EWE begins building a major 320-MW green hydrogen plant in Emden, advancing Germany’s hydrogen network while urging stronger political and regulatory support.
EWE, one of Germany’s prominent energy groups, has officially begun construction of its ambitious 320-megawatt green hydrogen production facility in Emden, marking a major milestone for the Clean Hydrogen Coastline initiative. With this step, the project moves decisively from the planning stage into full-scale execution, positioning itself as one of the largest and most advanced hydrogen developments currently underway in Europe.
The launch of construction follows the awarding of the civil engineering and building contract to a consortium comprising Ludwig Freytag, Gebrüder Neumann, and MBN, all of whom are recognized for their extensive expertise in executing complex industrial and infrastructure projects. Their involvement is expected to bring both reliability and strong technical capability to the development, creating the essential groundwork for timely completion and operational readiness.
Once operational, the Emden plant will be among the first large-scale electrolysis facilities in Germany capable of generating substantial volumes of green hydrogen. Production is expected to begin by the end of 2027, at which point EWE plans to supply hydrogen directly to industrial customers across the region. This is seen as a crucial step in accelerating the decarbonization of hard-to-abate sectors, including manufacturing, chemicals, and heavy transportation, which rely heavily on fossil-based hydrogen today.
Commenting on the launch, Stefan Döhler, CEO of EWE AG, highlighted the strategic importance of this milestone. “By starting construction, we are taking a significant step forward, moving from planning into tangible implementation,” Döhler stated. He noted that selecting three experienced construction and civil engineering partners provides EWE with the confidence and security needed to proceed with long-term marketing and supply agreements for green hydrogen. According to him, the start of construction sends “a strong signal” that the industrial hydrogen market is ready to expand.
The facility in Emden is not a standalone effort but forms part of an integrated hydrogen ecosystem that EWE is developing in northern Germany. This network also includes a major hydrogen storage site in Huntorf, which will enable large-volume buffering of renewable hydrogen, and a dedicated pipeline corridor linking Wilhelmshaven, Leer, and Emden. Together, these assets contribute to Germany’s broader plan for a national hydrogen core network capable of supporting widespread industrial and energy-sector transformation.
Döhler also underscored the crucial role of government support in accelerating the hydrogen economy. Referring to the latest assessment by the German Federal Audit Office, he emphasized that the findings reinforce the urgency of speeding up the hydrogen market ramp-up and improving economic conditions for producers and consumers. He stressed that hydrogen can only achieve its full potential in climate protection, energy security, and industrial competitiveness if policymakers establish stable, practical, and well-designed regulatory and financial frameworks. Continued development of regulations and targeted funding instruments, Döhler said, will be essential for enabling large-scale deployment and long-term industry confidence.
