ENERTRAG, a prominent renewable energy company based in Brandenburg, has unveiled its ambitious plan to construct a hydrogen production plant in the Prignitz-Falkenhagen industrial park.
This strategic partnership between ENERTRAG and the district of Prignitz represents a crucial milestone in realizing the hydrogen strategy of not just Brandenburg, but also Germany and Europe at large. The project aims to establish a green hydrogen production site on an industrial scale, emphasizing the potential of hydrogen in driving a sustainable energy transition.
The centerpiece of this endeavor is an innovative electrolysis plant, with a monumental output of 130 MW, set to sprawl across approximately 8.6 hectares in the Prignitz-Falkenhagen industrial park. This undertaking, one of the first of its kind in Brandenburg, involves converting farmland into an industrial hub dedicated to hydrogen production. It’s a pivotal move that lays the foundation for expanding the hydrogen (H2) economy in the region, further propelling the ongoing transition towards sustainable energy solutions.
The project has garnered not only enthusiasm but also widespread support from both local authorities and the business community. District Administrator Christian Müller lauds the initiative, highlighting its innovation and potential to elevate the region in terms of sustainability and green hydrogen technologies. This project gains even more significance in light of its impact on the district’s economic prosperity, job creation, and the advancement of the energy transition.
What sets the Prignitz-Falkenhagen industrial park apart is its strategic location, conveniently situated in the north-west of Brandenburg and accessible via the A24 federal motorway. This geographical advantage, coupled with the proximity to a hydrogen pipeline, positions the park as an ideal venue for the large-scale production of green hydrogen.
The estimated investment for this pioneering project ranges from 150 to 200 million euros, representing a substantial commitment towards advancing clean energy solutions. This financial endeavor not only supports the creation of around 20 permanent jobs but also fosters more than 50 additional jobs during the construction phase, thereby boosting local employment and economic growth.
Furthermore, the hydrogen project in Prignitz-Falkenhagen plays a crucial role in the broader initiative known as “doing hydrogen,” which aims to transition a portion of the Ontras gas network infrastructure into a 100% hydrogen network. This larger collaborative effort involves several industrial partners across various regions in Germany, culminating in the establishment of a robust hydrogen hub.
A key highlight of this venture lies in strategic partnerships that maximize resource utilization. ENERTRAG’s collaboration with Deliscious Vertical Farming in the Prignitz-Falkenhagen industrial park is emblematic of such synergies. The project envisions using waste heat from electrolysis to provide heating in winter and cooling in summer for lettuce cultivation, thus creating a sustainable and mutually beneficial ecosystem.
Green hydrogen emerges as a central pillar of the future energy landscape. It addresses the challenges of energy storage, stability, and decarbonization across energy-intensive industries like steel, glass, paper, and cement production. By leveraging the potential of hydrogen, the Prignitz-Falkenhagen project holds the promise of not only greener industries but also the reduction of thousands of tons of CO2 emissions, setting a remarkable precedent for sustainable aviation fuels.
