The world’s first large-scale Battolyser factory will be constructed in the port of Rotterdam to meet soaring demand for green hydrogen and electricity storage.
“This partnership will develop the first industrial green hydrogen equipment manufacturing facility in The Netherlands,” said Mattijs Slee, CEO, of Battolyser Systems, adding “With our offshore wind potential, strong infrastructure, and world-class heavy industry, The Netherlands can now develop a sustainable and resilient energy system.”
Battolyser factory
The 1 GW per annum Battolyser factory will be located in the M4H area, an industrial site in the heart of Rotterdam.
The cost of developing the 14,000 m2 production site, complete with new office and laboratory facilities, is estimated to be about €100 million. Once fully operational it will require some 700 directly employed staff plus create up to four times as many indirect jobs with supply chain partners.
Hydrogen Hub
Germany and The Netherlands are the 1st and 2nd largest hydrogen consumers in Europe
“Rotterdam positions itself as Europe’s Hydrogen Hub and new sustainable industries are welcomed to help realize the transition that’s taking place in Rotterdam. We need companies such as Battolyser Systems, and we believe the port is the ideal place for its first large-scale factory,” said Allard Castelein, CEO of Port of Rotterdam.
Germany and The Netherlands are the 1st and 2nd largest hydrogen consumers in Europe. Both have giga-scale plans for green hydrogen that will be consumed in or pass through the port of Rotterdam.
Green hydrogen equipment manufacturing
“In this industrial ecosystem, the Battolyser factory is expected to become an anchor for a new platform of companies committed to building a sustainable equipment manufacturing supply chain,” said Allard Castelein.
He adds, “Companies in the port are actively working on projects regarding production, imports, shipping, storage, and use of green hydrogen. With this factory, we add green hydrogen equipment manufacturing to that portfolio. This is of great value for the port’s ongoing efforts to decarbonize and facilitate sustainable industries for the future.”
Headquarters and R&D center
A Battolyser can produce hydrogen from solar and wind when power prices are low and provide electricity
The factory will also act as Battolyser Systems’ headquarters and R&D center, opening during the second half of 2024. A final investment decision is scheduled for 2023 and requires private and public investments to compete internationally.
Battolyser has developed and manufactured the world’s first integrated battery/electrolyzer system. A Battolyser can produce hydrogen from solar and wind when power prices are low and provide electricity to the grid when prices are high.
Flexible and robust system
The system is extremely flexible, efficient, and robust. It can alleviate grid congestion, enable the build-out of more solar and wind energy developments, and offer the lowest cost of green hydrogen.
The Battolyser technology is deployable at scale using abundant and conflict-free active materials: nickel and iron. The technology was invented by Prof. Dr. Fokko Mulder and his research team at the Delft University of Technology.
Commercialization facility
“This partnership with the port of Rotterdam to develop our first large-scale manufacturing facility together is a big step forward in our commercialization. The factory allows us to deliver Battolysers at an industrial scale and affordable prices. We are in constructive conversation with the Dutch government and EU institutions, and we are confident that together we can secure the required funding,” said Mattijs Slee.
He adds, “A net zero world will require between 5,000 and 10,000 GW of installed electrolyzer capacity. The electrolyzer supply chain is a huge opportunity for The Netherlands to develop new sustainable industries that can support our energy transition needs and offer export products to the world.”