Groupe E produces first green hydrogen molecules at Swiss site

Swiss electric utility Groupe E SA has begun test operation at a 2-MW electrolysis plant near a dam in the canton of Fribourg, producing the first green hydrogen molecules for industrial use in western Switzerland.

The company is currently conducting the necessary tests and adjustments to fully utilise the capacity of the power plant, it said on Monday. During the test phase, hydrogen is produced in small quantities and released into the atmosphere, without putting the population or the environment at risk. The goal of the tests is to ensure the proper functioning and reliability of the machines and the quality of hydrogen.

Do you know we have a daily hydrogen newsletter? Subscribe here for free!

When fully operational, the facility is expected to produce around 300 tons of green hydrogen per year, which will be used to decarbonise industry and heavy-duty traffic. The projected output corresponds to the consumption of about 50 trucks from the logistics sector.

The plant consists of two electrolysers each with a capacity of 1 MW. The electricity required for hydrogen production is supplied by a turbine at the Schiffenen dam. The hydrogen will be then compressed and stored in tanks, which will be transported by road and delivered to customers in the region.

Groupe E has invested almost CHF 9 million (USD 10.17m/EUR 9.41m) in this project.