Austrian technology group Andritz has commissioned its new electrolyzer factory in Erfurt, Germany. The facility has been manufacturing components for green hydrogen production since March and will initially supply Salzgitter AG.
Electrolyzer Hub Goes Live in Erfurt
On June 4, the Austrian corporation inaugurated its new electrolyzer production facility in Erfurt. Thuringia's Minister President Mario Voigt highlighted the strategic importance of the location during the opening ceremony.
The plant operates with an initial capacity of one gigawatt and can flexibly adapt to market demands. This translates to an annual manufacturing output of 160 to 200 electrolyzers. Production of electrolysis stacks and phase separators has been running since March.
Salzgitter Becomes Pilot Customer
The first units from Erfurt will go to Salzgitter AG, where they will be deployed in a 100-megawatt hydrogen facility for climate-friendly steel production. Construction work for this major project began in late February.
"Andritz is an important partner for us on our path toward low-CO2 steel production," emphasized Gerd Baresch, Chief Technology Officer of Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH. The 100-MW electrolysis plant will enable independent hydrogen production.
Germany as Strategic Location
The Erfurt factory utilizes proven technology from Andritz's Norwegian partner HydrogenPro. All products carry CE certification and meet European standards. The central German location enables short delivery routes to customers across Europe.
"With this gigafactory, we not only support our customers in managing the green transformation," explained Andritz CEO Dr. Joachim Schönbeck. The company also moves closer to its goal of becoming a leading provider of economically viable solutions.
Jobs for the Region
At the traditional industrial site in Erfurt, where Andritz subsidiary Schuler already operates, a total of 350 employees work. Around 100 of them will be employed in the new electrolyzer manufacturing unit.
