- Uniper's hydrogen-ready 890 MW CCGT Unit 8 at Staudinger received preliminary approval, clearing key feasibility and permissibility questions.
- Key environmental and planning issues addressed include strict air pollutant limits, habitat (FFH) and species protection, and local zoning requirements.
- First partial permit for subsurface infrastructure expected Q3 2026; second partial permit for construction and operation targeted Q2 2027.
- Project will enter capacity auctions under the draft Strom VKG and lists Siemens Energy as its technology partner.
Preliminary approval
The Darmstadt Regional Authority issued preliminary approval for the planned hydrogen-ready combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) Unit 8 at the Staudinger site, resolving key feasibility and permissibility questions early to reduce project risk.
Project scope
Unit 8 is designed for up to 890 MW electrical feed-in to provide flexible, dispatchable capacity; Siemens Energy is the technology partner and the project is intended to participate in capacity auctions under the draft Strom VKG legislation.
Regulatory and environmental issues
The preliminary process addressed strict air pollutant emission limits, habitat (FFH) and species protection requirements, and constraints from the local zoning plan, with binding clarifications sought before formal permitting.
Next steps and site transformation
The first partial permit for subsurface infrastructure is planned for Q3 2026, followed by a second partial permit for construction and operation in Q2 2027; the broader site program includes decommissioning outdated units, modernizing infrastructure, exploring battery storage and potential long-term data center uses in coordination with regional stakeholders.
