The first two years of the project centered on designing the electrolyser system and integrating it into refinery operations, involving close collaboration between ITM and Shell to ensure safety and compliance. From 2020 to mid-2021, the 10 MW electrolyser system was assembled and integrated at the refinery. Post-inauguration, testing and issue resolution were conducted, with over 1200 hours of operation and 21 tons of hydrogen produced. Technical challenges, including balance of plant components, led to the replacement of the electrolyser stacks with a more efficient design. Shell now operates the plant daily, having produced over 300 tonnes of hydrogen.
As the REFHYNE project concludes, it has delivered on most activities and objectives set out at the commencement of the project. Despite significant challenges, such as the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent European energy crisis on the build and development phase of the project, the REFHYNE consortium has managed to overcome these issues to deliver a successful project. The first-of-a-kind nature of the project resulted in the need to overcome barriers and bridge knowledge gaps between industrial partners during the design phase, providing the opportunity for partners to deviate from traditional industry rules. Strong collaboration and an emphasis on supporting the project team allowed for a successful transition from design into manufacturing. This culminated in the inauguration of the electrolyser taking place on 2nd July 2021, making it the first plant to use this technology at such a large scale in a refinery. The final phase of the project has seen the successful operation of this ITM produced system, the gathering of operational data and further dissemination of emerging project results. The project has held several roundtables and workshops with stakeholders across the hydrogen value chain to demonstrate the business case and share project results. A final event was held on the 19th June 2024 to commemorate the end of the project and share results and outputs with a targeted group of invited audience members. REFHYNE has been a flagship project for the industrial decarbonisation sector, testing and validating the business model for the use of green electrolytic hydrogen in a refinery setting. REFHYNE has already led to significant improvements in both the construction and operations of new multi-MW size electrolysers. This project will continue to pave the way for other such projects in the sector, and its success is thanks to the collaboration of project partners and the support of the Clean Hydrogen Partnership.
The REFHYNE project has successfully disseminated the project outcomes through a comprehensive and strategic communication approach. Over the course of six years, the partners have been dedicated to building a relevant and engaged audience to share project results and promote the uptake of green hydrogen technologies in industrial settings. The project has generated significant interest and discussion among its target audiences. Even after the project's conclusion, partners continue to receive regular inquiries and requests, indicating sustained interest. This ongoing engagement will ensure that the project's impact extends beyond its official end, contributing to the future growth of the hydrogen sector and the transition to a net-zero landscape across Europe
