“We’re creating the heart of the hydrogen economy in Hamburg” Interview with Christoph Cosler, Managing Director of Hamburg Green Hydrogen Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH

Since it was first announced over three years ago, the large-scale electrolysis plant in Moorburg has been eagerly anticipated as one of Germany’s most exciting hydrogen projects. With the confirmation of funding on 15 July, the next steps are now finally being prepared.

EEHH: What exactly is the Hamburg Green Hydrogen Hub (HGHH) project?

Christoph Cosler: “In future, green hydrogen will be produced from renewable sources on the site of the former coal-fired power station in Moorburg, where we’re building a 100 MW electrolyser, together with our project partner, Luxcara. The site at the centre of the Port of Hamburg, immediately adjacent to energy-intensive companies, is ideally suited to hydrogen production and distribution. Gasnetz is also building a gas transfer station on the site. This network connectivity not only creates a connection to Gasnetz Hamburg’s HH-WIN distribution network project, but also a long-term connection to the European Hydrogen Backbone. All the stakeholders are working closely together to successfully implement the overall project, namely the heart of the hydrogen economy in Hamburg. To allow the electrolyser to be built, the Moorburg site is currently being transformed. Energiehub Moorburg, a 100-percent subsidiary of Hamburger Energiewerke, is dismantling the former power station and preparing the area for the construction of the electrolyser.”

EEHH: You’ve now received confirmation of government funding. Where do you currently stand and what are the next steps?

Christoph Cosler: “The process of obtaining funding was long and complex, due to EU regulations. So we’re all the more pleased that we received confirmation of funding to the value of over EUR 154.1 million in July. The funding is split between the national and regional governments: a third is coming from the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg.
With confirmation of funding, the actual implementation can now begin! The project is becoming a reality – an important signal for the Hamburg economy. As regards where we stand, we’ll soon be ordering the electrolyser. At the same time, we’ll put all the other engineering and building services out to tender. All the orders should be completed by the end of the year. Shortly, we’ll also submit applications for the necessary building and operating permits. Dismantling has been well underway since last year.”

EEHH: What particular aspects are involved when converting a coal-fired power station into a hydrogen production plant?

Christoph Cosler: “Generally speaking, we need space. This means that the majority of the plant components have to be decommissioned. Energie Hubs Moorburg, a 100-percent subsidiary of Hamburger Energiewerke, is responsible for the dismantling. The former coal-fired power station will be converted in two phases: during the first phase, we’ll make space for the 100 MW electrolyser, Gasnetz transfer station and trailer loading bays. And during the second phase, we’ll clear additional areas for the potential scaling of the plant. The dismantling is highly complex, as parts of the infrastructure under the buildings will be retained and continue to be used. The water treatment plant will be retained for future operation, for example. It supplies high-quality water that will be needed for future electrolysis. The network connection will also be retained, but will be converted.”

EEHH: Which parts of the power station can be reused?

Christoph Cosler: “In addition to the network connection I’ve already mentioned, as well as parts of the switchgear and the water treatment plant, the majority of the underground infrastructure can be reused, such as the tunnel and cable ducts, for example. The administration building, canteen and information centre will also be retained. The site also has a workshop and warehouse, as well as a building that can be used for site and plant security. The quay wall and flood defences will also remain. When considering the subsequent use of the site, sustainability was always our top priority.”

EEHH: Can you explain the respective roles of Hamburger Energiewerken, Luxcara, Hamburg Green Hydrogen Hub and Energy Hub Moorburg GmbH?

Christoph Cosler: “Energiehub Moorburg GmbH (EHM) is a hundred percent subsidiary of Hamburger Energiewerke. It owns both the land and the existing power station and is responsible for dismantling this. In future, EHM will be responsible for operating the water treatment plant and the network connection. Energie Hub Moorburg can be regarded as an industrial park operator that provides the space, infrastructure and services for the projects. Hamburg Green Hydrogen Hub represents the consortium of Luxcara and Hamburger Energiewerken. This consortium will build and operate a 100 MW electrolyser and trailer loading bays at the site. The company is also responsible for procuring electricity to meet internal demand and marketing the hydrogen.”

EEHH: When will HGHH be fully operational? And how much hydrogen do you expect to produce?

Christoph Cosler: “We expect to start commercial operation of the electrolyser in 2027. We expect to produce around 10,000 tons of green hydrogen every year.”

EEHH: Are there other options for distributing the hydrogen apart from HH-WIN?

Christoph Cosler: “HH-WIN is the direct connection point for supplying Hamburg’s businesses. The customer base is expected to grow from early 2027. The Moorburg site will also become a coupling point for Germany’s core hydrogen network and therefore also for the European Hydrogen Backbone. This will continue to develop over time and attract other customers in Germany and subsequently throughout Europe. For the initial project, it’s crucial to have a wide range of potential customers, in order to secure sales. In addition to HH-WIN and the core network, trailer connection by lorry is the third procurement option. This is mainly for local sales, such as hydrogen filling stations and smaller industrial and commercial units that are not connected to the grid.”

EEHH: Where will you get the electricity for the electrolysis and how are you planning to achieve the highest possible plant utilisation (full load hours) for the electrolysis?

Christoph Cosler: “Thanks to Luxcara, we have a partner in the consortium that owns pan-European assets for renewable energies and therefore has sufficient options for procuring the necessary green electricity. In addition, Luxcara has extensive experience of long-term power purchase agreements.”

EEHH: How can companies contact you if they want to purchase hydrogen?

Christoph Cosler: “We essentially market hydrogen transparently and without discrimination to anyone who wants to buy it. Prospective customers can contact us via our website www.hghh.eu.”

EEHH: What are your plans for scaling? A figure of 800 Megawatt is being discussed - when will that be available and is there scope for further expansion?

Christoph Cosler: “From a construction point of view, scaling can only be implemented once the second module has been dismantled. There’s huge interest in scaling from all sides.”