Hamburg has officially kicked off construction of its Green Hydrogen Hub (HGHH) with the laying of the foundation stone for a 100 MW electrolyzer at the site of the former Moorburg power plant. First Mayor Dr. Peter Tschentscher, together with Environment Senator Katharina Fegebank, Economics Senator Dr. Melanie Leonhard, and representatives from project partners Luxcara and Hamburger Energiewerke, placed a time capsule in the foundation stone during the ceremony.

The HGHH project aims to start commercial operations in the second half of 2027 and is expected to produce approximately 10,000 tons of green hydrogen per year. The initiative will play a significant role in decarbonizing Hamburg’s port and industrial sector.

Future-oriented technology for a climate-neutral Hamburg

Dr. Peter Tschentscher emphasized the strategic importance of the project: “The construction of the Green Hydrogen Hub in Moorburg is an important project for the energy transition in Hamburg. Green hydrogen is a future-oriented technology that can significantly reduce CO2 emissions in industry and other sectors. Hamburg offers ideal conditions for ramping up the hydrogen economy thanks to northern Germany’s wind energy, its connection to the regional hydrogen network, and innovative industrial companies.”

Dr. Melanie Leonhard highlighted the project’s industrial impact: “The industrial heart of our city beats in the port, and we are ensuring that hydrogen will be produced for climate-neutral energy generation. Switching from fossil gas to hydrogen is a key step in making industrial processes compatible with our climate goals. The electrolyzer in Moorburg is part of the solution for achieving decarbonization in Hamburg—tangibly, not just on paper.”

Environment Senator Katharina Fegebank added: “Hydrogen is essential for climate-neutral energy supply for our industry. Hamburg is creating the conditions to become a hydrogen gateway for Germany and Europe. The HGHH, built on the former Moorburg power plant site, symbolizes Hamburg’s ambitions in the heat and energy transition.”

Industry and investment collaboration

Dr. Alexandra Bernstorff, Managing Partner at Luxcara, emphasized the project’s investable potential: “The Hamburg Green Hydrogen Hub proves that green hydrogen is a viable investment today. Political, industrial, and financial collaboration can transform a former coal-fired power plant into a climate-neutral industrial site. Stable frameworks and functioning markets are essential for projects to move from announcement to reality, as demonstrated by HGHH.”

Kirsten Fust, spokesperson for Hamburger Energiewerke, stated: “We are moving into the implementation phase. Our Hamburg solution shows that pioneering green hydrogen projects can advance through local commitment. To continue progress, however, we need improved EU-level framework conditions, particularly regarding the definition of green electricity.”

Construction progress and technology

The HGHH project received funding approval from federal and state governments last summer, and major construction contracts have since been signed. Siemens Energy was contracted in September 2024 to supply the 100 MW proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer, which splits water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity and is particularly suitable for renewable energy integration.

Demolition of the former Moorburg power plant began in October 2023 to make room for the new infrastructure. Preparatory construction on the 16,000-square-meter site included installation of 906 gravel vibro-compaction columns to stabilize the subsoil. The floor slab has been poured, and structural construction has now started. The electrolyzer and compressor building is scheduled to be completed by mid-2026, after which the PEM stacks—the core of the electrolyzer—will be installed.

Produced green hydrogen will be distributed to customers via the HH-WIN hydrogen network and a planned trailer loading station, further advancing Hamburg’s clean energy ambitions.