World's largest hydrogen plant in Bavaria: A milestone for the future!

World's largest hydrogen plant in Bavaria: A milestone for the future!

Current developments in hydrogen technology are causing a stir. Hydrogenious LOHC Technologies recently signed a significant contract with the Griesemann Group. This deal concerns the Front End Engineering and Design (FEED) and the subsequent EPCM (Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management) phase of the ambitious “Green Hydrogen @ Blue Danube” project. This will bring the world's largest hydrogen release facility into being in Vohburg at the Bayernoil refinery Hydrogen Central reported.

This innovative facility will produce up to five tonnes of RFNBO certified hydrogen per day, amounting to 1,800 tonnes of green hydrogen per year. A major advantage of this technology is the possibility of replacing gray hydrogen, which is obtained from natural gas, with environmentally friendly hydrogen, thereby saving up to 16,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually. A possible expansion of the dehydrogenation plant could also ensure the hydrogen supply and the decarbonization of industry in the entire Danube region.

An important step for the future

When will these advanced technologies come into operation? The FEED phase is scheduled to be completed in the second half of 2026 and is considered an important step towards reaching the Final Investment Decision (FID). After a positive FID, the construction phase will begin with the aim of starting commercial operations by mid-2028.

But how does the technology work that stores and releases such large amounts of hydrogen? At its heart are liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHC), which are able to store and release hydrogen through chemical reactions, explains Wikipedia. This method uses unsaturated compounds that can absorb hydrogen during hydrogenation and release it again during dehydrogenation. A significant advantage is that LOHCs can be combined with existing infrastructure for conventional petroleum products, making them easier to manage.

• Effizienz beim Transport: Ohne Wärmerückführung liegt die Energieeffizienz für LOHC-Transport bei 60–70%, mit Wärmerückführung sogar bei 80–90%.
• Hochwertige Materialien: Die Materialien für LOHC müssen eine hohe Speicherkapazität, stabile reversible Eigenschaften und eine gute thermodynamische Leistung besitzen.

The “Hector” project, which Hydrogenious is already implementing in Chempark Dormagen, demonstrates the large-scale storage of RFNBO-certified hydrogen. Together with the “Green Hydrogen @ Blue Danube” project, both projects form the “LOHC Link” – an extensive and sustainable value chain for hydrogen that includes storage, safe transport and release.

Ecological benefits and government support

The importance of these projects does not go unnoticed. The European Commission has recognized the project as an “Important Project of Common European Interest”, which also means that both projects receive financial support from the German federal government and the Bavarian state government. Such initiatives are not only forward-looking for our region's energy industry, but also actively contribute to reducing emissions in industry and the transport sector.

The Griesemann Group, a leading engineering firm with more than 1,750 employees in Germany, Austria and the Netherlands, will be involved as an engineering partner in the FEED phase of this project. With over 45 years of experience in the planning, construction and maintenance of industrial plants, the company has the necessary know-how to successfully implement this pioneering project Fraunhofer HHI mentioned.

The course is set for a green future. The development and implementation of such technologies are not only essential for the energy transition, but could also create numerous jobs and make our region a pioneer in the hydrogen economy.