Pilot plant for hydrogen production in Stenungsund?

The transition of the chemical industry in Stenungsund requires large amounts of fossil-free hydrogen. Producing this hydrogen requires large amounts of electricity, but the capacity of the local power grid is limited. By using high-temperature electrolysis (SOEC - Solid Oxide Electrolyser Cell), a technology under development, the electricity demand can be significantly reduced. The technology is estimated to require about 20-30 percent less electricity than the low-temperature electrolysis (alkaline electrolysis and PEM) used today. This would also reduce the chemical industry's electricity costs.

Towards a pilot plant

As SOEC is a technology under development, it is important to understand the technology's maturity to be able to evaluate opportunities and investment risks. The project is a preliminary study that will investigate the technical and commercial conditions for, and the benefits of, a pilot plant for SOEC in Stenungsund. The project will also develop a concept for the pilot plant and a suggest a possible roadmap for establishing the facility.

RISE will investigate operating scenarios and hydrogen usage

RISE leads the project and is responsible for a work package that involves mapping the interest for a facility, how the produced hydrogen can be used, investigating various operating scenarios, and examining the benefits of a pilot plant in Stenungsund.

Can ammonia be an alternative?

Another possible alternative or complement to reduce electricity consumption in large-scale hydrogen production is to import fossil-free ammonia and use it to produce hydrogen. Ammonia is already imported and used on a smaller scale for other purposes, but the project will explore how large-scale hydrogen production using ammonia can function and complement local production with SOEC.

Part of Klimatledande processindustri

The project is part of Klimatledande processindustri (Climate Leading Process Industry), a Vinnväxt initiative coordinated by Lindholmen Science Park in collaboration with RISE, which aims towards a fossil-independent and competitive industrial region through project activities and knowledge dissemination.