Leipzig-based energy company VNG AG, its gas trading subsidiary VNG Handel & Vertrieb GmbH (VNG H&V), and Dutch hydrogen specialist HyCC have announced plans to develop a 500 MW green hydrogen electrolyzer. The project, known as GreenRoot, will produce green hydrogen to support decarbonization efforts in Central Germany, particularly for the region’s energy-intensive industries.
A Milestone for Sustainable Regional Development
The announcement was made during a gathering attended by Saxony-Anhalt’s Prime Minister, Dr. Reiner Haseloff, Lutherstadt Wittenberg’s Mayor, Torsten Zugehör, and other key stakeholders, who lauded the initiative for its contribution to sustainable regional growth.
The GreenRoot electrolyzer will use renewable electricity to produce green hydrogen by splitting water molecules, generating a clean energy source for industries like SKW Stickstoffwerke Piesteritz, a key producer of industrial and agrochemical materials. The plant will help replace natural gas with hydrogen, drastically reducing fossil fuel reliance and CO₂ emissions.
In addition to serving local industrial customers, the project aims to connect to the German hydrogen network, enabling supply to industries throughout the Central German Chemical Triangle. The partners will also explore synergies to deliver waste heat from the plant to the local municipal utilities company.
Timeline and Implementation Goals
- 2025: Approval and consultation phase begins.
- 2026: Final investment decision.
- 2029: Operations commence.
Partner Contributions
VNG AG and its subsidiary VNG H&V bring decades of expertise in gas infrastructure, distribution, and trading to the table. The company is actively transitioning toward green energy solutions, including biogas and hydrogen.
HyCC, leveraging its parent company Nobian’s operational experience in electrolysis technology, will serve as the project’s technical partner. HyCC has successfully operated electrolysis facilities in Frankfurt and Bitterfeld, contributing critical expertise to ensure safe and efficient operations.
Voices from the Leaders
Ulf Heitmüller, CEO of VNG AG, emphasized the project’s significance:
“GreenRoot aligns perfectly with our vision for sustainable energy transformation. However, for projects like this to succeed, we need favorable economic conditions and supportive regulations to make green hydrogen competitive. We are excited to collaborate with HyCC and local partners to create a blueprint for the future of hydrogen in Central Germany.”
Michel Gantois, CEO of HyCC, highlighted Europe’s leadership potential in hydrogen innovation:
“Germany, and Europe as a whole, are well-positioned to lead the global green hydrogen movement. With GreenRoot, we’re developing a state-of-the-art facility to advance the sustainable development of industries in Central Germany.”
Konstantin von Oldenburg, Managing Director of VNG H&V, stressed the need for regulatory support:
“To ensure hydrogen market ramp-up, the EU Commission must make the criteria for green hydrogen more flexible, and the German federal government should strengthen Climate Protection Agreements. Exempting electrolyzers from network charges beyond 2030 would also be vital.”
Supporting Regional and National Goals
Located on the site of a former waterworks near the Piesteritz agro-chemical park, the GreenRoot project underscores Saxony-Anhalt’s leadership in renewable energy and green hydrogen innovation. The project will provide a clean energy source for SKW Piesteritz’s transition away from fossil fuels and contribute to Germany’s climate objectives.
Prime Minister Dr. Reiner Haseloff expressed strong support:
“Saxony-Anhalt is a pioneer in renewable energy, and GreenRoot represents a critical step forward for our state’s chemical industry and energy future. I am confident this project will succeed and set a benchmark for sustainable industrial practices.”
A Blueprint for Green Hydrogen Adoption
GreenRoot is poised to be a transformative project, advancing the green hydrogen economy in Germany. By fostering industrial decarbonization, leveraging renewable energy, and supporting regional development, this initiative sets a new standard for sustainable energy infrastructure in Europe.
