Axpo and Rhiienergie Unveil Switzerland's Largest Green Hydrogen Production Facility

Today, Axpo and Rhiienergie inaugurated Switzerland's initial green hydrogen production facility in the Graubünden canton. Positioned adjacent to the Reichenau hydropower plant in Domat/Ems, this facility, the largest in the nation, has the capacity to generate up to 350 tonnes of green hydrogen annually. The integration of hydrogen into the energy spectrum is anticipated to become progressively pivotal in safeguarding future supply security.

Following approximately a year of construction, Axpo and their regional collaborator, Rhiienergie, unveiled their inaugural jointly operated hydrogen production facility at the Reichenau hydropower plant today. This 2.5-megawatt facility has the capacity to generate up to 350 tonnes of green hydrogen annually, marking it as Switzerland's largest plant of its kind. The hydrogen produced has the potential to substitute the use of up to 1.5 million liters of diesel each year.

The plant generates green hydrogen through water electrolysis, utilizing environmentally friendly electricity sourced from the nearby hydroelectric power plant. As a result, the process is completely devoid of any CO2 emissions. The hydrogen produced undergoes compression within the facility, facilitating its easy distribution to future refueling stations and industrial clients.

Christoph Brand, CEO of Axpo, expressed confidence, stating, "Although there are some challenges ahead, we firmly believe in the potential of this green, sustainable, and renewable energy carrier."

Political and business representatives graced the plant's inauguration. Alongside local council members from Domat-Ems, Dr. Carmelia Maissen, Energy Minister and Cantonal Councillor of Graubünden, and National Councillor Martin Candinas were also in attendance.

The innovative facility is directly linked to the Reichenau run-of-river hydropower plant, predominantly owned by Axpo. This connection allows for the environmentally friendly production of green hydrogen, marking the first of its kind in the Graubünden region.

Christian Capaul, CEO of Rhiienergie, expressed confidence in the pivotal role green hydrogen will play in future energy provision. He lauded the plant in Domat/Ems as an impressive flagship project achieved through collaboration between Rhiienergie and Axpo.

Dr. Carmelia Maissen, the Head of the Canton’s Department of Infrastructure, Energy, and Mobility, remarked that the hydrogen plant aligns seamlessly with initiatives aimed at harnessing the potential of green hydrogen in the Alpine region. She also emphasized its contribution to the canton's objectives in meeting climate and energy targets.

Green hydrogen serves as a crucial eco-friendly energy carrier, particularly in industrial and transportation sectors, pivotal for decarbonization efforts. Moreover, integrating hydrogen into the energy portfolio is increasingly vital for ensuring future supply security. Axpo aims to actively foster the hydrogen economy in Switzerland and Europe, with this plant serving as a testament to that commitment.