(Essen/Ludwigshafen) – BASF and RWE want to jointly build an offshore wind farm with an output of two gigawatts. The annual yield is forecast at 7.500 gigawatt hours and is intended to supply the BASF chemical site in Ludwigshafen with electricity. The aim is to electrify production processes based on fossil fuels, the companies said in a joint statement. RWE also wants to install additional electrolysis capacity and use around 20 percent of green electricity to produce green hydrogen in northwest Germany.
The CEOs of BASF and RWE have signed a declaration of intent on cooperation to build additional capacity for renewable electricity and to use innovative technologies for climate protection. “We want to work together to accelerate the path to a CO2-neutral chemical industry through electrification and the use of CO2-free hydrogen,” explained CEOs Martin Brudermüller and Markus Krebber.
RWE is to develop, build and operate the wind farm. BASF holds a stake. The project could avoid around 3,8 million tons of CO2 emissions per year, up to 2,8 million tons of them directly at BASF in Ludwigshafen. “Linking a new offshore wind farm to an industrial customer like BASF at the planning stage, which would convert its production to green electricity and hydrogen on this basis, would be a novelty for Germany,” explained Markus Krebber.
State financial support for the construction of the wind farm is not necessary. However, politicians are required to tender areas for offshore projects “the use of which, according to current planning, is only planned after 2030”. In addition, the tender for the wind farm should be in addition to the 20 gigawatts that are currently legally targeted by 2030, according to RWE. In addition, the companies would like green electricity to be exempt from the levy due under the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG). There is currently no regulatory framework for CO2-free hydrogen production. The companies did not provide any details about the location, time frame or amount of investment
deep link
https://www.basf.com/global/de/media/news-releases/2021/05/p-21-217.html
https://www.group.rwe/unser-portfolio-leistungen/innovation-und-technik/projektvorhaben/offshore-to-x
Photo above
The yield from the planned offshore wind farm is also intended to supply the Ludwigshafen chemical site with electricity (picture: new acetylene plant). / © BASF SE
Photo middle
The CEOs of RWE and BASF, Markus Krebber (left) and Martin Brudermüller, sign a declaration of intent to cooperate to build additional capacity for renewable electricity. / © BASF SE
Class schedule
The wind farm is intended to supply RWE and BASF with green electricity. / © RWE
