Shell starts operations on 20 MW hydrogen electrolyzer in China

• Shell will produce green hydrogen for fuel cell vehicles being used at Zhangjiakou at the Winter Olympics

• Phase 2 of the project will begin within the next two years scaling up the project to 60 MW

Royal Dutch Shell (NYSE: RDS.A) has begun operating a 20 MW hydrogen electrolyzer in China, to produce green hydrogen for fuel cell vehicles being used at Zhangjiakou’s competition zone during the Winter Olympics in Hebei Province. The Winter Olympics are set to begin on February 4.

The facility in China is linked to a joint venture established in 2020 between Shell China and the Zhangjiakou City Transport Construction Investment Holding Group Co. Ltd. The latest project is phase 1 of the joint venture. The companies have plans to scale up to 60 MW in the next two years in phase 2.

“We are glad to contribute to China’s progress towards its commitment for a carbon-neutral Olympic Games, and in the longer term for its 2030 and 2060 carbon targets,” said Jason Wong, Executive Chairman of Shell Companies in China.

Read more: Shell says electricity to meet 60% of China's energy use by 2060: Reuters

“With project phase 2 expansion plans and through partnerships with the local government and businesses, we will support the development of a low-carbon energy system and low-carbon transport system in Zhangjiakou and the wider Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region,” he added.

Hydrogen can be deployed in a wide range of industries due to its many applications. It can be produced in several ways, one of which is electrolysis, where an electric current splits water into oxygen and hydrogen.

When the electricity used in this process comes from a renewable source such as wind or solar energy, then the hydrogen produced is called green hydrogen. Currently, most of the production of hydrogen happens using energy generated by burning fossil fuels.

Also Read: GM targets to expand hydrogen fuel cell market beyond vehicles

(With inputs from CNBC)

Picture Credits: ET