Axpo and electric utility Rhiienergie opened the first green H₂ production plant in Switzerland’s Graubünden canton. The facility is located next to the Reichenau hydropower plant in Domat/Ems and can produce up to 350 tpy of green H₂. The inclusion of H₂ in the energy mix will play an increasingly important role in ensuring the future security of supply.

After around a year’s construction, Axpo and local partner Rhiienergie opened their first jointly owned H₂ production plant at the Reichenau hydropower plant today. The 2.5-MW plant produces up to 350 tpy of green H₂, making it the largest plant of its kind in Switzerland. The H₂ produced can replace the use of up to 1.5 MM liters/yr of diesel.

The plant’s green H₂ is produced by water electrolysis, using green electricity from the adjacent hydroelectric power plant. The process is therefore entirely free of any CO₂ emissions. The produced H₂ is compressed in the plant, enabling its convenient delivery to refueling stations and industrial customers in the future.

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

The plant’s inauguration was attended by representatives from politics and business. In addition to local councilors from the Domat-Ems municipality, Graubünden Cantonal Councilor and Energy Minister Dr. Carmelia Maissen and National Councilor Martin Candinas were also present.

The pioneering new facility is connected directly to the Reichenau run-of-river hydropower plant, in which Axpo holds a majority stake. This enables the climate-neutral production of green H₂, making it the first such facility in the Graubünden region.

Rhiienergie CEO Christian Capaul said, “I’m convinced that green H₂ will play a key role in our future energy supply. With the plant here in Domat/Ems, Rhiienergie and Axpo have realized an impressive flagship project.”

Cantonal Councillor Dr. Carmelia Maissen, Head of canton’s Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Mobility said, “The H₂ plant fits perfectly with efforts to exploit the potential of green H₂ in the Alpine region and the canton's endeavors to achieve its climate and energy goals.”