How Accelera is Supercharging bp's German Hydrogen Supply

In bp's latest move in Germany’s green hydrogen sector, Accelera by Cummins is set to supply a 100MW proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyser system for its largest hydrogen production site in Lingen.

The system, expected to be operational by 2027, will produce up to 11,000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually using renewable electricity from offshore wind farms.

The project represents a significant step in Germany’s efforts to build a hydrogen-based economy and decarbonise industrial operations.

With the country pushing to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, investments like this one highlight how hydrogen could become a cornerstone of its energy transition.

Germany’s hydrogen ambitions take shape

The Lingen plant is set to play a crucial role in supplying green hydrogen to bp’s local refinery and various industrial customers, including steel and chemical manufacturers.

These sectors are among the hardest to decarbonise, as they traditionally rely on fossil fuels for high-temperature processes and raw material production.

By providing a renewable alternative, the plant helps drive emissions reduction across the region.

At the heart of the system are 20 PEM HyLYZER-1000 electrolyser units, the largest ever assembled by Accelera. The company is manufacturing these at its new facility in Guadalajara, Spain, showcasing Europe’s growing hydrogen supply chain.

Once installed, the electrolysers will use electricity from offshore wind farms to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, ensuring the hydrogen produced is entirely green.

Accelera’s PEM electrolyser technology is designed for efficiency, scalability and optimised performance, making it a strong choice for large-scale hydrogen projects.

The company has already deployed more than 600 electrolyser units worldwide, including a 20MW system in Quebec, Canada and a 25MW facility in Florida, US. The Lingen project will be its largest European deployment to date.

Strategic partnerships for industrial decarbonisation

The collaboration between bp and Accelera underlines the importance of partnerships in scaling up green hydrogen production.

Both companies bring expertise in energy transition technologies, with bp expanding its hydrogen investments and Accelera focusing on industrial-scale solutions.

Andreas Lippert, Vice President and General Manager of Accelera Electrolysers, highlights the significance of the project: “This project marks a significant milestone for Accelera and the energy transition in Germany and Europe.

"Partnering on this 100MW system with an industry leader like bp underscores our ability to deliver innovative, industrial-scale solutions that move the needle on our customers’ decarbonisation goals and continue to grow the green hydrogen economy.”

Bp’s strategy aligns with Germany’s National Hydrogen Strategy, which aims to establish hydrogen as a key energy source and reduce industrial emissions.

By converting its Lingen refinery into a low-carbon hydrogen hub, bp is both modernising its operations and supporting the broader industrial sector’s sustainability goals.

Felipe Arbelaez, bp’s SVP for hydrogen and carbon capture and storage, emphasises the project’s impact: “Lingen green hydrogen shows how large-scale hydrogen initiatives can generate regional economic benefits, support our partners’ sustainability goals and accelerate the transition to low-carbon industrial operations.

"Our Lingen refinery has provided German industry with the energy it needs for more than 70 years. Now, through this project, we’re evolving its role to deliver low-carbon hydrogen that will help decarbonise both our operations and regional industry.”

Europe’s green hydrogen supply chain strengthens

As Europe accelerates its shift towards renewable energy, the Lingen project is part of a larger trend of green hydrogen investments across the continent. Germany, in particular, is positioning itself as a leader in hydrogen technology, backed by government policies and industry commitments.

The success of the Lingen facility will depend not just on its technology but also on the broader supply chain supporting it.

Accelera’s decision to manufacture its electrolysers in Spain reflects the growing European network for hydrogen production, reducing dependence on external suppliers and strengthening regional expertise.

For bp, the project is a step towards its wider hydrogen ambitions. The company has announced several hydrogen initiatives globally, aiming to produce 0.5-0.7 million tonnes of hydrogen per year by 2030.

As it transitions from traditional oil refining to low-carbon energy solutions, projects like Lingen highlight how major energy firms are adapting to new market realities.

Germany’s clean energy push will require significant infrastructure investments, from electrolysis plants to hydrogen transport networks.

If Lingen proves successful, it could pave the way for further large-scale hydrogen developments, reinforcing the role of hydrogen in Europe’s energy mix.

With demand for green hydrogen expected to rise, projects like this one will be essential in ensuring a steady and sustainable supply.

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