In a significant move towards sustainable energy initiatives, Axpo has announced its participation in the H2Uri company, based in Bürglen, central Switzerland. The collaboration aims to produce regionally sourced hydrogen, which will power a passenger vessel on Lake Lucerne, operated by the Lake Lucerne Navigation Company (SGV) AG.
Joining Axpo and SGV in this venture are EWA-energieUri and AVIA Schätzle, all contributing expertise and resources to drive the project forward.
Axpo, known for its commitment to advancing the hydrogen economy in Switzerland, is nearing completion of the country’s largest green hydrogen plant at the Reichenau hydropower plant in Domat/Ems. The Bürglen plant, expected to commence production in 2025, marks another milestone in Axpo’s efforts. The hydrogen produced here will primarily fuel the first hydrogen-powered passenger vessel on Lake Lucerne.
The vessel’s conversion to a hydrogen fuel cell system is being undertaken by Swiss shipbuilders Shiptec AG, renowned for their pioneering work in hydrogen mobility on inland waterways. Stefan Schulthess, Managing Director of SGV, highlighted the environmental benefits, stating that the conversion will significantly reduce CO2 emissions.
Supported by Switzerland’s Federal Office of Transport (FOT), the project reflects a commitment to local decarbonization efforts. For Axpo and its partners, including AVIA Schätzle, EWA-energieUri, and SGV, the project represents a crucial step in their sustainability journey.
Axpo CEO, Christoph Brand, emphasized the significance of the project, stating, “Even if hydrogen is still a young technology, the project shows that there is also potential for the targeted use of green hydrogen in Switzerland.”
Preparations for the Bürglen hydropower plant’s hydrogen production facility have already commenced, with commissioning scheduled for early 2025. Once operational, the facility is expected to produce up to 260 tonnes of green hydrogen annually, with a capacity of 2 MW.
Werner Jauch, CEO of EWA-energieUri and Chairman of the Board of Directors of H2Uri AG, expressed delight at welcoming Axpo and SGV as additional partners, citing their valuable expertise and sales channels.
Additionally, AVIA Schätzle Executive Board member, Alexander Streitzig, revealed plans for a hydrogen refueling station in Uri, further expanding the region’s energy source portfolio.
Beyond the projects in Domat/Ems and Bürglen, Axpo is actively involved in hydrogen initiatives in Wildegg-Brugg, Italy, France, and Iceland. With a firm belief in the potential of green hydrogen to drive decarbonization.
Axpo remains committed to shaping the future of Switzerland’s hydrogen economy. Guy Bühler, Axpo’s Head of Hydrogen, reiterated the company’s dedication to this cause, stating, “This exciting collaboration with our partners underlines Axpo’s aim to play an active role in the development of the hydrogen economy in Switzerland.”
Source Axpo Holding AG