SHELL GLOBAL SOLUTIONS INTERNATIONAL BV

Their core work

Shell Global Solutions is the R&D and technology licensing arm of the Shell group, based in The Hague. In H2020, they contribute industrial-scale expertise in hydrogen production, energy conversion, and process engineering to collaborative research projects. Their role is typically that of an end-user or industrial validation partner — providing real-world test cases, process know-how, and access to infrastructure that academic partners lack. They bring deep experience in hydrocarbon processing, electrochemistry, and carbon capture to accelerate the transition from lab-scale research to industrial deployment.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Shell's early H2020 portfolio (2016–2018) was broader, covering carbon capture monitoring (STEMM-CCS), process control (TOMOCON), energy systems modelling (ENSYSTRA), and mathematical optimization (MINOA) alongside initial hydrogen work (CH2P). From 2019 onward, their focus sharpened dramatically toward green hydrogen — every late-period project targets renewable hydrogen generation through different electrolyser technologies (anion exchange, proton ceramic, solid oxide) or hydrogen storage. This shift mirrors Shell's public energy transition strategy and signals a deliberate pivot from fossil fuel process optimization toward clean hydrogen across the full value chain.

Shell is systematically building competence across every major electrolyser type and hydrogen storage method, positioning itself as an industrial integration partner for the full green hydrogen value chain.

How they like to work

Shell never coordinates H2020 projects — all 14 participations are as partner or third party, which is typical for large corporates who contribute industrial expertise without wanting to manage EU project administration. With 148 unique partners across 24 countries, they operate as a wide-network participant rather than a loyal-partner hub. This means they are accustomed to working with diverse academic and industrial teams and bring credibility and end-user validation rather than project management overhead.

Shell has collaborated with 148 unique partners across 24 countries, making them one of the most broadly connected industrial participants in H2020 energy research. Their network spans all major EU research nations, with no single geographic concentration beyond their Dutch home base.

What sets them apart

Shell brings something most academic consortia desperately need: industrial-scale validation capability and a pathway to real deployment. Unlike smaller energy companies in H2020, Shell can test technologies against actual refinery and process plant conditions, providing the credibility that investors and policymakers require. Their participation across competing electrolyser technologies (solid oxide, proton ceramic, anion exchange membrane) gives them a uniquely technology-neutral perspective on hydrogen production.

Highlights from their portfolio

• FlowEnhancer
  Largest single EC contribution to Shell (EUR 470,312) — an innovation action improving heat exchanger efficiency across oil, gas, and power sectors.
• eCOCO2
  Combines CO2 capture with fuel production via membrane reactors, directly targeting aviation fuel — connecting Shell's legacy hydrocarbon expertise with decarbonization goals.
• HyUsPRe
  Addresses underground hydrogen storage in geological reservoirs — a critical missing link for large-scale renewable hydrogen deployment that few other H2020 projects tackle.