This also gives Hy2gen access to a pipeline of further projects with a total capacity of 300 MW for electrolysis and methanation. Hy2gen now has the opportunity to utilise kiwi AG’s already established industry connections and expand them further in order to maintain its position at the forefront of the renewable hydrogen market.
“Today is an important day for Hy2gen AG as we are now starting to produce hydrogen molecules,” said Cyril Dufau-Sansot, CEO of Hy2gen. “kiwi AG can look back on ten years of experience in the hydrogen market, in which time they have built and operated a truly pioneering plant. The integration of kiwi AG into Hy2gen AG allows us to benefit from their technical expertise and brings us a lot closer to our goal of becoming an independent market leader in the production of renewable hydrogen and its derivatives.”
Matthias Lisson, Hy2gen’s Country Manager for the DACH region, added: “I am delighted that the first plant which we are using for production in Germany, in Werlte, is currently the world’s largest operating power-to-eMethane plant. The acquisition of the plant also enables us to expand our product portfolio from renewable hydrogen, renewable ammonia, e-methanol, e-methane and e-kerosene to include renewable natural gas and liquefied natural gas. We have already received a commitment from our renowned partner, Plug Power, to purchase the full production volume. It is important for me to mention that production processes will be maintained and that we will continue to rely on the expertise of all our employees.”
The kiwi AG plant in Werlte, formerly Audi e-Gas, is located not far from another Hy2gen project in Friesoythe. It is expected that the production of renewable hydrogen and renewable methanol, which is mainly used to decarbonise shipping, will begin in Friesoythe in the fourth quarter of 2027 under the project name NAUTILUS. Both sites in the north-west of Lower Saxony are strategically very important given their proximity to various North Sea ports. This ensures rapid product sales to international customers.
In 2013, the plant in Werlte, then managed by the Audi e-Gas project, was the first of its kind. In 2021, operations were transferred to what is now kiwi AG. The plant is still considered the world’s largest operating power-to-eMethane plant today. As a synthetic gas, eMethane is one of the products that can be produced using the power-to-gas process.
