EWE commissions ReiCat to supply hydrogen purification systems for 320 MW electrolyzer in Emden
The gas purification specialist ReiCat has been awarded the contract to supply hydrogen purification systems for the large-scale electrolyzer of the energy company EWE. The 320‑megawatt hydrogen production plant at the Emden site is scheduled to produce green hydrogen on an industrial scale from the end of 2027. The commissioned systems form part of the technical peripheral equipment of the electrolyzer and ensure the high gas quality required for further use of the hydrogen produced.
EWE is constructing a large-scale facility for the production of green hydrogen in Emden. In addition to the electrolyzer itself, numerous auxiliary and peripheral systems are required to make the hydrogen suitable for industrial applications. One of these key components is ReiCat’s gas purification technology. It purifies the electrolytically generated hydrogen to a purity level of more than 99.999 %, enabling efficient and safe downstream use.
The hydrogen production plant in Emden is the core element of the multi-part flagship project Clean Hydrogen Coastline, which integrates the production, storage, transport, and utilization of green hydrogen. With an output of 320 megawatts, it will be one of the largest hydrogen production facilities of its kind in Europe. In addition to supplying industry and the mobility sector with green hydrogen, the project makes a significant contribution to the long‑term resilience of the regional energy supply. With this initiative, EWE is playing an important role in ramping up the hydrogen economy and transforming the northern German energy system.
Tobias Moldenhauer, Managing Director of EWE HYDROGEN GmbH, says:
For the industrial use of green hydrogen, consistently high gas quality is essential.
”With ReiCat’s purification systems, we are relying on proven technology in Emden that perfectly complements our electrolysis operations. This collaboration is a key element for the reliable and safe operation of our large‑scale hydrogen production.
Michael Höfling, CEO of ReiCat, adds:
We are delighted to be working with EWE and proud to contribute to this European lighthouse project with our ‘Made in Germany’ hydrogen purification systems.
As a technology partner, we bring more than 40 years of experience in hydrogen treatment and purification.
ReiCat’s purification systems are directly connected to the electrolyzer and reliably remove residual oxygen and moisture from the hydrogen. High gas purity is essential for numerous industrial applications, for use in the mobility sector, and for the production of derivatives such as methanol or ammonia. It is also indispensable for the safe transport and storage of hydrogen.
With this contract, EWE underscores ReiCat’s role as an established technology partner for large‑scale Power‑to‑X projects. The company has already supplied more than 60 hydrogen purification systems worldwide.
Additional information for trade media:
The purification process for hydrogen from electrolysis can be outlined as follows: In the first process step, the oxygen contained in the raw gas is converted into water (steam) using a DeOxo catalyst and hydrogen. In a second step, the hydrogen is dried using a temperature swing adsorption (TSA) process, during which the water vapor condenses and is removed as liquid water. After purification, the hydrogen reaches a purity level of > 99.999 %, corresponding to high‑purity hydrogen of quality grade 5.0.
ReiCat’s hydrogen purification systems are characterized by high efficiency, flexibility, and an exceptionally high level of safety. Gas purification takes place in a closed loop, allowing gas losses and emissions to the atmosphere to be almost completely avoided. By comparison, conventional purification systems can exhibit losses and emissions of up to 3 %.
The ReiCat HighFlex H₂® technology ensures consistently high hydrogen quality even under highly fluctuating operating conditions. The purification system can be operated flexibly with volume flows between 5 % and 100 % without compromising quality.
A central safety feature is the ReiCat HO‑Meter, which reliably ensures that no explosive gas mixtures enter the purification system.
Another special feature is the ReiCat DeHydro system, which catalytically converts unavoidable purge and emission gases into harmless water vapor.
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EWE commissions ReiCat to supply hydrogen purification systems for 320 MW electrolyzer in Emden, source
