TotalEnergies and RWE have signed a 15-year agreement for the purchase of approximately 30,000 metric tons of green hydrogen per year.
The climate-neutral hydrogen will be supplied to TotalEnergies’ refinery in Leuna from 2030, reducing CO2 emissions by 300,000 metric tons annually, equivalent to the emissions of 140,000 cars.
German refineries are required to gradually cut greenhouse gas emissions. The contract is supported by Germany’s hydrogen backbone infrastructure, which will enable transportation from production sites like Lingen in Lower Saxony to industrial hubs such as Leuna.
RWE’s CEO Markus Krebber emphasized the importance of securing a long-term offtake agreement, highlighting that six months after the investment decision for a 300-megawatt electrolysis plant in Lingen, TotalEnergies has become a key anchor customer.
TotalEnergies’ CEO Patrick Pouyanné reinforced the significance of the partnership, underscoring its role in reducing emissions and the necessity of governmental support for green hydrogen infrastructure.
The agreement aligns with Germany’s strategy to expand its hydrogen economy, with Lower Saxony playing a leading role, housing 50 percent of the EU-approved green hydrogen production in the country.
Saxony-Anhalt’s Minister President Dr. Reiner Haseloff stressed the region’s commitment to integrating green hydrogen into its industrial sector, ensuring sustainable industrial jobs and fostering innovation.
TotalEnergies has committed to securing 500,000 metric tons of green hydrogen per year across Europe, with RWE’s supply from Lingen forming a crucial component of this initiative.
RWE’s electrolyzers will be powered by renewable energy, complying with EU regulations requiring hydrogen production to align with real-time renewable electricity generation.
Additionally, hydrogen storage capacity in Gronau-Epe will ensure a consistent supply during periods of low renewable energy output.
Germany’s hydrogen core network will play a crucial role in facilitating the supply chain, connecting production sites to industrial consumers via a 9,000-kilometer pipeline network set to be phased into operation between 2025 and 2032.
By repurposing existing gas pipelines and building new sections, the network aims to establish a reliable hydrogen economy, reducing dependency on fossil-based hydrogen and advancing the country’s decarbonization efforts.