How Accelera Powers bp's German Green Hydrogen Initiatives
bp is ramping up its green hydrogen efforts in Germany, with Accelera by Cummins set to supply a 100MW proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyser system for its largest hydrogen production site in Lingen.
Expected to be operational by 2027, the system will produce up to 11,000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually, powered by offshore wind energy.
This marks a significant step in Germany’s transition to a hydrogen-based economy, supporting industrial decarbonisation and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Scaling up Germany’s hydrogen infrastructure
The Lingen facility will be a key supplier of green hydrogen to bp’s refinery and industrial customers, including steel and chemical manufacturers.
These industries depend on high-temperature processes and raw material production, which have traditionally relied on fossil fuels.
By replacing these with renewable hydrogen, the project supports emissions reduction efforts across the region.
Central to the development are 20 HyLYZER-1000 PEM electrolyser units, the largest Accelera has ever assembled.
These are being manufactured at its new facility in Guadalajara, Spain, reinforcing Europe’s hydrogen supply chain.
Once installed, the electrolysers will use offshore wind electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, ensuring zero-emission production.
Accelera’s technology is designed for efficiency, scalability and optimised performance, making it well-suited for large-scale hydrogen projects.
The company has already deployed more than 600 electrolyser units globally, including a 20MW system in Quebec, Canada, and a 25MW facility in Florida, US.
Lingen will be its most extensive European project to date.
Strategic collaboration for industrial decarbonisation
The partnership between bp and Accelera highlights the importance of collaboration in scaling up hydrogen production.
With bp expanding its low-carbon investments and Accelera focusing on industrial-scale electrolysis, the project demonstrates how joint efforts can accelerate the energy transition.
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.”
The project aligns with Germany’s National Hydrogen Strategy, which aims to position hydrogen as a key energy source and cut industrial emissions.
By transforming its Lingen refinery into a hydrogen hub, bp is modernising its operations while supporting wider 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.”
Strengthening Europe’s hydrogen supply chain
As Europe accelerates its transition to renewable energy, projects like Lingen play a crucial role in building a robust green hydrogen infrastructure.
Germany, in particular, is positioning itself as a leader in hydrogen technology, supported by strong government policies and industry investments.
The success of the Lingen project will depend on more than just the technology — it requires a strong supply chain.
Accelera’s decision to manufacture its electrolysers in Spain reflects Europe’s growing hydrogen network, reducing reliance on external suppliers and enhancing regional expertise.
For bp, this project is part of a broader hydrogen strategy.
The company has announced several hydrogen initiatives globally, with plans to produce between 0.5m and 0.7m tonnes of hydrogen per year by 2030.
As bp transitions from traditional oil refining to low-carbon energy solutions, projects like Lingen showcase how major energy firms are adapting to new market demands.
Germany’s clean energy ambitions will require extensive investment in infrastructure, from electrolysis plants to hydrogen transport networks.
If Lingen proves successful, it could pave the way for further large-scale hydrogen projects, reinforcing hydrogen’s role in Europe’s energy mix.
With demand for green hydrogen rising, developments like this will be critical in securing a reliable and sustainable supply.
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