In Leuna, Saxony-Anhalt, the construction of an electrolysis test and experimental platform (ELP) began with the symbolic groundbreaking ceremony. The pilot plant is intended to produce green hydrogen for the low-emission production of basic chemicals and fuels, explained the Fraunhofer Center for Chemical-Biotechnological Processes CBP in Leuna and the Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS in Halle (Saale).
According to the initiators, hydrogen is “one of the most important raw materials for the more than 600 companies” in the central German chemical triangle. So far it has been obtained from fossil raw materials. The new system relies on sustainable sources; in the future, the electricity will come from photovoltaic and wind turbines. “A lot of electricity is generated here from renewable energies, and at the same time we have a great demand for hydrogen from companies in the chemical industry, as well as an existing pipeline network and storage options,” explained Armin Willingmann, Minister for Economic Affairs, Science and Digitalization in Saxony-Anhalt.
Once completed, the Fraunhofer platform will have laboratories, offices and a technical center to test and evaluate the operation of various electrolysis systems on an industrial scale. Outdoor modular test areas are available for Power-to-X and Power-to-Liquid projects with a connected load of up to five megawatts. In addition to green hydrogen, basic chemicals and sustainable synthetic fuels could also be produced in Leuna. The first projects are scheduled to start in 2021.
Photos:
Markus Wolperdinger, head of the Fraunhofer IGB, Sylvia Schattauer, deputy head of the Fraunhofer IMWS, and Armin Willingmann, Minister for Economics, Science and Digitalization of the State of Saxony-Anhalt, held the groundbreaking ceremony for the electrolysis testing and testing platform. © Fraunhofer IMWS
