Europe’s largest electrolyzer unveiled, can produce 8,000 tons of hydrogen annually

The 54MW PEM electrolyzer will produce up to one metric ton of hydrogen every hour, supporting BASF’s chemical production with reduced emissions.

Chemicals giant BASF announced that they have implemented Europe’s largest green hydrogen project to reduce carbon emissions.

Built with Siemens Energy, the 54MW PEM electrolyzer’s design enables it to supply the main plant with up to “one metric ton of this substantial chemical feedstock every hour,” according to BASF’s news release.

Described as “truly unique,” 72 stacks, or modules in which the electrolysis takes place, have been integrated into the production and infrastructure at the Ludwigshafen site. It is the largest project of its kind in Germany to date, making it an important pioneer as the industry strives to achieve climate targets. The emission-free water electrolyzer could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 72,000 metric tons annually.

As Germany’s largest proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer, it uses electricity from renewable sources to produce hydrogen free of emissions. The hydrogen is then “fed into the site’s hydrogen Verbund network and distributed to the production facilities as a raw material,” BASF’s press release explains.

The robust machine would primarily provide feedstock for chemical products, as demand is increasing for more output and less environmental waste. Currently, hydrogen is used to produce ammonia, methanol, and vitamins.