Sustainability
at Heide Refinery

We attach great importance to sustainability and social commitment. Through various initiatives and partnerships, the company contributes to both environmental friendliness and regional development.

The potential CO₂ savings over the next few years are around 30,000 tonnes per year.
 

We supply 60,000 MWh of free heating to companies and public institutions in the neighbourhood every year.

Every year, we publish a sustainability report documenting our performance in the areas of safety, environment and social responsibility. We are aware that our activities affect our surroundings. That is why we place great importance on operating the refinery in an environmentally conscious and responsible manner.

 

Heide Refinery’s
expertise in sustainable hydrogen solutions

Heide Refinery has established itself as a major player in the development of a sustainable hydrogen economy in Schleswig-Holstein. Thanks to various hydrogen projects, we have gained extensive knowledge in key technological and regulatory areas:

Heide Refinery has developed expertise in the planning, approval and construction of an electrolysis plant. This is an ideal starting point for potentially producing green hydrogen at our refinery site in the future.

The company has been working intensively on the storage of hydrogen in underground caverns, an important method of safe and long-term storage. As a result, valuable experience has been gained with regard to the suitability, conversion and use of existing caverns for the future storage of hydrogen

Today and in the future, the caverns in the vicinity of Heide Refinery are a key location factor for the development of a green hydrogen infrastructure on the west coast of Schleswig-Holstein. These natural underground cavities provide ideal conditions for storing large quantities of hydrogen.

There is a great need for hydrogen, which is currently mostly obtained from fossil fuels (grey hydrogen). Green hydrogen produced using renewable energy has huge potential to replace grey hydrogen and reduce CO₂ emissions. We already have a wealth of experience in the use of hydrogen, and there has been a hydrogen pipeline between Hemmingstedt and Brunsbüttel since the 1960s, which could be used for green hydrogen in the long term.

Regional and social commitment as part of our philosophy

In line with our philosophy of being an active part of the community, we focus on long-term projects with a noticeable social impact in Dithmarschen and Schleswig-Holstein. This is clearly reflected in our collaboration with Heider Werkstätten and the Arbeiterwohlfahrt in Heide, to which we award specific contracts.

We also support important local events such as the Wattolümpiade, various local associations of the technical relief organisation (THW), the hospice in Meldorf, the food banks in Heide and Brunsbüttel as well as youth fire brigades and the sports clubs of our employees. Our commitment goes beyond financial support, as we also contribute practical help and expert knowledge. Projects in which our employees are already involved are particularly close to our hearts.

Member of Soziale Allianz
Heide Refinery is proud to have been accepted into Soziale Allianz, a network for companies with a proven social commitment. Soziale Allianz, an initiative of Stiftung Mensch, aims to bring people with and without disabilities together, to create jobs, and to experience success and joy together.

Social commitment in the region has been a key concern for Heide Refinery for many years, which is why its membership in Soziale Allianz is a logical next step. For several years now, we have been awarding work contracts to people with disabilities who, amongst other things, maintain our green spaces during the summer months. Further employment opportunities in other areas of the company are conceivable in the future.

Social groups and neighbours

We are available as interlocutors to democratic parties and social groups and seek their contact in order to discuss issues that affect us. We see ourselves as good neighbours to the communities in which we operate and actively contribute to the common good there. We support the charitable activities of our employees wherever possible.

From Heide Refinery’s mission statement

Social groups and neighbours

We are available as interlocutors to democratic parties and social groups and seek their contact in order to discuss issues that affect us. We see ourselves as good neighbours to the communities in which we operate and actively contribute to the common good there. We support the charitable activities of our employees wherever possible.

From Heide Refinery’s mission statement