Uniper and VNG Handel & Vertrieb have begun installing a 30-megawatt electrolyzer at the Bad Lauchstädt Energy Park in Germany. The first Sunfire modules have arrived on site. Once operational by year-end, the facility will produce up to 4,000 tons of green hydrogen annually.
The real-world laboratory is approaching completion. Commissioning is scheduled for late 2025, marking a milestone in industrial hydrogen production. "This will be the first time green hydrogen is produced on an industrial scale here," says Cornelia Müller-Pagel, consortium spokesperson.
Pressurized Alkaline Technology from Dresden
Sunfire supplies the core technology: three 10 MW modules, each comprising two stacks with four blocks. Every block weighs 12 tons and is manufactured at Sunfire's Dresden production facility. The components arrive in 24 separate deliveries via heavy-duty trucks.
TotalEnergies will use the climate-neutral hydrogen at its Leuna refinery, located approximately 25 kilometers from the energy park. Transport runs through a converted natural gas pipeline provided by Ontras Gastransport. The project demonstrates how existing fossil fuel infrastructure can be repurposed for clean energy carriers.
Full Value Chain in Real-World Conditions
The Bad Lauchstädt Energy Park ranks among Europe's largest hydrogen pilot projects. It tests the entire process chain at industrial scale—from generation using renewable electricity to direct application in the regional chemical industry.
"Green hydrogen isn't just produced here—it's used directly on site," emphasizes Sebastian Pflüger, Senior Project Manager Hydrogen at VNG H&V. The project aims to strengthen Central Germany's industrial competitiveness while demonstrating practical pathways to achieving climate targets.
