RWE’s Green Vision Meets TotalEnergies’ Ambition – A Partnership to Watch

RWE and TotalEnergies Forge a Green Hydrogen Partnership

RWE and TotalEnergies have officially joined forces to propel the green hydrogen economy forward. The long-term agreement, which spans 15 years starting in 2030, outlines RWE’s plan to supply 30,000 metric tons of green hydrogen annually to TotalEnergies’ Leuna refinery in Germany. This partnership not only represents the largest contracted green hydrogen supply from a German electrolysis facility but also sets the stage for meaningful progress in decarbonizing energy-intensive sectors.

However, what makes this partnership stand out is the unique strengths both companies bring to the table. Each has carved a solid reputation in fields that align perfectly with green hydrogen’s growth potential, creating a collaboration that’s both strategic and promising.

RWE’s Expertise in Green Hydrogen Production

RWE, one of Germany’s largest utilities, has positioned itself as a leader in the hydrogen sector. The company is currently advancing more than 30 green hydrogen projects across Europe and is investing heavily in infrastructure to meet future demand.

At the heart of this partnership lies RWE’s 300-megawatt electrolysis facility in Lingen, set to begin operations in 2027. This plant will use renewable electricity, such as wind and solar power, to split water into hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis. The result? Hydrogen that is entirely carbon-free and ready to fuel industrial applications, including those at TotalEnergies’ refinery.

RWE isn’t stopping at production. Its comprehensive approach includes building infrastructure, such as hydrogen storage and pipelines, to ensure a seamless supply chain. Specifically, the company is utilizing Germany’s hydrogen core network, a 9,000-kilometer pipeline system designed to connect production hubs like Lingen to industrial consumers like Leuna. This network is crucial for transporting hydrogen efficiently and cost-effectively, with phases of operation set to roll out between 2025 and 2032.

Markus Krebber, CEO of RWE, views this deal as a validation of their strategy. “Six months after committing to the Lingen plant, we’ve secured a long-term anchor customer in TotalEnergies. This highlights that with the right incentives, hydrogen is a viable solution for businesses,” he stated.

TotalEnergies’ Drive to Decarbonize Refineries

TotalEnergies, an international energy giant, brings its own set of expertise and ambition to the partnership. Known for its multifaceted energy portfolio, the company is actively working to decarbonize its European refineries. TotalEnergies has set an ambitious goal to fully convert its hydrogen usage to green or low-carbon alternatives by 2030.

The Leuna refinery, located in Saxony-Anhalt, will be the anchor customer for hydrogen from RWE’s Lingen plant. This refinery is a linchpin in TotalEnergies’ sustainability roadmap, and the green hydrogen supplied under this deal will cut its annual CO₂ emissions by approximately 300,000 metric tons. To put this into perspective, that’s equivalent to removing 140,000 passenger vehicles from the road for a year.

Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, emphasized the partnership’s significance. “This agreement supports our goal of reducing emissions at our Leuna refinery. It’s a milestone made possible by German authorities’ commitment to developing a robust hydrogen backbone,” he remarked.

Beyond Leuna, TotalEnergies is working to secure similar agreements across Europe as it aims to convert up to 500,000 metric tons of hydrogen annually for its refineries. Sites in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands are also in line to adopt green hydrogen, further reinforcing TotalEnergies as a trailblazer in sustainable industrial practices.

Why This Partnership Matters

The collaboration goes beyond corporate benefits; it sets a benchmark for the energy transition globally. By demonstrating the feasibility of green hydrogen on a commercial scale, RWE and TotalEnergies are addressing some of the biggest barriers to adoption.

First, the deal highlights how partnerships can help overcome the high initial costs of green hydrogen. Investments into infrastructure like pipelines and storage facilities become more viable when companies commit to long-term agreements. Second, it proves the viability of hydrogen in decarbonizing industries that are otherwise dependent on fossil fuels, such as oil refineries.

Importantly, the partnership thrives under the support of public policy. Germany’s hydrogen core network and related incentives have made the collaboration possible. This underscores the role of governments in laying the groundwork for private sector innovation.

Looking Ahead

Even with this progress, challenges remain. The production of green hydrogen is energy-intensive, requiring significant renewable electricity inputs. Scaling this to meet industrial demand will depend on expanding renewable capacities and fine-tuning the associated supply chains. Additionally, regulatory frameworks need to strike a balance between fostering innovation and maintaining oversight to encourage investments.

Still, the collaboration between RWE and TotalEnergies offers a robust roadmap for what’s possible when expertise aligns with ambition. This partnership not only supports Germany’s goal of becoming climate-neutral but also sends a clear signal to industries worldwide about the potential of green hydrogen.

By leveraging their respective strengths, RWE and TotalEnergies are proving that innovation, teamwork, and commitment can drive meaningful change in the energy sector. This agreement is a step forward—not just for the companies involved, but for the shared vision of a sustainable and carbon-neutral future.