The gas purification specialist ReiCat has been awarded the contract to supply hydrogen purification systems for the large-scale electrolyzer of the energy company EWE. The 320‑megawatt hydrogen production plant at the Emden site is scheduled to produce green hydrogen on an industrial scale from the end of 2027. The commissioned systems form part of the technical peripheral equipment of the electrolyzer and ensure the high gas quality required for further use of the hydrogen produced.
EWE is constructing a large-scale facility for the production of green hydrogen in Emden. In addition to the electrolyzer itself, numerous auxiliary and peripheral systems are required to make the hydrogen suitable for industrial applications. One of these key components is ReiCat’s gas purification technology. It purifies the electrolytically generated hydrogen to a purity level of more than 99.999 %, enabling efficient and safe downstream use.
The hydrogen production plant in Emden is the core element of the multi-part flagship project Clean Hydrogen Coastline, which integrates the production, storage, transport, and utilization of green hydrogen. With an output of 320 megawatts, it will be one of the largest hydrogen production facilities of its kind in Europe. In addition to supplying industry and the mobility sector with green hydrogen, the project makes a significant contribution to the long‑term resilience of the regional energy supply. With this initiative, EWE is playing an important role in ramping up the hydrogen economy and transforming the northern German energy system.
Tobias Moldenhauer, Managing Director of EWE HYDROGEN GmbH, says:
“For the industrial use of green hydrogen, consistently high gas quality is essential. With ReiCat’s purification systems, we are relying on proven technology in Emden that perfectly complements our electrolysis operations. This collaboration is a key element for the reliable and safe operation of our large‑scale hydrogen production.”
Michael Höfling, CEO of ReiCat, adds:
“We are delighted to be working with EWE and proud to contribute to this European lighthouse project with our ‘Made in Germany’ hydrogen purification systems. As a technology partner, we bring more than 40 years of experience in hydrogen treatment and purification.”
ReiCat’s purification systems are directly connected to the electrolyzer and reliably remove residual oxygen and moisture from the hydrogen. High gas purity is essential for numerous industrial applications, for use in the mobility sector, and for the production of derivatives such as methanol or ammonia. It is also indispensable for the safe transport and storage of hydrogen.
With this contract, EWE underscores ReiCat’s role as an established technology partner for large‑scale Power‑to‑X projects. The company has already supplied more than 60 hydrogen purification systems worldwide.
Additional information for trade media:
The purification process for hydrogen from electrolysis can be outlined as follows: In the first process step, the oxygen contained in the raw gas is converted into water (steam) using a DeOxo catalyst and hydrogen. In a second step, the hydrogen is dried using a temperature swing adsorption (TSA) process, during which the water vapor condenses and is removed as liquid water. After purification, the hydrogen reaches a purity level of > 99.999 %, corresponding to high‑purity hydrogen of quality grade 5.0.
ReiCat’s hydrogen purification systems are characterized by high efficiency, flexibility, and an exceptionally high level of safety. Gas purification takes place in a closed loop, allowing gas losses and emissions to the atmosphere to be almost completely avoided. By comparison, conventional purification systems can exhibit losses and emissions of up to 3 %.
The ReiCat HighFlex H₂® technology ensures consistently high hydrogen quality even under highly fluctuating operating conditions. The purification system can be operated flexibly with volume flows between 5 % and 100 % without compromising quality.
A central safety feature is the ReiCat HO‑Meter, which reliably ensures that no explosive gas mixtures enter the purification system.
Another special feature is the ReiCat DeHydro system, which catalytically converts unavoidable purge and emission gases into harmless water vapor.
About EWE:
EWE is an innovative service provider active in the business areas of energy, telecommunications, and information technology. With around 10,900 employees and revenues of EUR 8.7 billion in 2024, EWE is one of the major energy companies in Germany. Headquartered in Oldenburg, Lower Saxony, the company is predominantly municipally owned. It supplies around 1.4 million customers in northwestern Germany, Brandenburg, and on the island of Rügen with energy, and 0.8 million customers with telecommunications services. EWE is a pioneer in supply security, climate protection, and digital participation. In the coming years, the Group will invest in expanding the electricity grid, extending fibre‑optic infrastructure, building new wind farms, and leading the development of hydrogen infrastructure.
More information: www.ewe.com
About ReiCat:
ReiCat GmbH, based in Gelnhausen, develops and builds process engineering systems for the purification and recycling of technical gases as well as for exhaust air treatment. ReiCat’s patented processes are used in growth markets such as green hydrogen, CO₂ management, gas recycling, and exhaust air technology. With more than 600 systems in 61 countries, ReiCat serves all leading manufacturers of technical gases as well as companies in the chemical, metal processing, food production, and energy industries.
Image: Visualization of EWE’s hydrogen production plant in Emden (C) EWE
