Our Vision
Uniper is transforming Wilhelmshaven into a central energy hub for the import and production of green hydrogen-based energy sources.
To reach its net zero targets, Germany needs large volumes of green energy sources. Currently, it cannot produce enough renewable electricity domestically and therefore energy imports and the expansion of offshore wind farms in the German North Sea are vital. Investing in both the import and production of renewable energy carriers ensures diversification of supply and a reduction of Germany’s dependency on singular energy suppliers in the future.
With Green Wilhelmshaven, we will help ensure the security of supply of Hydrogen products in Germany and large parts of continental Europe. Furthermore, this large-scale project will also ensure value-adding in the region both my creating new jobs in the area and by driving the energy transition in Germany – and Europe – forward.
Uniper’s Green Wilhelmshaven project aligns with the European hydrogen strategy, which underlines the ambitious goals towards a climate neutral European economy and the substantial role of green hydrogen for the required transition.
Uniper's hydrogen flagship project Green Wilhelmshaven
Green Wilhelmshaven will see both the construction of an ammonia import terminal and a 1 GW electrolysis plant for the production of hydrogen. The electrolyzer, in combination with the import terminal, would be capable of supplying around 300,000 metric tons of hydrogen, or 10-20% of the demand expected for all of Germany in 2030.
The project is listed in the Ten-Year Network Development Plan (TYNDP) for 2022 published by the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Gas (ENTSOG). This not only marks a major milestone in the project’s development, but it also demonstrates its relevance in European climate and energy ambitions. For more information on TYNDP please visit here.
Green Wilhelmshaven will have:
- A hydrogen pipeline connection and a tie-in point to the future European Hydrogen Backbone.
- Access to future hydrogen off-takers in Lower-Saxony, North Rhine Westphalia and other German industrial clusters.
- Access to local hydrogen underground storage at the Etzel salt cavern site.
To operate as a major landing and production site for hydrogen, Wilhelmshaven will require an efficient hydrogen infrastructure. This will be achieved by the construction of new dedicated hydrogen pipelines making the location fit for the future of a hydrogen economy.
End-users of our products are industrial off-takers all over Germany. We expect initial demand for green hydrogen from steel producers, the chemical industry and refineries. With the expanding German hydrogen backbone, customers in Lower-Saxony and other parts of Germany will be supplied from Wilhelmshaven.
As a key cross border infrastructure project, Green Wilhelmshaven advances the linkage of energy systems in Europe and thus proves to be of pan-European importance. The amounts of renewable energy generated as well as supplied by Green Wilhelmshaven significantly bolster energy stability and advance sustainability.
Green Wilhelmshaven is also part of Uniper's Energy Transformation Hubs.
Unlocking the potentials
Green Wilhelmshaven strives to become Project of Common Interest (PCI)
The European Projects of Common Interests (PCIs) are important cross-border infrastructure projects linking the energy systems of the EU and third countries. They are designed to help the EU achieve its energy and climate policy goals: affordable, secure, and sustainable energy for all citizens and the long-term decarbonization of the economy in line with the Paris Agreement.
Projects are selected which have a significant impact on energy markets and market integration, boost competition in energy markets and contribute to the EU's energy security through the diversification of energy sources, as well as contribute to the EU's climate and energy targets through the integration of renewable energy.
Uniper has submitted its project proposal in the PCI process. The process is pending with project assessments and decision on PCI status expected in 2023. For more information on PCIs please visit the European Commission website.
Our Hydrogen Alliances
ENERGY-HUB Port of Wilhelmshaven
In 2020, a group of companies, organisations and regional stakeholders formed the “ENERGY-HUB Port of Wilhelmshaven” initiative. The members of the “ENERGY-HUB Port of Wilhelmshaven” initiative are active in the import, production, storage and transportation of hydrogen and hydrogen derivatives, natural gas, oil, coal and the generation of renewable energies.
Uniper proudly supports and engages in the project Energy-Hub Port of Wilhelmshaven.
Connecting Hydrogen Projects Across Northwest Germany
From Wilhelmshaven to the industrial centers in North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony: corporate alliance links projects for hydrogen import, production, transport and consumption.
With bp, Gasunie, Nowega, NWO, Salzgitter, Thyssengas and Uniper, seven strong companies are linking their planned hydrogen projects in northwestern Germany.
More on the article here.
More about hydrogen
Discover more about hydrogen and its applications by visiting our website dedicated to all things hydrogen.