Siemens has commissioned one of Germany’s largest operational green hydrogen generation plants in Wunsiedel, Upper Franconia.
The 8.75MW project has the capacity of produce up to 1350 tonnes of green hydrogen using solar and wind power from the Wunsiedel Energy Park.
Equipped with a PEM electrolyser from Siemens Energy, the plant will distribute the hydrogen by truck trailers to end customers mainly within a radius of 150-200 km, encompassing Northern Bavaria, Thuringia, Southern Saxony and Western Bohemia.
The hydrogen will be used primarily in the region’s industrial and commercial enterprises along with road transport.
By replacing fossil fuels, the hydrogen could be used to cut up to 13,500 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.
Siemens Smart Infrastructure was responsible for the construction of the hydrogen plant and the creation of an intelligently monitored and controlled power grid.
In addition, following the construction of a hydrogen filling station at the Wunsiedel Energy Park, scheduled for completion in 2023, the regional fleet of commercial vehicles can be decarbonised.
The company handed over the plant to its operating company, WUN H2, at an official ceremony.
Siemens Financial Services is supporting the project with a financing concept and holds a 45% stake in the WUN H2.
Rießner-Gase, located in Lichtenfels, also holds a 45% stake and the utility company Stadtwerke Wunsiedel (SWW) the remaining 10%.
Managing Board Member of Siemens AG and CEO of Smart Infrastructure Matthias Rebellius said: “With global warming, energy dependency and rising costs becoming increasingly pressing issues, real-world solutions for the future of energy are crucial.
“The Wunsiedel project is an excellent demonstration of how vision and initiative combined with the right technology and financing can drive forward the development of a carbon-free power supply.”