INEOS has launched a new business to develop and build clean hydrogen capacity around Europe, in support of the drive towards a zero-carbon future. The company currently produces 300,000 tonnes of hydrogen a year mainly as a co-product from its chemical manufacturing operations.

Through its subsidiary Invoyn, INEOS is Europe’s largest existing operator of electrolysis, the critical technology which uses renewable energy to produce hydrogen for power generation, transportation and industrial use.

The company’s experience in storage and handling of hydrogen combined with its established know-how in electrolysis technology, puts INEOS in a unique position to drive progress towards a carbon-free future based on hydrogen.

The business will have its headquarters in the UK and aims to build capacity to produce hydrogen across the INEOS network of sites in Europe, in addition to partner sites where hydrogen can accelerate decarbonisation of energy.

INEOS is already involved in several projects to develop demand for hydrogen, replacing existing carbon-based sources of energy, feedstocks and fuel. It expects to develop further partnerships with leading organisations involved in the development of new applications. INEOS will also work closely with European governments to ensure the necessary infrastructure is put in place to facilitate hydrogen’s major role in the new ‘green economy’.

Wouter Bleukx, business unit manager hydrogen, said: “Hydrogen is an important part of a climate neutral economy that has been discussed for decades. Finally, a hydrogen-fuelled economy is within reach as transportation in the UK, Germany, France and other countries begins to run on this carbon-free technology.

“With extensive experience in electrolysis, INEOS is uniquely placed to support these new opportunities, driven by emerging demand for affordable zero-carbon energy sources.”