In future, Axpo plans to supply clean hydrogen produced using local hydro power straight to Coop’s filling station network. Axpo intends to build its first electrolyser, which produces hydrogen in a climate-neutral process with the aid of electricity, at the Eglisau-Glattfelden power plant.
The company made this decision following an informed review of suitable locations and in close consultation with the relevant authorities. Axpo will submit its planning permission application this September. The production facility is set to be put into operation by early 2017.
Axpo and Coop announced their plans for the pioneering project in April 2015. Since then, Axpo has reviewed and evaluated various potential sites for the planned production facility. The site on the premises of the Eglisau-Glattfelden hydro power plant was chosen in close consultation with the municipal and cantonal authorities. The location is well-suited in terms of production and storage space and has good transport links. The power plant is also owned entirely by Axpo and has a concession licence which is valid until the end of 2046.
As with all Axpo projects, safety comes first. The planning application observes all necessary safety regulations and standards. “We consider it extremely important to fully inform those who live in the area in particular about the project. That is why Axpo is inviting local residents to an information event on the planned production site at the Eglisau-Glattfelden power plant in August,” says Andy Heiz, Head of Business Area Assets at Axpo.
Clean hydrogen for the Coop commercial vehicle fleet
The application for planning permission concerns the construction of a 6 MW production facility. A 2 MW production facility is due to be installed in the first phase. Depending on market demand, the facility can produce around 200,000 kg of hydrogen each year, which can be used to run about 32 buses or lorries, 180 vans or 1,600 cars.
The final decision on how to implement the plans will be made when the planning permission has been obtained.
The hydrogen produced in a climate-neutral process at the Eglisau-Glattfelden power plant will primarily be used for the Coop commercial vehicle fleet, but will also be available to private users at a public filling station.
By producing hydrogen using the local hydro power, Axpo aims to break into a new business area and help to reduce CO2 emissions. Axpo sees an opportunity for hydro power in this sector and believes in the potential offered by the hydrogen market.
