Dutch Chemical Giant Successfully Tests Hybrid Hydrogen System to Combat Wind and Solar Shortages
Netherlands, Tuesday, 21 April 2026.
Evonik’s groundbreaking FlexH2 study demonstrates how traditional hydrogen production can automatically scale up during ‘Dunkelflaute’ periods when renewable energy disappears.
Technical Breakthrough in Industrial Hydrogen Management
Evonik Peroxide Netherlands B.V. has successfully completed the FlexH2 study, which was supported by the TSE Industrie Studies (GroenvermogenNL) regulation from the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy [1]. The research investigated how existing steam methane reforming (SMR) hydrogen installations can flexibly collaborate with renewable hydrogen production from electrolysis [1]. The study’s findings demonstrate that it is technically feasible to make existing installations more flexible, enabling them to work alongside electrolyzers to provide a stable hydrogen supply for industrial processes [1].
Addressing the Dunkelflaute Challenge in Farmsum Operations
At Evonik’s hydrogen peroxide production facility in Farmsum, the company requires a constant baseload of hydrogen [1]. However, green hydrogen from electrolysis depends on the availability of sun and wind energy [1]. During periods of limited renewable energy, known as ‘Dunkelflaute,’ green hydrogen production can significantly decrease [1]. By flexibly controlling the existing hydrogen installation, Evonik can compensate for fluctuations in green hydrogen production [1]. When electrolysis production decreases, the conventional hydrogen installation can scale up, and when it increases, the conventional system can scale down, creating a stable baseload of hydrogen for industrial processes together with the electrolyzer [1].
Strategic Partnership with VoltH2 in Delfzijl
This hybrid concept has the potential to accelerate the application of green hydrogen in industry and makes it possible to gradually integrate renewable hydrogen into existing industrial processes [1]. The development represents an important step toward collaboration between Evonik and VoltH2’s planned electrolyzer in Delfzijl [1]. The results demonstrate how existing industrial installations can contribute to scaling up the hydrogen economy [1]. By temporarily combining gray and green hydrogen, a realistic pathway emerges toward large-scale use of renewable hydrogen in industry [1].
Implications for Industrial Energy Transition
The FlexH2 study’s successful completion marks a significant milestone in addressing one of the energy transition’s most pressing challenges: maintaining industrial production stability while transitioning to renewable energy sources [GPT]. The hybrid approach validated by Evonik provides a practical solution for industries that require consistent hydrogen supply but want to integrate renewable sources [1]. This technology could serve as a model for other chemical companies and industrial facilities facing similar challenges in balancing sustainability goals with operational requirements [GPT].