Driving hydrogen production with hydropower in Switzerland
H-TEC SYSTEMS and Groupe E will implement the first hydrogen project in Western Switzerland. For this project, two H-TEC SYSTEMS ME450/1400 PEM electrolysers will produce green hydrogen from hydropower at the Schiffenen Dam.
Starting in 2023, approximately 300 tonnes of green hydrogen will be produced annually, which will be used primarily for the decarbonisation of freight transport.
First hydrogen production plant in western Switzerland
The production plant at the Schiffenen Dam is in the canton of Fribourg and is the first plant of its kind in western Switzerland. The two PEM electrolysers will be supplied with more than two megawatts of green energy from a rotary turbine at the dam. The location of the production plant near the A12 and A1 freeways is ideal for delivering the hydrogen to nearby refuelling stations. With the help of tanker trucks, the hydrogen will be transported by road to the stations.
Energy supplier Groupe E is launching a pilot project with the PEM electrolysers and is pleased to have found an experienced partner in H-TEC SYSTEMS. “With this project we are entering new territory. The constructive, open, and transparent communication with H-TEC SYSTEMS as well as their experience with their own efficient PEM electrolysers gives us confidence in the upcoming implementation phase,” explains Urs Kröpfli, Project Manager of Groupe E.
H-TEC SYSTEMS starts a pilot project with Groupe E
Together with Groupe E, H-TEC SYSTEMS is entering the Swiss market for the first time. H-TEC SYSTEMS also commends the good cooperation with Groupe E and is looking forward to being a part of the energy company’s sustainable project. “Through the collaborative and trustworthy cooperation during our discussions over the past months, we know we have found a very suitable partner in Groupe E for our first project in Switzerland. We look forward to implementing this innovative project together with our customer at such a picturesque location as the Schiffenen Dam,” explains Alexander Detke, Sales Manager for the project.