Axpo, Rhiienergie open largest green hydrogen production plant in Switzerland

Swizz energy firm Axpo, together with the local electric utility Rhiienergie, has opened the first green hydrogen production plant in Switzerland's Graubünden canton in eastern Switzerland. The facility, claimed as the country's largest of its kind, is equipped to produce up to 350 tonnes of green hydrogen per year. 

Located in the vicinity of the Reichenau hydropower plant, the 2.5 MW hydrogen plant is also designed to compress the produced hydrogen, enabling the clean fuel's convenient delivery to refueling stations and industrial customers in the future.

The inclusion of hydrogen in the energy mix of the country will play an increasingly important role in ensuring the future security of supply, the developers claim. The hydrogen produced in the facility can replace the use of up to 1.5 million litres of diesel annually, they add. 

Christoph Brand, CEO of Axpo, opined, "There are still a few hurdles to overcome, but we're convinced of this green, sustainable and renewable energy carrier's potential."

Rhiienergie CEO Christian Capaul, commented, "I'm convinced that green hydrogen will play a key role in our future energy supply. With the plant here in Domat/Ems, Rhiienergie and Axpo have realised an impressive flagship project".

Axpo claims to actively promote the hydrogen economy in Switzerland and Europe. The company is already working with energy investor ENEGO to examine the feasibility of a 100 MW hydrogen production plant in south-east Sicily. Axpo is also developing one of Italy's largest H2 plants in central Abruzzo's Peligna Valley with Australian renewable energy company IGE.

This apart, the company is working with the SGV shipping company to launch first hydrogen-powered vessel on Lake Lucerne in Switzerland. As part of this project, Axpo will supply the green hydrogen needed to operate the boat. 

Axpo is also part of The Arve Hydrogène Mobilité (Arv'Hy) project in France, which will allow hydrogen-powered vehicles to be refuelled at an H2 filling station from the first quarter of 2025.