Siemens Energy, a global energy technology company, has been awarded a contract by German utility EWE to provide a 280-megawatt electrolysis system for a new plant in Emden, Germany. Scheduled to begin operation in 2027, this facility will produce up to 26,000 tons of green hydrogen annually for various industrial uses. By replacing fossil fuels, hydrogen could potentially cut around 800,000 tons of CO2 emissions per year, particularly in the steel industry.
The electrolysis plant is a key component of EWE’s “Clean Hydrogen Coastline” project, which includes four sub-projects. The plant, including the electrolyser, compressors, and cooling systems, will have an average power consumption of 320 megawatts over its lifetime. Siemens Energy will also provide a ten-year service contract.
The project has been designated as an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) by the German government and the European Commission, with funding approval recently granted to EWE. The contract’s signing marks the official start of the project.
Anne-Laure de Chammard, Member of the Executive Board of Siemens Energy said, “This project is an important element in the ramp-up of the green hydrogen industry in Germany. With the long-awaited funding commitments, the German government has placed the final piece of the puzzle to realise strategically important projects like this on a large scale. The immediate conclusion of the contract with EWE demonstrates that the industry is ready to swiftly implement these projects.”
In a selection process that lasted twelve months, EWE thoroughly examined ten electrolysis manufacturers worldwide.
EWE CEO Stefan Dohler said, “EWE is active along the entire value chain with its hydrogen projects, from production to transportation and storage. Our choice of location in north-west Germany and our decision to work with Siemens Energy means that we are focusing on both regional and national value creation.
Siemens Energy’s electrolyser, using PEM technology, splits water into hydrogen and oxygen and is designed for efficient operation with renewable energy sources. The electrolyser stacks are produced at Siemens Energy’s new gigawatt factory in Berlin.
