Uniper and Ørsted are collaborating in the form of a strategic alliance.
Both firms have ambitious plans to decarbonize the sector in order to meet Germany’s climate goals. TenneT, the transmission system operator, is ready to assist them and, among other things, to realize the transfer of wind energy from the sea to the land.
Uniper and Ørsted have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that commits them to working together to develop offshore wind with hydrogen on a big scale. This will be accomplished, in part, at the Wilhelmshaven facility, by a system-serving direct integration of hydrogen generation from offshore wind power.
In 2020, Uniper began work on the “Wilhelmshaven Green Hydrogen” project. An electrolysis plant with a capacity of 70 megawatts (MW) is scheduled to be constructed in 2025, with the capacity being increased to 410MW by 2030. The electrolysis will be powered by renewable electricity generated by Ørsted offshore wind turbines. The Uniper site in Wilhelmshaven has all of the essential requirements to play a significant role in the local energy transition, thanks to existing substations and its closeness to the shore. Furthermore, because renewable electricity is converted directly into green hydrogen, any power system bottlenecks are avoided.
Wilhelmshaven may become a hydrogen hub for Lower Saxony, serving as a model for future initiatives.
Uniper and Ørsted are also looking at CO2-free power grid stabilization options, as well as green solutions for industrial clients who require a high degree of supply security – even during probable blackouts.
Axel Wietfeld, CEO of Uniper Hydrogen: “Germany and Europe must remain strong industrial locations – and at the same time achieve the ambitious climate protection targets. For this, we need “green electrons” and “green molecules”. Through the strategic partnership with Ørsted, we have exactly the right setup to combine economic and ecological goals directly on site in Wilhelmshaven. By integrating offshore wind and hydrogen, we can significantly support industries such as the chemical, steel or transport sectors in their decarbonization. “
Jörg Kubitza, Germany Managing Director of Ørsted: “Green hydrogen from offshore wind power is the driver of German decarbonization, as it plays a key role for future climate neutrality. Therefore, Germany as an industrial location needs much more green electricity than previously planned. I am very pleased that in Uniper we have a partner at our side who will continue to push and promote the generation of renewable offshore wind power with us in order to be able to achieve Germany’s climate targets. “
Tim Meyerjürgens, COO of TenneT: “Integrated planning of electricity and hydrogen will become the key factor in a successful energy transition. Electrolysis must take place where renewables are generated and available in sufficient quantities, namely primarily on the coasts. As a reliable partner in shaping the energy transition, TenneT stands ready to support Ørsted and Uniper in their ambitious goals.”
