Siemens Commissions Hydrogen Electrolysis Plant in Bavaria

One of Germany’s largest hydrogen production plants

Siemens Energy celebrated the commissioning of its electrolyzer at its hydrogen plant in Wunsiedel. At a ceremony on September 14, Siemens and Siemens Financial Services officially handed the facility over to operating company WUN H2. One of Germany’s largest green hydrogen plants, the new site will produce 1,350 tons of hydrogen annually – creating electrical capacity of 8.75 MW and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by around 13,500 tons during the same period. The hydrogen produced will be used primarily in the region’s industrial and commercial enterprises as well as road transportation.

Production capacity expansion plans

The newly formed WUN H2 company – in which Siemens Financial Services and Rießner Gase have respective 45 percent ownership shares with the Wunsiedel municipality owning the remaining 10 percent share – is currently considering expanding plant production capacity to 17.5 MW. Siemens’ “Smart Infrastructure” division was responsible for the site construction and the development of an intelligently monitored and controlled energy network. Siemens Financial Services secured non-recourse project financing from the Umweltbank in Nuremberg, demonstrating hydrogen production in Germany’s economic feasibility.

Siemens’ hydrogen-market diversification strategy

Siemens has also entered into cooperation agreements with NordLB and investment company Senco Hydrogen Capital to develop future near-consumer production of green hydrogen by electrolysis in Germany. Siemens’ Mobility division also recently launched its new “Mireo Plus H2” hydrogen train with Deutsche Bahn. The new trains will replace traditional diesel engines, with a single train capable of saving up to 45,000 tons of carbon dioxide over its 30-year lifetime compared to passenger vehicles.

Europe’s growing hydrogen market

Europe’s hydrogen industry is forecast to generate turnover of more than EUR 800 billion a year by 2050 according to the “Hydrogen Roadmap Europe,” a study conducted by the “Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking” European Partnership for Hydrogen Technologies predecessor organization. German companies – including Siemens, Siemens Energy and MAN Energy Solutions – are seeking to play a central role in the development of Europe’s fledgling hydrogen industry. Green hydrogen could help reduce carbon dioxide emission on a significant scale in energy-intensive industries.

Germany’s hydrogen economy plans

Germany is creating a hydrogen-based energy economy to replace fossil energy sources. The country plans to double its hydrogen electrolyzer target to 10 GW by 2030. Significant investment is being made in the necessary infrastructure to meet the new target, with a number of support programs being put in place within the sector. Accelerated planning and authorization processes are also being put in place to speed up power and hydrogen grid roll out.