
Hydrogen
Hydrogen is positioned to play a key role in the energy transition. It has the potential to help decarbonise hard-to-electrify sectors such as chemicals, oil refining, steel, commercial road transport, aviation, and marine. Shell sees opportunities across the hydrogen supply chain, including production, storage, shipping and end-customer solutions.

Andy Beard, VP of Hydrogen, Shell"Shell is helping to meet today’s energy needs while actively building tomorrow’s lower‑carbon energy system, including hydrogen. We are already producing renewable hydrogen and progressing two large‑scale projects toward completion - guided by pragmatism, discipline, and strong partnerships."
Scaling low-carbon hydrogen for the energy transition
Scaling low‑carbon hydrogen (hydrogen produced using low‑emissions processes, such as renewable electricity or fossil fuels with carbon capture and storage¹) requires overcoming challenges related to cost, scale and the coordination of supply, demand and infrastructure. Addressing these challenges will be critical for hydrogen to play its full role in the energy transition.
What is hydrogen and why is it important?
What is hydrogen and why is it important?
Hydrogen is an energy carrier that can be used as a fuel or feedstock. When produced using low‑emissions processes, it can support lower‑carbon energy systems, particularly in sectors that are difficult to electrify.
How is low-carbon hydrogen produced?
How is low-carbon hydrogen produced?
Low‑carbon hydrogen is generated through renewable-powered electrolysis, or from fossil fuels paired with carbon capture and storage (CCS). The emissions profile depends on the production method and technology applied.
Why is scaling low-carbon hydrogen challenging today?
Why is scaling low-carbon hydrogen challenging today?
Scaling low-carbon hydrogen is challenging due to higher production costs, early-stage infrastructure, the need to grow supply and demand together, and evolving policy frameworks across regions.
How is Shell supporting the scale up of low-carbon hydrogen?
How is Shell supporting the scale up of low-carbon hydrogen?
Shell is scaling low-carbon hydrogen by advancing large renewable hydrogen projects and partnering with industry and governments to help grow the market.
Examples include Holland Hydrogen I (HH1) in the Netherlands, and the REFHYNE 1 and REFHYNE 2 renewable hydrogen projects in Germany.
Shell’s integrated energy hubs for low-carbon hydrogen
As part of our approach to the energy transition, we are developing integrated energy hubs to reduce our own emissions and those of the products we sell. At Shell Pernis in the Netherlands, for example, we are integrating hydrogen and CCS into our existing facilities.
Guide
Guide
1. Shell Pernis
Once operational, the hydrogen produced at HH1 will initially help support the reduction of emissions at Shell Pernis Rotterdam, replacing a portion of fossil-based hydrogen in refining processes.
2. Aramis CCS and Porthos CCS
Shell supports the Aramis and Porthos CCS projects in the Dutch sector of the North Sea, which could transport and store CO₂ from hydrogen projects, helping to scale low-carbon energy solutions.
3. Hollandse Kust Noord
HH1 will use renewable electricity from Hollandse Kust Noord offshore wind farm to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.
4. Data centres
Hollandse Kust Noord offshore wind farm delivers renewable energy to data centres in Eemshaven and Middenmeer, supporting sustainable digital infrastructure and reducing carbon emissions.
5. Holland Hydrogen I (HH1)
HH1, currently under construction near Rotterdam, will be one of Europe’s largest renewable hydrogen plants.
6. Industrial customers and Shell hydrogen stations*
We see the potential for hydrogen to offer solutions for customers in hard-to-electrify sectors, such as industry and heavy-duty transport.*
Shell’s hydrogen projects and initiatives
Shell is scaling up low-carbon hydrogen to help decarbonise our own operations and support customers in hard-to-electrify sectors. With a strong track record, proven technologies and a focus on safety and innovation, we’re building a hydrogen business that’s practical, cost-efficient – and ready to grow in line with market demand and policy support.

Production projects
Shell is one of the leading hydrogen developers globally, with large-scale projects for renewable hydrogen under construction, such as Holland Hydrogen I and REFHYNE 2.

R&D and innovation
Shell is investing in cutting-edge hydrogen technology to help reduce costs and enable global trade.

Heavy-duty transport
We operate hydrogen refuelling stations for buses and trucks in Europe and the US, aiming to help reduce emissions from heavy-duty transport.
Working together to scale hydrogen
Shell is actively collaborating with other industry players in the low-carbon hydrogen space aimed at accelerating the development, scaling and adoption of hydrogen.

Hydrogen Council: building global momentum across the value chain
Shell is a founding member of the Hydrogen Council – a global coalition of leaders across energy, transport and industry working together to accelerate the role of hydrogen in the transition to a low-carbon world. Today, the council includes 150 companies spanning the entire hydrogen value chain – collaborating to unlock investment and innovation.

Hydrogen Europe: advancing the hydrogen economy in Europe
Shell is a proud member of Hydrogen Europe – the leading industry association representing the hydrogen sector across the continent. Through this membership, Shell collaborates with over 500 organisations spanning the entire hydrogen value chain to accelerate the development and deployment of hydrogen technologies. Together, we advocate for policies, innovation, and investment that support Europe’s transition to a sustainable, low-carbon energy future.
Disclaimers
*Refers to renewable hydrogen and decarbonised hydrogen
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Cautionary note
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