The German federal government, alongside state governments, has committed over €619 million in funding to propel two significant hydrogen projects spearheaded by RWE.
The investment will facilitate the construction of a 300 MW electrolyser in Lingen, Lower Saxony, within the GET H2 Nukleus project, dedicated to producing green hydrogen. Additionally, a cutting-edge hydrogen facility will be established in Gronau-Epe, North Rhine-Westphalia.
Collaborative Effort in Rostock
A third funding stream has been directed to a consortium, including RWE, to develop a 100 MW electrolyser plant at the port of Rostock in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. This initiative falls under the HyTechHafen Rostock project.
Shared Investment for a Greener Future
The federal government is contributing 70% of the total funding for each project, while the states of Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania are collectively providing the remaining 30%. RWE plans to complement this support with its own investment in the hundreds of millions of euros.
Executive Enthusiasm
Markus Krebber, CEO of RWE AG, expressed his excitement, stating: “Today marks a pivotal moment for the acceleration of the hydrogen economy. Thanks to the backing from the German government and federal states, the first industrial-scale hydrogen projects in Germany are now poised for realization.
Green electricity and hydrogen will be instrumental in enhancing the attractiveness of industrial locations. Therefore, it is imperative to invest promptly in electrolysers for hydrogen production within Germany, along with the associated infrastructure, including storage facilities.
Our dedicated RWE team has worked tirelessly to advance our hydrogen projects, and it’s incredibly rewarding to witness their imminent launch.”
European Recognition and National Support
The EU Commission recognized these projects, alongside other hydrogen initiatives, as Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI) in February, paving the way for national funding.
The German Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, along with representatives from the federal states, officially presented the funding notifications in Berlin on July 15, 2024.
Strategic Locations for RWE’s Hydrogen Vision
The Lingen site holds a pivotal role in RWE’s hydrogen strategy. By 2027, the company aims to install a 300 MW hydrogen generation capacity in 100 MW increments, starting with the commissioning of the first 100 MW electrolyser in 2025.
The green hydrogen produced in Lingen will empower industrial companies to significantly reduce their carbon footprint.
Infrastructure for a Hydrogen-Powered Economy
Transport and storage infrastructure will be indispensable in the growth of the hydrogen economy. RWE Gas Storage West’s planned facility in Gronau-Epe will utilize two caverns for hydrogen storage, designed to address fluctuations in hydrogen production from wind and solar energy.
This will ensure a reliable supply of hydrogen to industrial customers. The facility is slated to commence hydrogen storage in 2026.
Green Hydrogen Hub at Rostock Port
A 100 MW electrolyser will be constructed at Rostock port as part of the HyTechHafen Rostock project, producing green hydrogen from 2027.
The hydrogen will cater to local consumers and contribute to the burgeoning nationwide hydrogen core grid. The operating company is a joint venture involving ROSTOCK PORT GmbH, RheinEnergie AG, EnBW Neue Energien AG, and RWE Generation SE.