Power Resources - Construction of a big hydrogen electrolyzer begins in Moorburg in 2025.
Next year, the construction of a 100-megawatt electrolysis plant for green hydrogen at the former Moorburg coal power plant's site is scheduled to commence. A recent press release from the red-green senate details the progress of the transformation of this power plant into a Green Energy Hub. The demolition work on the power plant site is supposed to be finished this year.
According to the plans, the electrolysis plant will supply its first large-industry customers with green hydrogen in 2027. Furthermore, a 40-kilometer hydrogen network is slated to be completed south of the Elbe by then, which could cater to many of the industrial companies in that area. Additionally, Moorburg is anticipated to be linked to the European long-distance network. It is also planned to expand the electrolysis plant to up to 800 megawatts and establish a 60-kilometer hydrogen network. Besides hydrogen production, Moorburg will function as a distribution and logistics center.
"Hamburg's port will gain more importance in the future as a source of energy - apart from handling energy carriers, it will also produce energy here in the future," stated Economics Senator Melanie Leonhard (SPD) on Thursday. Essentially, a stable and dependable energy supply is a crucial factor in determining the place of energy-intensive industries. "We aim to position the industry to transition to sustainable processes to preserve Hamburg as an industrial hub." Hydrogen will play a pivotal role in this.
Moorburg offers a perfect opportunity to develop a green hydrogen economy due to its location and proximity to networks and transport routes, noted Environment Senator Jens Kerstan (Greens). With the establishment of the electrolysis plant, the self-production of green hydrogen can be ensured and the gradual decarbonization, particularly in the industry and certain sectors of the transportation industry, can be achieved. The consortium comprising Hamburg Energy Works (HEnW) and a Hamburg-based firm specializing in renewable energy, Luxcara, is responsible for the planning and implementation of this project.
"In partnership with the Hamburg Hydrogen Industry Network (HH-WIN) of the municipal gas network company, the groundwork for Hamburg as a leading hydrogen center will be laid at the Moorburg site," said Kerstan. "I am positive that this will not only advance environmental protection but also attract new players to the city and, most importantly, create new jobs."
