Siemens Smart Infrastructure and WUN H2 GmbH have signed a contract to build one of the largest hydrogen production plants in Germany
.
It will be built in Winsiedl in northern Bavaria
.
In the initial development stage, the power plant will absorb 6MW of electricity, completely use renewable energy, and will not produce carbon dioxide
.
In the first phase, the electrolysis plant of Siemens Energy will have the capacity to produce more than 900 tons of green hydrogen per year
.
When the scale expansion is completed, it will be able to reach an annual production capacity of 2,000 tons
.
The project will break ground at the end of this year and be put into use at the end of 2021
.
Germany has pledged to achieve greenhouse gas neutrality by 2050
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To this end, all industries that use energy, such as transportation and industry, must promote decarbonization
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This factory in Wensiedl will become a model for all of Germany
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It will convert existing renewable energy sources in the area, such as photovoltaic power and wind power, into storable hydrogen (H2), making it available for transportation and industry
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This is especially useful on sunny, windy days, because the generation of renewable energy exceeds what is needed
.
The electrolysis plant will be built in the Wunsiedel Energy Park, next to Siemens' battery energy storage facilities that have been put into operation
.
This project is another successful technical cooperation between Siemens and SWW Wunsiedel GmbH
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The project will enable the northern region of Bavaria to have its own hydrogen resources
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So far, the natural gas used by end customers has taken a long way
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The hydrogen will be packed in gas cylinders for distribution and then trucked to end customers, mainly Upper Franconia, Upper Palatinate, South Thuringia and Saxony, and West Bohemia (Czech Republic)
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The plant will also help alleviate grid bottlenecks and provide flexibility to the grid
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In the future, a public hydrogen refueling station may be added at the same location for trucks and buses to help the heavy-duty and public transportation transition to zero emissions
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Wunsiedel will use Siemens Energy's Silyzer 300 electrolyzer
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The plant will be characterized by high power density, high efficiency, low maintenance and reliable operation
.
The plant will use the PEM electrolysis process, which uses electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen
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The proton exchange membrane (PEM) allows protons to pass through but prevents gases such as hydrogen or oxygen
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During the electrolysis process, the membrane acts as a separator and prevents the gas generated from mixing
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Compared with traditional alkaline electrolysis technology, PEM technology is very suitable for the use of fluctuating wind and solar energy due to its highly dynamic operation mode
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The oxygen and low-temperature waste heat generated in the hydrogen production process are planned to be used in nearby factories, which is the first time in the industry
.
This can achieve maximum energy efficiency, because in this unique factory, all elements will be used
.
