Major Funding Secured for RWE’s Hydrogen Projects in Germany

Major Funding Secured for RWE’s Hydrogen Projects in Germany

(IN BRIEF) The German government and state governments of Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania have allocated over 619 million euros to fund two hydrogen projects led by RWE. These include a 300-MW electrolyser in Lingen and a hydrogen storage facility in Gronau-Epe. Another funding strand supports a 100-MW electrolyser at Rostock port. Recognized as Important Projects of Common European Interest, these initiatives aim to advance Germany’s hydrogen economy, enhance industrial competitiveness, and reduce carbon emissions by scaling up green hydrogen production and storage infrastructure.

(PRESS RELEASE) ESSEN, 16-Jul-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — The German government and federal state governments confirmed a significant funding allocation totaling over 619 million euros for two ambitious hydrogen projects spearheaded by RWE. These initiatives aim to bolster Germany’s hydrogen economy and enhance industrial competitiveness through sustainable energy solutions.

The funding will support the construction of a 300-MW electrolyser in Lingen, Lower Saxony, under the GET H2 Nukleus project, as well as a hydrogen storage facility in Gronau-Epe, North Rhine-Westphalia. Additionally, a consortium involving RWE will receive funding for a 100-MW electrolyser at Rostock port, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, as part of the HyTechHafen Rostock project.

The German federal government will provide 70% of the funding for each project, with the remaining 30% contributed by the states of Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. RWE plans to invest a substantial amount in these projects, underscoring their commitment to advancing hydrogen technologies.

Markus Krebber, CEO of RWE AG, expressed enthusiasm about the developments: “Today marks a significant milestone for Germany’s hydrogen economy. With support from the government, we can now proceed with these industrial-scale projects that are crucial for attracting industry to sustainable locations. Our dedicated team at RWE has been instrumental in driving these initiatives forward.”

The projects were recognized by the EU Commission as Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI) earlier this year, facilitating national funding approvals. The Lingen site, in particular, is pivotal to RWE’s hydrogen strategy, aiming to scale up hydrogen production to meet industrial demand and reduce carbon emissions significantly by 2027.

Infrastructure development, including hydrogen storage capabilities at Gronau-Epe, will play a critical role in stabilizing hydrogen supply from fluctuating renewable sources like wind and solar energy. Similarly, the Rostock port facility will contribute to local hydrogen supply and feed into Germany’s expanding hydrogen grid network.

The funding notifications were presented in Berlin by Germany’s Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, highlighting the government’s commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions and reducing carbon emissions across industries.

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SOURCE: RWE AG