New Clean Hydrogen Business

INEOS’ new clean hydrogen business has just one aim: to cut CO2 emissions.

It plans to focus on ramping up production of clean hydrogen across Europe – for its own sites, but critically for other industries now seeking affordable, low-carbon energy.

Wouter Bleukx is manager of the newly-formed Hydrogen Business Unit, which will work under the umbrella of INEOS’ business, INOVYN. 

He says INEOS is uniquely placed to play a leading role in developing these new opportunities, driven by emerging demand for affordable, low-carbon energy sources, combined with its existing capabilities in operating large-scale electrolysis.

The business will have its headquarters in the UK and aims to build capacity to produce hydrogen across the INEOS network of sites in Europe, in addition to partner sites where hydrogen can accelerate decarbonisation of energy.

INOVYN is already Europe’s largest existing operator of electrolysis, which involves splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen with the help of electricity.

It also has vast experience in storing and handling hydrogen safely, and is working on a first project to potentially store hydrogen in one of its enormous salt caverns in the UK.

INEOS currently produces 400,000 tonnes of hydrogen every year.

Most of the hydrogen is currently either burned as a fuel or used to make other chemicals.

But INOVYN believes more can be done for the greater good of society if it can supply hydrogen to others so they can use it to heat their homes, run their manufacturing sites, and drive their vehicles.

INEOS is already involved in several projects to develop demand for hydrogen, replacing existing carbon-based sources of energy, raw materials and fuel.

It expects to develop further partnerships with leading organisations involved in the development of new applications.

INEOS will also work closely with European Governments to ensure the necessary infrastructure is put in place to facilitate hydrogen’s major role in the new green economy.

One such project is the construction of a 20MW electrolyser to produce clean hydrogen through the electrolysis of water, powered by zero-carbon electricity. This INEOS project will lead to a minimum reduction of an estimated 22,000 tonnes of CO2 per year by reducing the carbon footprint of INEOS’ operations in Norway and serving as a hub to provide hydrogen to the Norwegian transport sector.

“Hydrogen is an important part of a climate neutral economy that has been discussed for decades,” said Wouter. “Finally, a hydrogen-fuelled economy is within reach as transportation in the UK, Germany, France and other countries begins to run on this carbon free technology. With extensive experience in electrolysis, INEOS is uniquely placed to support these new opportunities, driven by emerging demand for affordable, zero-carbon energy sources.”