Axpo and Rhiienergie have opened the first plant for green hydrogen in the Swiss canton of Graubünden. With a capacity of up to 350 tons per year, it is the largest plant of its kind in Switzerland.
The hydrogen plant is located near the Reichenau hydroelectric power plant in Domat/Ems, which is operated by Axpo. Axpo also intends to use the green electricity generated here to produce hydrogen. By including hydrogen in its product portfolio, the company can increase its security of supply, according to a press release issued last Friday (April 26). Axpo claims to be the largest energy supplier in the country.
The project, which was carried out with the local electricity supplier Rhiienergie, took around a year to build. The 2.5 megawatt plant produces up to 350 tons of green hydrogen per year.
of green hydrogen per year. This makes it the "largest plant of its kind in Switzerland". After production, the hydrogen is compressed directly in the plant for delivery to filling stations and industrial customers. Its use in vehicles could save up to 1.5 million liters of diesel per year.
The plant was inaugurated with representatives from politics and business. In addition to local councillors from the municipality of Domat/Ems, Dr. Carmelia Maissen, member of the Graubünden cantonal government and energy minister, and Martin Candinas, member of the Swiss National Council, were also present. "There are still a few hurdles to overcome, but Axpo is convinced of the potential of this green, sustainable and renewable energy source," said Christoph Brand, CEO of Axpo, to the media.
Opening of the first hydrogen plant in Graubünden
Christian Capaul, CEO of Rhiienergie, was convinced that green hydrogen would be "a significant part of the future energy supply". The new plant is therefore a "lighthouse project". Government Councillor Dr. Carmelia Maissen, Head of the Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Mobility, added that the hydrogen production plant fits in perfectly with the efforts of Arge Alp to exploit the potential of green hydrogen in the Alpine region. At the same time, it would help the canton to achieve its climate and energy targets.
Axpo has far-reaching hydrogen plans: together with the SGV shipping company, the Group is planning the first hydrogen-powered passenger ship on Lake Lucerne. The company is also participating in a mobility initiative in France: from the first quarter of 2025, hydrogen-powered vehicles are to be refueled at an H2 filling station with the help of the "Arve Hydrogène Mobilité" project.
In addition, the energy company from Baden in Switzerland is currently examining the feasibility of a 100 MW hydrogen production plant in south-eastern Sicily with the investor Enego. Together with the Australian company IGE, the Swiss are also developing one of Italy's largest hydrogen plants in Valle Peligna in Abruzzo.
