EWE Hydrogen GmbH and VERBUND Green Hydrogen GmbH are set to develop one of Europe's leading integrated hydrogen hubs in the Wesermarsch region, Germany, with the "CHC Electrolysis JadeWeser" project, making an important contribution to the development of an integrated European hydrogen economy.
At its core is an electrolyser with a capacity of up to 500 MW and a planned production capacity of approximately 50 000 tpy of green hydrogen. The plant will be connected to the future core hydrogen network and could potentially supply green hydrogen for industry, mobility, and the energy sector from 2032 onwards. The combination of production, storage, and grid connection creates a project of high strategic importance for the hydrogen rollout in Germany and Europe.
The establishment of the project is taking place at a time when the hydrogen market is becoming increasingly consolidated. After the initial years of market ramp-up, it is becoming clear that projects that possess not only technological expertise but also robust infrastructure, secure locations, strong financing partners, and concrete marketing prospects are particularly successful.
This is precisely why EWE and VERBUND are pooling their complementary expertise along the entire hydrogen value chain for this joint project. Together, the partners already have hydrogen projects with a capacity of around 400 MW that are either under development or already operational.
“With this joint venture, we are laying the foundation for the implementation of one of the most strategically important hydrogen projects in northern Germany. However, further regulatory adjustments are necessary for a successful market ramp-up, such as the EU's renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBO) requirements. In addition, strong partnerships are essential. VERBUND and EWE have gained extensive experience in large scale hydrogen projects over the past few years, which we are now combining. This will significantly contribute to the successful implementation of the project,” said Stefan Dohler, CEO of EWE AG.
European partnership for security of supply and decarbonisation
The JadeWeser electrolysis project is a key element of the joint hydrogen strategy of both companies and is consistently European in its focus. Through its connection to the German core hydrogen network and its prospective integration into future European hydrogen corridors, the project makes a significant contribution to security of supply, the integration of European energy markets, and the achievement of European climate targets.
At the same time, the production of green hydrogen based on domestic renewable energy sources strengthens European energy self-sufficiency and reduces long-term dependence on fossil fuel imports. The project thus supports the development of a resilient, sovereign, and competitive European energy system.
“The energy transition requires high-performing European partnerships. With this joint venture, we are combining the strengths of two established energy companies and creating the conditions for a secure and competitive supply of green hydrogen. JadeWeser is an important building block for a future European hydrogen economy,” explained Michael Strugl, CEO of VERBUND AG.
Location advantages create the best conditions for market ramp-up
According to the cooperation partners, the project's particular strength lies in its location and infrastructure quality. Prime sites in the southern part of Nordenham, in the Wesermarsch region, Germany, are secured for the long term. A high-performance 380 kV grid connection with an expansion potential up to the gigawatt range, as well as the future hydrogen core network, are located in the immediate vicinity. Furthermore, the site offers a guaranteed water supply, existing industrial infrastructure, and proximity to important industrial, mobility, and import corridors, such as the future A20 motorway.
Another key advantage is the access to hydrogen cavern storage facilities and the immediate proximity to corresponding storage infrastructure. This allows hydrogen to be stored flexibly and supplied as needed in the future, strengthening security of supply and creating the conditions for a market-oriented and competitive hydrogen supply.
“The JadeWeser project will create one of the best-positioned hydrogen projects in Europe in terms of infrastructure. The location is symbolic of the energy transformation in Europe: next to a former nuclear power plant, an industrial hub for the production of green hydrogen is being built. This creates excellent conditions for an economical and secure hydrogen supply,” commented Jost Ahrens, Managing Director of VERBUND Green Hydrogen GmbH.
An integrated approach increases the probability of realisation
“With CHC Electrolysis JadeWeser, we can contribute to building a high-performing hydrogen economy and actively drive the development of a large scale hydrogen project together. At the same time, it shows that market ramp-up does not depend solely on technological advances,” said Tobias Moldenhauer, Managing Director of EWE HYDROGEN GmbH.
For projects with long development and investment cycles, reliable regulatory, economic, and infrastructural framework conditions are crucial. These include, in particular, electricity procurement costs and the current additional burden caused by RFNBO regulations, grid fees, and indirect emission costs. Simultaneously, incentives are needed for the competitive use of hydrogen in industry, for example, through suitable instruments to compensate for the cost difference.
“Building a hydrogen economy is capital-intensive, a long-term endeavour, and involves various risks, especially during market ramp-up. Reliable strategic partnerships are therefore all the more important. With VERBUND, we have a partner at our side who shares our conviction: green hydrogen will be a key component in the decarbonisation of industry. Together, we want to unlock this potential in a strong joint venture,” said Moldenhauer.