East Germany Embraces the “Electrolysis Corridor” for Green Hydrogen

The shift from natural gas to green hydrogen is gaining momentum, and the “Electrolysis Corridor East Germany” project by Enertrag is a significant step in this direction.

This joint project, known as “doing hydrogen,” aims to leverage wind power to generate hydrogen and inject it into the existing gas networks in East Germany. With the approval from the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK) to begin early implementation, the project is set to make a substantial impact on the region’s hydrogen production capabilities.

At the core of the “East Germany Electrolysis Corridor” is the utilization of the existing gas network infrastructure to produce hydrogen through electrolysis. The project involves the deployment of electrolyzers with a combined output of 210 MW at three locations along a north-south axis: Güstrow, Treuenbrietzen, and Bitterfeld-Wolfen. These locations will generate green hydrogen from wind power, with Güstrow having an electrolyzer output of 55 MW, Treuenbrietzen with 30 MW, and Bitterfeld Wolfen with 25 MW. Additionally, a gas pipeline will connect the network hub near Treuenbrietzen to Rüdersdorf near Berlin, enabling the distribution of hydrogen.

Enertrag has received the green light from the BMWK to proceed with the project, allowing them to start implementation at their own risk even before the funding process is complete. This early approval is seen as a significant milestone for the project, which has been classified as an “Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI).” IPCEI projects are recognized as strategically important at the European level due to their size and potential impact on economic development and cohesion within the European Union. Despite the early start, Enertrag remains eligible for funding, pending final approval.

The approval for the early start of the “Electrolysis Corridor East Germany” project is viewed as a positive step toward the rapid expansion of the hydrogen economy in the region. Manuela Blaicher, Head of PtX Project Development Germany at Enertrag, emphasizes the importance of large-scale electrolyzer locations in facilitating the market ramp-up of the hydrogen sector in East Germany. The BMWK’s decision paves the way for concrete action, bringing optimism and enthusiasm to the project’s team.