New Investment Strengthens Marl Chemical Park’s Hydrogen Hub
- Start-up Greenlyte to build an eMethanol production plant using CO₂ and green hydrogen.
- CO₂ will be captured directly from the air.
- The project strengthens the future viability of the Evonik site.
Greenlyte Carbon Technologies is set to establish a CO₂-neutral eMethanol production facility at Marl Chemical Park. The Essen-based start-up has secured multi-million-euro funding through the "Produktives.NRW" program, co-financed by North Rhine-Westphalia and the EU. The total investment amounts to approximately €25 million. The park will provide around 3,000 sqm of space and infrastructure, with operations expected to begin by late 2026.
"Greenlyte’s plant is a key step in expanding Marl Chemical Park’s hydrogen hub," said Thomas Basten, site manager at Evonik. Greenlyte CEO Florian Hildebrand added: "We have found not just a location but an innovative environment that drives the transformation of the chemical industry." The project is also expected to foster further collaborations.
Greenlyte employs its proprietary Direct-Air-Capture technology, capable of removing up to 1,400 tons of CO₂ annually. An integrated process will also generate about 200 tons of green hydrogen (H₂) per year. These molecules are then synthesized into up to 1,000 tons of green eMethanol annually, a vital raw material for local chemical companies.
This investment aligns with Marl Chemical Park’s broader hydrogen initiatives. As part of the GET H2 initiative, Evonik and industry partners are developing Germany’s first open-access hydrogen infrastructure. This includes converting a gas pipeline from Marl to Legden and extending it to Scholven.
Marl is also home to cutting-edge technologies: Evonik’s Rheticus project uses artificial photosynthesis to produce specialty chemicals from CO₂ with bacteria. Additionally, Evonik is investing in a pilot facility for its DURAION® anion-exchange membrane, a key component in AEM water electrolysis, potentially lowering green hydrogen production costs.
Hydrogen has played a vital role at Marl Chemical Park for 85 years, with around 25,000 cubic meters processed per hour. This expertise will now drive a lower-carbon future.
About Marl Chemical Park One of Germany’s largest chemical sites, Marl Chemical Park spans 6 sq. km and employs around 10,000 people. Alongside Evonik and its subsidiaries, 12 other companies operate on-site, forming a tightly integrated production network. The park’s products serve industries such as automotive, fuels, textiles, packaging, medical technology, cosmetics, and hygiene.
Contact and Copyrights:
Linda Wozniak
Evonik Industries AG
Chemiepark Marl
Picture from left to right: Jens Kaiser (Evonik), Vincent Daub (Greenlyte), Paul Olbrich (Evonik), Thomas Basten (Evonik), Florian Hildebrand (Greenlyte) und Martin Schmickler (Greenlyte)
Original article in German: HERE