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Axpo and Rhiienergie open Swiss hydrogen plant powered by hydroelectricity

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Axpo and Rhiienergie open Swiss hydrogen plant powered by hydroelectricity
(photo courtesy Axpo)

Axpo and electric utility Rhiienergie have opened the first green hydrogen production plant in Switzerland’s Graubünden canton, located next to and powered by the 18 MW Reichenau hydropower plant in Domat/Ems.

The new 2.5 MW hydrogen plant can produce up to 350 tonnes of green hydrogen a year, making it the largest plant of its kind in Switzerland. The hydrogen produced can replace the use of up to 1.5 million litres of diesel annually, according to a release.

The inclusion of hydrogen in the energy mix will play an increasingly important role in ensuring the future security of supply, Axpo said.

The plant’s hydrogen is produced by water electrolysis, green electricity from the adjacent run-of-river hydroelectric power plant, in which Axpo holds a majority stake. The produced hydrogen is compressed in the plant, enabling its convenient delivery to refuelling stations and industrial customers in the future.

“There are still a few hurdles to overcome, but we’re convinced of this green, sustainable and renewable energy carrier’s potential,” said Axpo Chief Executive Officer Christoph Brand.

Green hydrogen is an important climate-friendly energy carrier, especially in the industrial and mobility sectors, and is a key component of decarbonization, Axpo said. In addition, the inclusion of hydrogen in the energy mix will play an increasingly important role in ensuring the future security of supply. Axpo’s goal is to actively promote the hydrogen economy in Switzerland and Europe.

Axpo has other hydrogen projects in the works. Axpo is planning the first hydrogen-powered vessel on Lake Lucerne in Switzerland, working with the SGV shipping company. Axpo will supply the green hydrogen needed to operate the boat. Axpo is also part of a mobility initiative in France, the Arve Hydrogène Mobilité (Arv’Hy) project, which will allow hydrogen-powered vehicles to be refuelled at an H2 filling station from the first quarter of 2025. And Axpo is working with energy investor ENEGO to examine the feasibility of a 100 MW hydrogen production plant in southeast Sicily and is developing an H2 plant in central Abruzzo’s Peligna Valley with Australian renewable energy company IGE.

Axpo owns or co-owns about 60 hydroelectric power plants in Switzerland.