Papierfabrik Adolf Jass Schwarza GmbH, based in Thuringia, has entered into a "hydrogen partnership" with power plant operator TWS and FNB Ferngas. The aim is to gradually convert the combined heat and power plant in Rudolstadt-Schwarza to 100% hydrogen operation, with the resulting waste heat being used as process heat in paper production.
Papierfabrik Adolf Jass Schwarza GmbH (Jass), TWS Thüringer Wärme Service GmbH (TWS) and Ferngas Netzgesellschaft mbH have announced a strategic partnership to convert the energy supply to hydrogen. On November 6, company representatives sealed the cooperation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Specifically, the aim is to gradually convert the TWS combined heat and power plant in Rudolstadt-Schwarza to 100% hydrogen operation. The heat generated is to be used to decarbonize the production processes at the Jass paper mill. Frank Gumbinger, Managing Director of Adolf Jass Papierfabrik Schwarza GmbH, spoke of a "milestone on the way to sustainable paper production".
Hydrogen infrastructure in Thuringia
Ferngas Netzgesellschaft mbH wants to build the network infrastructure required to transport hydrogen to Rudolstadt. Together with the other German transmission system operators (TSOs), the network operator published a planning status for a hydrogen core network in mid-July 2023. The updated planning was recently (14.11.) presented to Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck.
According to Ferngas, it is already planning to connect its customers to these transport routes in parallel. One of the plans for connecting Rudolstadt is to convert around 70 km of natural gas pipeline from the Erfurt area to Unterwellenborn. However, in order to convert to H2, the network operator needs to obtain the necessary approvals and proof of hydrogen suitability, as well as the regulatory framework from the legislator. regulatory framework from the legislator in order to be able to operate the hydrogen pipelines.
