Wiesbaden-based hydrogen project developer Hy2gen has announced the takeover of kiwi AG from Werlte near Cloppenburg in Lower Saxony. According to Hy2gen, it now owns the largest power-to-e-methane plant in the world. It was commissioned by Audi AG in 2013. The company speaks of a milestone, as it can now enter into the production of green hydrogen and its derivatives. In addition, the hydrogen company now has access to kiwi AG's project pipeline, which comprises over 300 MW of total electrolysis and methanation capacity.
The kiwi AG plant is located near another Hy2gen project site in Friesoythe. Production of green hydrogen and methanol, which will primarily be used in the shipping industry, is expected to begin there in the fourth quarter of 2027 under the project name NAUTILUS. Both locations in north-western Lower Saxony are strategically important due to their proximity to various North Sea ports: the proximity to the port ensures efficient sales to international customers.
The plant in Werlte, formerly operated by Audi e-Gas, was the first of its kind in 2013. Today's kiwi AG took over the plant in 2021. According to Hy2gen, the plant is still the largest power-to-e-methane plant in operation in the world. As a synthetic gas, e-methane is a product that can be produced using the power-to-gas process.
Step towards market leadership for Hy2gen?
Hy2gen can now use and expand the industrial connections already established by kiwi AG. The US hydrogen company Plug Power has already agreed to purchase the entire production volume generated in Wertle.
Hy2gen CEO Cyril Dufau-Sansot explained that his company can now only begin with the "production of hydrogen molecules". kiwi AG can look back on ten years of experience in the hydrogen market, during which time it has built and operated "a real pioneer plant" with the plant in Werlte.
In July, Hy2gen announced its intention to build an ammonia plant in Mexico.
