Green Wilhelmshaven: Uniper's Transformation into a Green Energy Hub in Germany, Paving the Way for a Carbon-Neutral Future

Uniper is transforming Wilhelmshaven into a central energy hub for the import and production of green hydrogen-based energy sources. To achieve its net zero targets, Germany needs large volumes of green energy sources. Currently, it cannot produce enough renewable electricity domestically, making energy imports and the expansion of offshore wind farms in the German North Sea vital. Investing in both the import and production of renewable energy carriers ensures diversification of supply and a reduction of Germany’s dependency on singular energy suppliers in the future.

With Green Wilhelmshaven, we will help ensure the security of supply of hydrogen products in Germany and large parts of continental Europe. Furthermore, this large-scale project will also create new jobs in the area and drive the energy transition in Germany – and Europe – forward.

Uniper’s Green Wilhelmshaven project aligns with the European hydrogen strategy, underlining the ambitious goals towards a climate-neutral European economy and the substantial role of green hydrogen in the required transition.

The Greem Willemshaven Project

Green Wilhelmshaven will see the construction of an ammonia import terminal and a 1 GW electrolysis plant for the production of hydrogen. The electrolyzer, in combination with the import terminal, will be capable of supplying around 300,000 metric tons of hydrogen, or 10-20% of the demand expected for all of Germany in 2030.

The project is listed in the Ten-Year Network Development Plan (TYNDP) for 2022 published by the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Gas (ENTSOG). This not only marks a major milestone in the project’s development but also demonstrates its relevance in European climate and energy ambitions. For more information on TYNDP, please visit here.

Green Wilhelmshaven will have:

• A hydrogen pipeline connection and a tie-in point to the future European Hydrogen Backbone.
• Access to future hydrogen off-takers in Lower-Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, and other German industrial clusters.
• Access to local hydrogen underground storage at the Etzel salt cavern site.

To operate as a major landing and production site for hydrogen, Wilhelmshaven will require an efficient hydrogen infrastructure. This will be achieved by constructing new dedicated hydrogen pipelines, making the location fit for the future of a hydrogen economy.

End-users of our products are industrial off-takers all over Germany. We expect initial demand for green hydrogen from steel producers, the chemical industry, and refineries. With the expanding German hydrogen backbone, customers in Lower-Saxony and other parts of Germany will be supplied from Wilhelmshaven.

As a key cross-border infrastructure project, Green Wilhelmshaven advances the linkage of energy systems in Europe, proving its pan-European importance. The amounts of renewable energy generated and supplied by Green Wilhelmshaven significantly bolster energy stability and advance sustainability.

Green Wilhelmshaven is also part of Uniper's Energy Transformation Hubs.

Unlocking Potentials

Green Wilhelmshaven strives to become a Project of Common Interest (PCI). The European Projects of Common Interests (PCIs) are important cross-border infrastructure projects linking the energy systems of the EU and third countries. They are designed to help the EU achieve its energy and climate policy goals: affordable, secure, and sustainable energy for all citizens and the long-term decarbonization of the economy in line with the Paris Agreement.

Projects are selected which have a significant impact on energy markets and market integration, boost competition in energy markets, and contribute to the EU's energy security through the diversification of energy sources, as well as contribute to the EU's climate and energy targets through the integration of renewable energy.

Uniper has submitted its project proposal in the PCI process. The process is pending with project assessments and decision on PCI status expected in 2023. For more information on PCIs, please visit the European Commission website.

Hydrogen Alliances

In 2020, a group of companies, organizations, and regional stakeholders formed the “ENERGY-HUB Port of Wilhelmshaven” initiative. The members of the initiative are active in the import, production, storage, and transportation of hydrogen and hydrogen derivatives, natural gas, oil, coal, and the generation of renewable energies. Uniper proudly supports and engages in the project Energy-Hub Port of Wilhelmshaven.

Connecting Hydrogen Projects Across Northwest Germany

From Wilhelmshaven to the industrial centers in North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony, a corporate alliance links projects for hydrogen import, production, transport, and consumption. With bp, Gasunie, Nowega, NWO, Salzgitter, Thyssengas, and Uniper, seven strong companies are linking their planned hydrogen projects in northwestern Germany.

Project Timeline Estimation

2023:

• Finalization of project planning and design.
• Submission and pending approval of Project of Common Interest (PCI) status.

2024-2025:

• Initial construction phase begins for the ammonia import terminal and 1 GW electrolysis plant.
• Development of hydrogen pipeline infrastructure and connections to the European Hydrogen Backbone.

2026:

• Completion of the ammonia import terminal.
• Commissioning of the electrolysis plant.

2027:

• Full operational capacity of Green Wilhelmshaven.
• Initial hydrogen production and distribution to industrial off-takers.
• Integration with local hydrogen storage and European Hydrogen Backbone.

2028-2030:

• Scaling up production to meet increasing hydrogen demand.
• Continuous development and expansion of hydrogen infrastructure.
• Ongoing support and collaboration with hydrogen alliances across Europe.