The Hamburg Green Hydrogen Hub (HGHH) has made a significant leap forward in its mission to transform the former Moorburg coal-fired power plant into a major green hydrogen production site.
The consortium, led by Luxcara and Hamburger Energiewerke, has contracted Siemens Energy to supply and install six electrolyser units at the site, which together will form a 100MW electrolysis plant. This milestone marks a key step in Germany’s green hydrogen push.
Green Hydrogen Production at Scale
The electrolyser units will be based on Siemens Energy’s latest proton exchange membrane (PEM) technology, which is well-suited for integration with renewable energy. The PEM system uses electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, enabling dynamic production depending on renewable energy availability. HGHH’s facility is expected to produce around 10,000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually, contributing to Germany’s decarbonization goals.
The project is scheduled to begin construction in 2024, with full commercial operations expected by 2027. Siemens Energy’s Gigafactory in Berlin will manufacture the electrolyser stacks, which will then be assembled at multiple European locations.
A Long-Term Partnership
In addition to supplying the electrolysers, Siemens Energy and HGHH are entering into a 10-year maintenance agreement. This partnership underscores Siemens Energy’s role in not just delivering technology but also ensuring the long-term operation of the hydrogen plant. Though the value of the contract remains undisclosed, it highlights the strategic importance of green hydrogen infrastructure in Europe’s energy transition.
Transforming the Moorburg Coal Plant
Once a coal-powered behemoth, the Moorburg site is being dismantled to make way for the new hydrogen facility. Parts of the existing infrastructure, including water treatment systems, workshops, and storage areas, will be repurposed for the new plant. The site’s existing connection to the extra-high voltage grid will be converted to draw electricity from renewable energy sources to power the electrolysis process.
The Hamburg Green Hydrogen Hub will be connected to the HH-WIN hydrogen distribution network and plans to establish a truck loading station to serve hydrogen consumers across various industries.
Next Steps for HGHH
Preparatory work on the site has been underway since 2023, and a Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) study, conducted by engineering consultancy Ramboll, is nearing completion. The consortium is actively negotiating with potential industrial hydrogen consumers, aiming to secure a robust portfolio of clients ahead of commercial operations in 2027.
HGHH’s Christoph Cosler emphasized the importance of the national funding decision received in mid-2023, which enabled the project to move into the implementation phase. The Hamburg Green Hydrogen Hub will play a pivotal role in advancing Germany’s hydrogen economy and its broader decarbonization goals.
