In a significant step towards a sustainable energy future, several industrial companies have joined forces to develop a new hydrogen project in Bergkamen, North Rhine-Westphalia. Bayer, E.ON, Iqony and Westenergie recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that lays the foundation for the creation of a hydrogen cluster.
The plans envisage producing green hydrogen on the basis of imported ammonia and integrating it into the Bayer industrial park in Bergkamen. Implementation requires the construction of a pipeline, the technical feasibility of which is being examined by Westenergie, a subsidiary of E.ON. The results of a feasibility study should be available by the end of June 2024, paving the way for the possible full integration of the hydrogen value chain.
Bayer, E.ON, Iqony and Westenergie form hydrogen cluster
E.ON, based in Essen, will be responsible for the supply and logistics of the ammonia as well as the distribution of the green hydrogen produced. Iqony Solutions, a recently established company, will play a key role in the implementation of the project, including the storage of the ammonia and the construction of an "ammonia cracker" to split it into green hydrogen. Plans also include the construction of a pipeline to transport the hydrogen from the Iqony site to the Bayer Industrial Park.
An important aspect of the project is the ability to purchase and utilize hydrogen directly from Bayer, which will allow the hydrogen to be fully integrated into the industrial processes at Bayer's Bergkamen Industrial Park. Dr. Dieter Heinz, Head of Site Management & Infrastructure Services in Bayer's Pharmaceuticals Division, emphasizes the importance of this partnership for Bayer's long-term sustainability goals.
Green hydrogen from ammonia
The hydrogen project in Bergkamen is also taking on an international dimension by emphasizing the need for hydrogen imports and at the same time contributing to the development of a secure import infrastructure. Andreas Reichel, CEO of Iqony, emphasizes the medium and long-term nature of the hydrogen supply, which is guaranteed by imports and a well-functioning infrastructure.
The plans of the Bergkamen hydrogen cluster are also in line with the goals of municipal players to establish a regional hydrogen economy in the eastern Ruhr area. Mario Löhr, District Administrator of the Unna district, sees this as an opportunity to strengthen the region's economy in the medium and long term and make it fit for the future.
Overall, the hydrogen project in Bergkamen reflects a technological development that is being driven forward by the cooperation of various companies, without emphasizing promotional elements.
