German energy major EWE has officially kicked off construction of its 320-megawatt hydrogen generation plant in Emden, marking a decisive move in the Clean Hydrogen Coastline programme. 

 

The project, one of Europe’s largest hydrogen initiatives to date, has now moved from planning to concrete implementation with the award of the civil engineering and construction contract to a consortium of Ludwig Freytag, Gebrüder Neumann, and MBN.

 

The plant will be among Germany’s first large-scale electrolysers. Green hydrogen production is slated to begin by the end of 2027, with supplies delivered directly to industrial customers.

 

"With the start of construction, we are taking a decisive step from planning to implementation," said Stefan Döhler, CEO of EWE AG. "With the three contracted companies, we are relying on experienced experts in building construction and civil engineering, who will advance the project reliably and with a high level of technical competence. This creates the basis or sufficient planning security for us to start actively marketing green hydrogen. We are thus sending a strong signal for the industrial market ramp-up."

 

The Emden plant forms part of a broader hydrogen network, including a large-scale storage facility in Huntorf and a pipeline axis linking Wilhelmshaven, Leer, and Emden, supporting Germany’s nationwide hydrogen core network.

 

Döhler emphasized the need for political support to accelerate the hydrogen market. Referencing the latest report from the German Federal Audit Office, he said: "In our view, the report confirms that the market ramp-up must be significantly accelerated and made more economical. 

 

In order for hydrogen to play a major role in climate protection and competitiveness, we need reliable and practical framework conditions. The ramp-up will only succeed if regulation and funding are further developed in a targeted manner."