Business Delegation on Green Hydrogen in May 2025: Green Hydrogen Developments in the Rhine-Ruhr Metropolitan Region

As part of a week-long study tour on green hydrogen, an Indian business delegation visited the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region in Germany from 18 - 19 May 2025. Organised by the Indo-German Energy Forum Support Office (IGEF-SO), GH2 India, Indo-German Chamber of Commerce (IGCC), and H2Uppp, the visit offered valuable insights into real-world hydrogen applications and industrial decarbonisation strategies.

The delegation’s journey began in the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region, Germany. At Westenergie AG’s H2HoWi site, participants witnessed a live demonstration of 100% green hydrogen being transported through existing natural gas pipelines. The facility integrates hydrogen storage, pressure regulation, odorization, and compatible heating systems to test real-world applications for future hydrogen networks.

The group then visited Evonik at the Chempark Marl, where green technologies for use as chemical feedstocks are being developed. Evonik is aiming to scale up production to 200,000 tons of green Hydrogen annually by 2045. Highlights included a 100 MW electrolyser supplying on-site chemical production, an ammonia cracker hub for reconverting imported green ammonia, and a direct-air-capture for an eMethanol project. The site is connected to the GET H2 hydrogen pipeline network, anchoring it in Germany’s emerging hydrogen infrastructure.

On the second day, the delegates toured Thyssenkrupp steel facility in Duisburg, Germany’s largest steel producer. The company is transforming its production with tkH₂Steel®, a direct reduction (DR) plant using green hydrogen and renewable energy, replacing traditional blast furnaces. Set for commissioning in 2027, the project is one of Europe’s most ambitious steel decarbonisation efforts. A recent green hydrogen supply tender also drew strong interest from the delegates, reflecting growing momentum in the sector.