EWE has officially launched construction of its 320-megawatt hydrogen production facility in Emden, marking a pivotal step in the company’s Clean Hydrogen Coastline initiative and one of Europe’s most ambitious hydrogen projects to date. The move follows the awarding of a major civil engineering and construction contract to a consortium of Ludwig Freytag, Gebrüder Neumann, and MBN, signaling the transition from planning to full-scale implementation.
When commissioned at the end of 2027, the plant will be among Germany’s first electrolysers operating at market scale, supplying green hydrogen to industrial customers and reinforcing the region’s decarbonization trajectory.
“Beginning construction moves this project from vision to reality,” said Stefan Döhler, CEO of EWE AG. “By partnering with highly experienced construction specialists, we are securing the foundation we need to reliably progress the work and to begin active marketing of green hydrogen. This is a decisive signal for the industrial ramp-up of the hydrogen market.”
The Emden plant forms part of an integrated hydrogen ecosystem that also includes large-scale underground hydrogen storage in Huntorf and a new pipeline corridor linking Wilhelmshaven, Leer, and Emden — infrastructure that will ultimately connect to Germany’s national hydrogen core network.
Call for Clear and Reliable Policy Support
Döhler emphasized that political clarity is now essential to sustain momentum. Referring to the German Federal Audit Office’s recent assessment of the national hydrogen strategy, he noted that regulatory and economic frameworks must evolve to accelerate adoption.
“For hydrogen to fulfill its role in climate protection and industrial competitiveness, we need a regulatory environment that supports flexibility, cost-effective operation, and competitive energy pricing,” Döhler said. He highlighted several priorities, including reforming RFNBO rules to allow electrolysers to run more efficiently, ensuring affordable electricity for hydrogen producers, encouraging development at grid-favorable locations, and establishing demand-side incentives such as quotas for green industrial products.
Clean Hydrogen Coastline: Key Sub-Projects
1. Electrolysis East Frisia (Emden – 320 MW)
EWE is constructing a large-scale electrolyser to produce green hydrogen from renewable energy, establishing the first facility in Germany of this magnitude designed for a future hydrogen value chain.
2. Huntorf Hydrogen Storage
One of the existing natural gas caverns will be converted for hydrogen storage, enabling secure, flexible supply. Earlier research by EWE confirmed that hydrogen can be stored and withdrawn from salt caverns at high purity.
3. Northwest Hydrogen Pipeline Infrastructure
A series of new and repurposed pipelines will link production sites, storage assets, and end users, connecting the region to Germany’s hydrogen core network and the broader European Hydrogen Backbone.
