Clean hydrogen project in Normandy can prevent 250,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions
Clean hydrogen stands as a linchpin in our collective endeavour for the sustainable decarbonisation of industries, offering an unparalleled opportunity to reduce carbon emissions and usher in an era of cleaner, more environmentally responsible production processes.
All this underscores the significance of initiatives such as Normand’Hy.
Siemens Energy has recently announced their commitment to provide 12 electrolysers with a combined capacity of 200 megawatts to the Normand’Hy hydrogen project in Normandy, France.
Commencing operations in 2026, the facility, managed by Air Liquide in the Port-Jérôme industrial zone, will plan to generate 28,000 tons of renewable hydrogen annually, catering to industrial and mobility needs.
To put this into perspective, this quantity of hydrogen could power a hydrogen-fuelled road truck for an astonishing 10,000 zero-carbon around-the-world journeys.
The cutting-edge electrolysers being used in the project represent a crucial step towards a cleaner, more sustainable future for Normandy. By producing low-carbon hydrogen, they not only reduce carbon emissions in the industrial basin but also open doors to eco-friendly mobility solutions, promising a cleaner, greener tomorrow for the region’s residents and businesses.
According to Siemens the project could translate to an annual reduction of up to 250,000 tons of CO2 emissions, a figure that would typically demand the planting of a staggering 25 million trees to sequester the same amount of carbon dioxide. It’s not just a leap forward in sustainability; it’s a powerful reminder of the impact we can make when we harness advanced technology to protect our planet.
When powered with a renewable source of energy, such as wind or solar, an electrolysis plant can produce green hydrogen that can then be used to power industrial processes or heavy transport with zero-carbon emissions.
Siemens’ electrolysers are built upon proton exchange membrane technology (PEM electrolysis), known for its compatibility with intermittent renewable energy sources due to rapid start-up capabilities and dynamic control. The electrolyser’s energy density, compact footprint, and minimal material demands make it a perfect fit for driving the rapid expansion of the hydrogen industry.
The Normand’Hy project will start to receive electrolysers from Siemens new factory in Berlin, where they’ll start by making the core components called “stacks” in November. And by 2025, they plan to produce at least three gigawatts of these stacks every year, to support hydrogen projects worldwide.
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While these initial projects mark significant progress towards a greener industrial landscape, they must serve as catalysts for a broader movement. The successful development of a European hydrogen economy, and indeed any hydrogen-driven transformation worldwide, hinges on the commitment of policymakers to provide the necessary support.
Moreover, simplifying the often-intricate approval procedures for large-scale hydrogen initiatives will not only expedite their implementation but also foster innovation and investment, ultimately driving the transition towards a more sustainable industrial future.
In the U.K it has recently been announced that British company Hygen, in partnership with N-Gen, are working together to deliver a state-of-the-art low carbon hydrogen production facility in east Bradford.
Upon completion, the facility will include a production unit for generating hydrogen from low-carbon energy sources, as well as a refuelling station for both hydrogen and electric vehicles, serving local buses, public transportation, and private sector fleets.
The refuelling facility could become the UK’s inaugural dual-energy Zero Carbon refuelling station, accommodating both Battery Electric and Hydrogen Electric vehicles, offering substantial advantages to the residents of Bradford and the surrounding region.
One thing is certain: hydrogen holds the key to a cleaner, greener future for worldwide industrial decarbonisation.
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