In May 2023, the first Battolyser system on an industrial scale was installed at the RWE Magnum power plant in Eemshaven. This marks an important milestone for Dutch technology contributing to a sustainable energy supply.
The RWE Magnum power plant is one of the largest energy plants in the Netherlands. The installed Battolyser system technology represents the latest generation for hydrogen production. The goal is to test and validate the technology to use hydrogen for cooling the generators at this facility.
The project was made possible thanks to a subsidy from the Wadden Fund and the collaborative efforts of consortium partners Battolyser Systems, RWE, Ørsted, Yara, BASF, and Proton Ventures.
The project was made possible thanks to a subsidy from the Wadden Fund and the collaborative efforts of consortium partners Battolyser Systems, RWE, Ørsted, Yara, BASF, and Proton Ventures.
The project
The Battolyser® is a highly flexible electrolyzer with the potential to significantly reduce the cost of green hydrogen. The system uses electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen can be used for industrial applications to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, when there are shortages on the grid, a Battolyser® can return the stored electricity to the grid. This makes the produced hydrogen both greener and more affordable.
When electricity prices remain low, the Battolyser produces hydrogen. However, when prices rise, it can immediately halt hydrogen production and instead sell the stored electricity on the energy market. The setup at RWE is being used to further test this technology.
When electricity prices remain low, the Battolyser produces hydrogen. However, when prices rise, it can immediately halt hydrogen production and instead sell the stored electricity on the energy market. The setup at RWE is being used to further test this technology.
Why this project?
RWE is increasingly investing in sustainable energy sources and views hydrogen as a crucial component in the energy transition. The Battolyser system technology enables a sustainable and more efficient energy system, helping to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
This highly flexible technology is particularly well-suited to managing the volatile generation of green electricity. RWE recognizes the potential value of Battolyser technology and sees this project as an opportunity to support the Dutch manufacturing industry in driving the energy transition forward.
This highly flexible technology is particularly well-suited to managing the volatile generation of green electricity. RWE recognizes the potential value of Battolyser technology and sees this project as an opportunity to support the Dutch manufacturing industry in driving the energy transition forward.
Our contribution
Battolyser Systems is a Dutch technology company and the inventor of the world’s first switchable battery-electrolyser. Founded in 2018 as a spin-off from Delft University of Technology, the company is based in the Netherlands. Battolyser Systems has received funding from the European Investment Bank, the Dutch government, and private investors.
For RWE, it is a logical choice to invest in this first industrial-scale Battolyser system together with the consortium partners.
For RWE, it is a logical choice to invest in this first industrial-scale Battolyser system together with the consortium partners.
What does it deliver?
The installation allows us to demonstrate in real-life conditions that the unique functionalities of the Battolyser system are safe and can operate on an industrial scale. It provides valuable knowledge that is crucial for advancing the energy transition and for the further development and scaling up of this technology.
Project timeline & next steps
In 2023, the Battolyser became operational at the Magnum power plant. 2024 and after: further technical analyses and testing. Additionally, RWE will continue to support and engage with Battolyser’s innovative technology.