European Energy aims to be a global leader in the green transition, and the Kassø plant marks a significant step forward. Here, green electricity, (biogenic) CO₂ and water are converted into e-methanol produced using renewable sources. A key component in this process is green hydrogen, which is produced directly at the plant via electrolysis.
To achieve this, a reliable electrification solution was essential, and ABB has been pivotal in providing it.
“We wanted a partner with strong in-house engineering and high technical sparring. ABB lives up to that”, says Ricki Stolberg Refstrup, Maintenance lead, Kassø Power-to-X.
ABB has delivered an eHouse – a complete, prefabricated and tested solution that includes ZX0.2 primary gas-insulated switchgear (30 kV), equipped with ABB's Relion® protection relays from the 620 series, and control systems. The eHouse solution connects the solar park with the Power-to-X plant, ensuring stable energy supply around the clock through a connection to Energinet's infrastructure.
Advanced analysis delivers necessary data
Another central element in ABB's delivery is the fully integrated analysis cabinet, which monitors the quality of the e-methanol, vital to ensure that the product meets the EU's strict certification requirements. The system measures the content of methanol, water, acetone and ethanol and delivers data with just a few minutes of delay.
"A complete system for measuring methanol in liquid form is not available on the market, so ABB has specially designed the solution for Kassø, based on ABB's gas chromatograph PGC5000," says Klaus Petersen, ABB Process Automation.
Daniel Kristensen, ABB service technican, with the special designed solution for Kassø, based on ABB's gas chromatograph PGC500. 
ABB has also assisted with grid compliance studies, necessary to obtain the central energizing permit (EON) from Energinet.
“Data is worth its weight in gold today. We need lots of data to certify our product, and ABB's system allows us to measure precisely and quickly”, explains Ricki Stolberg Refstrup.
Flexibility and technical sparring
The Kassø project has been characterized by rapid development and numerous changes. The close cooperation and flexibility in ABB's approach have been crucial.
“We have had an honest dialogue throughout. When we encounter an obstacle, we tackle it head on – and so do they. That is how a partnership should work”, emphasizes Ricki Stolberg Refstrup.
ABB has continuously provided technical sparring, including integration with European Energy's SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system. ABB's components deliver critical data, which is visualized and used for both monitoring and documentation.
The Kassø plant was developed by European Energy, and ABB has been involved as a technology partner all the way from design to operation. 
Bo A. Hansen, ABB Distribution Solutions, together with Ricki Stolberg Refstrup, European Energy. 
ABB delivered an eHouse with 30kV switchgear (ZX0.2, ABB's Relion® protection relays), including project management and commissioning.
“The collaboration with ABB has been exceptionally good. When things change – and they do – we know that we have a partner ready to act and support us technically. That means everything”, states Ricki Stolberg Refstrup.
Results and learning
Although Kassø is still in the commissioning phase, the project has already achieved one of its most important KPIs: The first EU-certified e-methanol product. With this, European Energy and ABB have created a proof-of-concept that will pave the way for future plants – both in Denmark and internationally.
“Not everything has been perfect from the start. But one thing is certain: the components do what they are supposed to do, and the plant produces. We have become smarter along the way, and we use our knowledge to optimize future projects”, says Ricki Stolberg Refstrup.
Facts about Kassø Power-to-X
- Location: Near Kassø, South Jutland, Denmark
- Production: Green e-methanol based on solar energy, biogenic CO₂ and hydrogen produced via electrolysis
- Certification: First EU-certified e-methanol product
- Status: European Energy and Mitsui will inaugurate the plant on May 13, 2025.
- ABB deliveries:
- eHouse with 30kV switchgear (ZX0.2, ABB's Relion® protection relays), including project management and commissioning
- Gas chromatograph (PGC5000)
- SCADA integration and data acquisition
- Grid compliance study and consultancy
Photo byline: Christoffer Regild, text byline: Niels Henrik Bach
