In addition to green electrification, green gases like hydrogen are an irreplaceable part of a successful energy transition. They are needed to replace fossil fuels in the energy landscape of the future and to meet the Paris climate targets. E.ON is ready to support the development of a hydrogen economy in Germany and Europe competently and actively. We will significantly expand our commitment and plan to engage in electrolysers, grid infrastructure, and renewable energies to produce green hydrogen close to our customers as well as engage in investments along the entire hydrogen value chain. To emphasise the relevance of the topic, a new E.ON Hydrogen unit was established at the end of 2021.
E.ON and Tree Energy Solutions (TES) want to drive the ramp-up of the future hydrogen economy jointly and agreed on a strategic partnership to import green hydrogen at scale into Germany. Within the framework of the partnership the companies will investigate potential joint engagements along the entire hydrogen value chain to build a source for secure, long-term green hydrogen supply.
TES is developing a green energy hub in the German port of Wilhelmshaven. The energy hub will feature a receiving terminal, storage facilities and a clean, zero-emissions oxy-fuel combustion power plant. In addition, TES is developing the production of green hydrogen in solar belt countries and investing in the supply chain and relevant infrastructure. TES will efficiently transport green hydrogen produced from solar electricity, in the form of fossil-free green gas (CH4) to Europe where it is investing in infrastructure to recycle the CO2.
Patrick Lammers, COO at E.ON, says: “The ramp-up of a functioning hydrogen economy must have top priority in Germany and Europe. The partnership with TES is an important step on the way to a sustainable energy landscape while ensuring security of supply. It moves us a step closer to net-zero; without the use of green gases such as hydrogen, it will be impossible to completely avoid CO2 emissions.”
“This is an exciting long-term partnership that will allow us to combine relevant experience to accelerate the decarbonisation of the energy chain,” Paul van Poecke, Founder and Managing Director at TES said. “Our ambition is to build the Wilhelmshaven location into a hub for international hydrogen trading and upgrade the infrastructure accordingly. Through this hub TES will supply a mix of green and clean energy to economically lead Europe to reach it net-zero ambitions. We are excited to partner with E.ON to reach net-zero in the German market and support E.ON in its decarbonisation strategy.”