Bremerhaven, a picturesque port city on Germany’s North Sea coast, is set to become a symbol of sustainability with its ambitious green hydrogen project. In mid-August, the groundwork began for a cutting-edge hydrogen production plant at Grauwallring in Bremerhaven, marking a significant leap towards regional and climate-friendly hydrogen ecosystems.
The heart of this endeavor is a compact containerized hydrogen production facility slated to kickstart green hydrogen production before the year’s end. This green hydrogen will power the public filling station “Zur Hexenbrücke,” catering to cars, buses, and trucks, all refueled with locally produced green hydrogen. Construction of this station is scheduled to commence in September, with all regulatory permits in place.
The project, known as HY.City.Bremerhaven, encompasses every aspect of the green hydrogen value chain, from production to consumption. The journey began with a symbolic groundbreaking ceremony in April, signaling the commencement of the implementation phase. The Speckenbüttel industrial area is now home to an electrolyser system supplied by H-TEC SYSTEMS, with an impressive output of two megawatts capable of generating approximately 280 tons of green hydrogen annually.
Notably, this green hydrogen production process is powered by a nearby wind turbine, reinforcing the commitment to renewable energy sources. Importantly, this effort translates to a reduction of up to 4,200 tons of CO2 and 11.5 tons of nitrogen oxides annually.
The hydrogen produced is then transported to the filling station using mobile storage units, equipped with pumps capable of delivering hydrogen at 700 and 350 bar. This versatility accommodates a wide range of vehicles, from cars to trucks and buses. Payment options will include convenient methods like EC and credit cards. The project company HY.City.Bremerhaven will oversee the operation of these systems.
BremerhavenBus, situated next door, is an eager participant in this sustainable revolution. Already operating three hydrogen buses since late 2022, with four more buses in preparation, BremerhavenBus has been leading the way in adopting green hydrogen as a clean fuel. Until the local infrastructure is fully operational, the hydrogen for these buses comes from the eFarm project in Schleswig-Holstein, an initiative spearheaded by GP JOULE. In the near future, BremerhavenBus aims to have at least ten hydrogen buses in operation, backed by the robust capacity of the electrolysis system, capable of supplying up to 34 buses daily without any emissions other than water vapor.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this green hydrogen initiative is its regional focus. The project company HY.City.Bremerhaven is a collaboration between the Bremerhaven-based start-up Green Fuels and the North Frisian energy transition firm GP JOULE. Additional stakeholders include BremerhavenBus, UTG Independent Tank Logistics, Georg Grube Verwaltungs, the Seier Group, and the Diersch & Schröder Group. This multi-faceted approach ensures not only a sustainable, climate-friendly solution but also stability in pricing, supply, and job creation within the region.
The positive impact of Bremerhaven’s green hydrogen hub extends beyond city limits. The HY.City.Bremerhaven model region is an integral part of the larger Hyways for Future hydrogen network project, spanning the entire northwest of Germany from Oldenburg to Cuxhaven. This extensive network envisions a future where green hydrogen powers transportation and industry, reducing carbon footprints and enhancing sustainability.
Importantly, the development of Bremerhaven as a hydrogen region has garnered substantial support from the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport, receiving €5.5 million in funding as part of the National Innovation Program for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology (NIP2). These initiatives are steered by NOW GmbH and executed by the Project Management Jülich (PtJ).
As Bremerhaven embarks on this green hydrogen journey, it sets a powerful example for other regions, showcasing the potential of green hydrogen as a sustainable and scalable energy solution, firmly anchored in regional resources and powered by renewable energy.
