APEX Group, a prominent player in the development and operation of ‘green’ hydrogen electrolysis plants, is set to reshape the energy landscape in Osnabrück.
Collaborating with its subsidiary Plant Engineering GmbH, a specialist in hydrogen and energy technology, APEX has conducted a groundbreaking feasibility study for the “H2 Alliance Osnabrück.” This alliance, comprising Georgsmarienhütte, KME Germany, Q1 Energie, EWE, and Kompetenznetz Individuallogistik e.V. (KNI), aims to spearhead hydrogen projects in the Osnabrück economic region, driving the region towards climate neutrality.
The “H2 Alliance Osnabrück” is not short on ambition. One of its key initiatives involves constructing a hydrogen production plant equipped with mobile hydrogen filling stations designed for heavy-duty transport, all within the Q1 sites. These stations are poised to supply KNI member companies in the logistics industry, as well as all other vehicles, with green hydrogen. Moreover, plans are in motion to connect Georgsmarienhütte and KME Germany to this hydrogen production plant.
The feasibility study, conducted from April to July 2023, assessed the suitability of the KME site for constructing a hydrogen production facility. Engineers from Plant Engineering GmbH, an APEX Group subsidiary, crafted the plant’s conceptual design, drawing upon APEX’s extensive experience in similar projects, encompassing filling simulations, budgeting, and scheduling.
The study revealed that the KME Germany site is ideally suited for hydrogen production. Given the site’s conditions, the first expansion phase could accommodate an electrolysis plant with a capacity of up to 15 megawatts. This ambitious endeavor comes with an estimated investment of over EUR 30 million. Significantly, the electrolysis process generates oxygen, which can be stored at the KME Germany site and used in copper production.
Additionally, the heat generated during electrolysis can be recovered and elevated to a higher temperature level through a heat pump. This excess heat can be utilized either on the KME Germany site or potentially supplied to a local district heating network in the future.
Building upon the feasibility study’s findings, the “H2 Alliance Osnabrück” is now embarking on the journey to secure public subsidies, with expectations of a decision no earlier than the summer of 2024. According to the study’s timeline, the project could subsequently be realized within two and a half years. This endeavor not only marks a significant step towards clean energy but also positions Osnabrück as a hub for innovative hydrogen production.
