across sectors. The success of this project with VoltH2 sets a model that we hope to replicate at other Evonik production sites globally, driving forward our sustainability goals across the board.”
Evonik’s Active Oxygens business line has already made notable strides in reducing its carbon footprint. By the end of 2024, the division plans to source 90% of its electricity from renewable sources. Furthermore, the company is exploring the possibility of constructing a large heat pump at Delfzijl to produce steam sustainably. In addition to the green hydrogen initiative in Delfzijl, Evonik is also evaluating sustainable solutions for hydrogen production at several other locations.
VoltH2 is a company committed to the development and operation of green hydrogen plants across Europe. Specializing in large-scale green hydrogen production, VoltH2’s mission is to provide hydrogen for both local industry and the transport sector. In addition to the Delfzijl facility, VoltH2 is in the process of developing two other production sites in Vlissingen and Terneuzen, Netherlands, which are also expected to be operational by 2027. The company is also expanding its reach in Germany, with plants under development in Wilhelmshaven, Essen, and Gelsenkirchen. With a portfolio of six plants across these regions, VoltH2 aims to achieve a potential production capacity of over 500 MW.
The collaboration between Evonik and VoltH2 represents a significant milestone in the transition to a greener, more sustainable future for the chemical industry and beyond. This innovative partnership sets the stage for large-scale hydrogen production, and their collective efforts serve as a beacon for future industry collaborations aimed at reducing carbon emissions and optimizing the use of renewable energy.
- Nikki Eggers, Head of Market Communications Active Oxygens, Evonik
- Nina Peck, Head of Market Communications Smart Materials, Evonik
About Evonik
Evonik is a global leader in specialty chemicals, operating in more than 100 countries. In 2023, the company generated sales of €15.3 billion and an operating profit of €1.66 billion. Evonik is dedicated to creating innovative, profitable, and sustainable solutions across a wide range of industries. With approximately 32,000 employees, the company’s vision is to improve life today and tomorrow.
