Beginning with the commissioning, EnBW will import three billion cubic meters of LNG annually via the Hanseatic Energy Hub in Stade. EnBW will also have the choice to switch to ammonia as a hydrogen-based energy source in the future.

All Hanseatic Energy Hub clients with a long-term contract of more than 10 years are eligible for this option.

The Hanseatic Energy Hub is a modular, future-proof system for the switch to green energy that takes advantage of the many possibilities offered by the Stade energy zone. The terminal, port, industrial park, and supporting infrastructure are all constructed to allow for a modular modification. Ammonia-ready main tanks, pipes, and other immovable components will be put into service. Already structurally built to support a heavier weight are the foundations. To enable the market ramp-up from the beginning, additional space has been been earmarked in the industrial park for separate ammonia tanks.

Since ammonia’s handling, transportation, and storage have been established over a long period of time, both EnBW and HEH are emphasizing it as a hydrogen carrier. One of the most frequently manufactured chemicals in the world, ammonia has a wide range of uses. After transportation, it can either be utilized directly as a CO2-neutral fuel or transformed back to hydrogen. The corresponding technologies are developing quickly. Smaller power plants and furnaces have already successfully employed co-combustion of up to 20% ammonia.