Messer's New Green Hydrogen Plant to Power Fuel-Cell Buses in Germany

In a significant move towards clean energy solutions, Messer, the world's largest private-sector industrial gas specialist, is constructing a green hydrogen production plant at Brainergy Park Jülich. This intermunicipal industrial estate serves as a hub for innovation in renewable energy sources and the transition away from fossil fuels, perfectly aligning with Messer's commitment to sustainability. This green hydrogen plant positions Messer at the forefront of this burgeoning clean energy sector, allowing them to offer eco-friendly solutions to their customers across various industries. The project is expected to be operational by fall 2025 and contribute to Germany's ambitions for a hydrogen-powered future.

The hydrogen plant, operated by HyDN GmbH, a joint venture between the district of Düren and Messer, represents a significant step forward in sustainable energy infrastructure. With a robust capacity of 10 megawatts and the capability to produce up to 180 kilograms of hydrogen per hour, it stands as one of Germany's largest facilities of its kind. The green hydrogen generated will play a pivotal role in fueling environmentally friendly transport, specifically powering fuel cell buses. Currently, five of these buses are operational in the district of Düren, emitting only water vapor during use, with plans to expand the fleet to 25 by November 2024, enhancing local sustainable transportation options.

As part of the initiative, NEUMAN & ESSER has been tasked with supplying two electrolyzers for hydrogen production and two diaphragm compressors for hydrogen pressurization. Messer will oversee critical aspects such as hydrogen storage, filling operations, and quality assurance measures. Virginia Esly, COO Europe at Messer, emphasizes the project's strategic significance in supporting customer decarbonization efforts. Messer's involvement spans from engineering the hydrogen production plant to long-term operational management and distribution of green hydrogen. This comprehensive approach underscores Messer's commitment to climate protection, aiming to significantly reduce CO2 emissions through sustainable practices. The project not only advances local decarbonization goals but also showcases innovative solutions in hydrogen technology, positioning Messer at the forefront of environmental stewardship in the energy sector.

Scheduled to commence operations in the autumn of 2025, the green hydrogen plant's construction is financially supported by the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMDV) with approximately 14.7 million euros. This funding allocation is integral to the National Innovation Program Hydrogen 2 (NIP2), aimed at advancing Germany's hydrogen infrastructure and bolstering sustainable energy initiatives.

By facilitating the development of this state-of-the-art facility, the BMDV underscores its commitment to fostering technological innovation and reducing carbon emissions, marking a pivotal step towards achieving national energy transition goals and reinforcing Germany's position as a leader in hydrogen technology development.