​​Shell’s 20MW hydrogen electrolyser begins operation in China

Half of the hydrogen supply will be allocated for fuel cell vehicles during the Winter Olympics. 

Shell has started the operation of its hydrogen electrolyser in Zhangjiakou in China with a 20-megawatt (MW) to produce green hydrogen, about half of which will serve as supply for fuel cell vehicles during the Winter Olympic Games. 

The project, which uses onshore wind power, will initially supply green hydrogen to over 600 fuel cell vehicles at the Zhangjiakou competition zone during the Winter Olympics. Afterwards, the power will be used for public and commercial transport in the Beijing-Tianjiin-Hebei region.

“The electrolyser is the largest in our portfolio to date and is in line with Shell’s Powering Progress strategy, which includes plans to build on our leading position in hydrogen,” said Wael Sawan, Shell’s Integrated Gas, Renewable and Energy Solutions Director.

“We see opportunities across the hydrogen supply chain in China, including its production, storage and shipping. We want to be the trusted partner for our customers from different sectors as we help them decarbonise in China,” he added.

The project—Shell’s first commercial hydrogen development project in the country—is part of the joint venture between Shell China and Zhangjiakou City Transport Construction Investment Holding Group Co. Ltd. which was formed in November 2020.

The 20 MW electrolyser and hydrogen refuelling stations in Zhanjiakou were part of the first phase of the projects, and the capacity will be scaled up to 60MW in the next two years for the second phase.