Named ‘Trailblazer’, the 20MW PEM electrolyser is the largest production plant for renewable hydrogen in Germany connected to existing infrastructure. The facility makes a significant contribution to the energy transition and serves as a backbone for key industries such as steel, chemicals, and refinery, as well as for mobility. The electrolyser stacks were manufactured at the Air Liquide-Siemens Energy joint venture gigafactory in Berlin.
Gilles Le Van, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Air Liquide Deutschland GmbH: “We are very pleased to be able to celebrate a milestone in the industrial transformation in the heart of the Ruhr area with today’s inauguration of the electrolyser. The integration into an existing hydrogen infrastructure will accelerate the decarbonisation of key industries in North Rhine-Westphalia and promote low-carbon mobility in this densely populated region. This shows what can be achieved if the authorities and companies are working towards a common goal.”
Hendrik Wüst, Prime Minister of North Rhine-Westphalia, added: “Hydrogen is a key to a climate-neutral future, especially in energy-intensive industries such as steel and chemicals in North Rhine-Westphalia. The commissioning of the Trailblazer electrolyser is an important signal for our industrial location and a milestone for climate protection in North Rhine-Westphalia. As the state government, we support and accompany the development of a robust and innovative hydrogen economy through targeted measures. It is a crucial prerequisite for us to become the first climate-neutral industrial region in Europe.”
