The partners have given the go-ahead for construction work on the second power-to-gas plant at the hydropower plant with a symbolic ground-breaking ceremony in Grenzach-Wyhlen. The energy companies Naturenergie and EnBW aim to expand the production of green hydrogen at the site near Lörrach by five megawatts with the new plant.

"I am delighted about Naturenergie's diverse and forward-looking commitment to our community," said Mayor Dr Tobias Benz. The H2-Wyhlen living lab for the energy transition is a flagship project for Grenzach-Wyhlen, as it offers a variety of points of contact. The production of green hydrogen is important for the industrial community.

Dr Jörg Reichert, CEO of Naturenergie, pointed out the pioneering role of his company and its strong roots in the region. Prof. Wolfram Münch, Head of Research and Development at EnBW, emphasised the contribution of the living lab in being able to produce larger quantities of hydrogen CO₂-free in the future.

The new plant is scheduled to go into operation at the end of 2025 and produce up to 700 tonnes of hydrogen per year. The plant uses renewable electricity generated by the neighbouring hydropower plant for electrolysis. This complements the first power-to-gas plant, which has been in operation since 2018. This has an output of one megawatt. The new hydrogen plant is not the only project at the site. Naturenergie wants to develop the power plant site into an energy campus. The ground-breaking ceremony for a new heating centre took place in April. Construction of a new site access road will begin in the autumn. In addition, a new office and workshop building is to be constructed in the coming years.