Smart Hydrogen Hub has selected Enapter’s AEM Nexus 2500 as the electrolysis technology underpinning the green hydrogen demonstration project it plans to carry out in Rotterdam’s M4H district (Merwe-Vierhavens, a former port and industrial area situated in the western part of the Dutch port, which is to be redeveloped and transformed into an innovation hub) as part of a project developed in collaboration with Platform Zero, Adsensys and other public and private partners, including the Port of Rotterdam and InnovationQuarter.
The initiative will aim to demonstrate how different elements can be integrated and managed as a single flexible energy system under real-world operating conditions typical of a port and industrial environment. In particular, it will demonstrate how hydrogen production can adapt to the variability of generation from renewable sources, how storage and control systems can ensure efficient operation, and how certified green hydrogen can be reliably supplied to local users.
For companies in the maritime and industrial sectors, the hub aims to ensure access to locally produced, reliable green hydrogen, available in volumes set to grow in line with demand. For technology providers, start-ups, scale-ups, innovative SMEs, research institutes and public partners, it will provide a practical environment in which to test and develop technologies, business models and regulatory approaches.
The AEM Nexus 2500 is the new-generation 2.5 MW multi-core electrolyser developed by Enapter – a German company which, however, has its production base in Italy, in Crespina Lorenzana, in the province of Pisa – for industrial applications. Its modular architecture is designed to support: gradual expansion and increased hydrogen production capacity; flexible operation in the face of fluctuating renewable energy output; and integration into larger-scale hydrogen and energy management systems.
According to the project’s promoters, these characteristics are fully in line with the Smart Hydrogen Hub’s objective of creating a flexible, replicable demonstrator that is ready to meet future market needs within the Port of Rotterdam.
“Smart Hydrogen Hub aims to be much more than a single plant. It will be a place where the entire hydrogen value chain becomes a reality: from renewable energy and storage through to production, certification and local use. ”By choosing the AEM Nexus 2500, we are taking an important step towards a scalable energy system, capable of demonstrating how green hydrogen can work in practice within a port and industrial context,” said Auke Ferwerda, speaking on behalf of Smart Hydrogen Hub.
Christof Winker, Vice President of Sales at Enapter, added: “Ports play a central role in the development of the future hydrogen economy. They bring together energy infrastructure, industry, logistics and international trade flows. The Smart Hydrogen Hub will demonstrate how modular AEM electrolysis can operate in this complex environment, where flexibility, scalability and reliability are essential requirements. With the AEM Nexus 2500, we aim to contribute to the development of a practical and replicable model for green hydrogen production in port areas.”.
