The Ministry of the Environment of Baden-Württemberg approved two projects from partners of the German-French-Swiss network 3H2 for regional hydrogen production under the funding program "Electrolysers (ELY)." In total, the state is providing 50.7 million euros for eight electrolysis projects with a total capacity of 55 megawatts in the first funding call.
In Achern, the fischer group plans to set up its own energy supply system. Two approved wind turbines are to supply electricity for the plant and an electrolyser in the future. The hydrogen produced will be used in various ways at the plant, including for peak load shaving and as an operating resource. Storage will be in metal hydride tanks developed by fischer together with the Swiss company GRZ Technology. The wind turbines are to be operational by 2027 at the latest. The electrolyser capacity is designed for 1 MW.
fischer group
Hydrogen hub planned at Kehl port
The "HydroportKehl" project by RMA Kehl is also being funded. Together with the Kehl port authority, badenova, and other partners, a regional hydrogen hub is to be established in the industrial and port area. A 1 MW electrolyser is expected to produce around 80 tons of hydrogen annually. The aim is to supply energy-intensive companies in the region, including Badische Stahlwerke and Koehler Paper Group. Both have already signed letters of intent to purchase hydrogen.
The project focuses on sector coupling of industry, mobility, and heat. The infrastructure carrier company ITG is also involved and supports the project financially. The project partners see this as a scalable entry into the regional hydrogen economy.
The ELY funding program of the state of Baden-Württemberg aims to establish local hydrogen hubs. The electrolysers are to be built in line with the expansion of regional power grids and renewable energies. Environment Minister Thekla Walker emphasized at the handover of the funding notices at the end of 2025: "With the ELY funding program, we support the local production of renewable hydrogen through water electrolysis to achieve a sufficient supply of hydrogen in the medium term and to secure the competitiveness of Baden-Württemberg companies."
