The Axpo Group invests in hydrogen technologies
Axpo and Rhiienergie are teaming up to construct a new environmentally friendly hydrogen plant in Switzerland. This innovative plant will be linked to the Reichenau hydropower facility, ensuring that the hydrogen it produces is free from any extra carbon dioxide emissions.
Third hydrogen project
According to a recent announcement on the Axpo Group’s website, the upcoming facility is set to become operational later this year, specifically in the autumn of 2023. The facility’s capacity will be 2.5 megawatts (MW). As outlined in the plan, this installation is projected to generate a yearly output of 350 tons of fuel.
Source: Axpo Group press material
The Axpo Group is actively expanding its expertise in the field of hydrogen with the successful execution of its third hydrogen project. This ongoing development underscores the company’s commitment to advancing its knowledge and capabilities in this domain.
The environmentally-friendly hydrogen will be transported straight from the production plant to the refueling station, offering a direct supply chain. Furthermore, this hydrogen has the potential to play a significant role in reducing the carbon footprint of industrial operations. The facility’s launch is planned for the fall of 2023. Both Axpo and Rhiienergie are investing over eight million Swiss francs into this collaborative project.
Axpo Group
Location of the new installation
Axpo and Rhiienergie are currently in the process of constructing a green hydrogen plant situated at the Reichenau hydropower plant in Domat/Ems, Switzerland. Notably, this construction site is part of a hydroelectric power plant, in which Axpo holds a substantial ownership stake.
There will be more investments
The recent development at Reichenau represents the third hydrogen project undertaken by the Axpo Group. In the fall of 2022, Axpo introduced its initial installation at the Rhine hydropower plant in Eglisau-Glattfelden, boasting a power and production capacity comparable to the project being carried out in Domat/Ems.
Axpo Group
In the upcoming years, the company has a clear intention to continue making similar investments. It’s important to highlight that the Axpo Group holds a prominent position as a key participant in the realm of hydrogen production, specifically focusing on green hydrogen generated through renewable energy sources. Aligned with its strategic direction, Axpo is dedicated to advancing hydrogen technologies and contributing to production initiatives that promote the expanded utilization of this fuel across sectors such as transportation, industry, and energy.
A larger-scale project is currently in progress at Axpo’s run-of-the-river power plant in Brugg. This installation is notably more substantial than the previous two, boasting a capacity of 15 MW. This increased capacity will facilitate the annual production of around 2,000 tons of environmentally-friendly fuel. Looking ahead, the Axpo Group is set to continue its hydrogen investment initiatives in the years to come.
Axpo Group
The ongoing hydrogen initiatives encompass more than just producing environmentally-friendly fuel; they also entail establishing refueling and transportation infrastructure, along with harnessing hydrogen for energy storage and grid stability. These collective efforts play a pivotal role in realizing objectives centered around decarbonizing the economy and combating climate change.
Sources:
- Axpo Group’s press materials
- “Axpo’s third hydrogen investment? 350 tonnes of green hydrogen per year from Reichenau,” www.axpo.com
- “Reichenau hydropower plant to produce hydrogen,” www.axpo.com