Energiepark Bad Lauchstädt produces first green hydrogen
- The pressurized alkaline electrolyzer has three 10 MW modules, each with two stacks.
- A connected wind farm with around 50 MW of installed capacity supplies renewable electricity.
- A converted 25 km natural gas pipeline will transport hydrogen toward TotalEnergies’ refinery in Leuna.
- An anchor customer is expected to purchase around 3,000 tonnes for industrial use in 2027.
First hydrogen production
The 30 MW electrolysis plant at Energiepark Bad Lauchstädt has produced hydrogen for the first time. Jointly operated by Uniper and VNG Handel & Vertrieb through Elektrolyse Mitteldeutschland GmbH, the plant uses renewable electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The project is beginning tests of how its components operate together.
Plant configuration and commissioning
The pressurized alkaline electrolyzer consists of three 10 MW modules, each containing two stacks. Construction began in June 2023. Full commissioning of the integrated hydrogen system is scheduled for completion in 2027, when industrial use is planned to begin. An anchor customer is expected to purchase around 3,000 tonnes of hydrogen for industrial applications next year.
Connected value chain
The project combines a wind farm with around 50 MW of installed capacity, electrolysis, gas processing and transport. Hydrogen will travel through a roughly 25 km former natural gas pipeline owned by ONTRAS Gastransport and converted for hydrogen use. It is intended for industrial use at TotalEnergies’ refinery in Leuna. The current phase will test and align the components under real operating conditions.
Source: Uniper