Neste starts up high-temperature electrolyzer to produce renewable hydrogen at Rotterdam refinery

A major step forward in renewable hydrogen production has been achieved at Neste’s renewable products refinery in Rotterdam. The MultiPLHY project has successfully launched the world’s largest multi-megawatt high-temperature electrolyzer (HTE) operating in an industrial setting.

The pilot aims to prove the feasibility of replacing fossil-based hydrogen with renewable hydrogen, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the refining sector. With the system now operational, a performance testing program is underway to evaluate the technology’s capabilities.

MultiPLHY is a collaborative demonstration project involving: Neste (refinery integration and unit operation), Sunfire (electrolyzer technology provider),CEA (project coordinator), ENGIE (techno-economic analysis) and SMS group (hydrogen processing unit).

The electrolyzer uses SOEC (Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell) technology developed by Sunfire. The 2.6 MW unit comprises 12 electrolysis modules, operating at around 850°C, and is capable of producing over 60 kilograms of renewable hydrogen per hour. Thanks to the use of heat in the process, it requires significantly less electricity than conventional electrolysis methods.

What the Partners Say:

“The MultiPLHY project has given us valuable experience in integrating industrial-scale renewable hydrogen into our refinery operations. It’s an important step toward reducing fossil-based hydrogen use and greenhouse gas emissions. This project also highlights the critical role of cross-sector collaboration.”

Jukka Kanerva, Senior Vice President, Renewable Refining, Neste

“Our high-temperature SOEC electrolyzers offer unmatched efficiency, particularly in settings where waste heat is available. MultiPLHY proves that this technology can scale in real industrial environments.”

Nils Aldag, CEO, Sunfire

“High-temperature electrolysis can significantly lower the cost of renewable hydrogen while improving energy efficiency. The achievement by Sunfire and Neste is a major milestone for green hydrogen.”

Pierre Olivier, Head of Hydrogen Lab, ENGIE

“The successful operation of the electrolyzer at Neste’s refinery is a landmark for both the technology and the broader clean hydrogen sector. It’s a remarkable accomplishment by the entire consortium.”

Mirela Atanasiu, Head of Unit Operations and Communication, Clean Hydrogen Partnership

Project Support

This initiative has received funding under the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen 2 Joint Undertaking (now Clean Hydrogen Partnership) through grant agreement No. 875123, supported by the EU Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, Hydrogen Europe, and Hydrogen Europe Research.