Sauerstoffwerk Friedrichshafen GmbH (SWF) has secured €4.76 million in funding from the State of Baden-Württemberg to support the construction of a 5 MW electrolyser at its future Hydrogen Competence Centre in Aitrach, southern Germany.

 

The project marks an important step towards regional energy transition and hydrogen infrastructure development. Once operational, the facility is expected to produce approximately 405 tonnes of sustainably produced hydrogen annually.

 

The project aims to ensure a reliable regional supply of certified renewable hydrogen to the highest quality standards while strengthening decentralised hydrogen supply infrastructure across southern Germany. It will also enable SWF to develop flexible, customer-specific hydrogen supply solutions.

 

The State of Baden-Württemberg is providing targeted support for the construction and expansion of local electrolysers to establish regional hydrogen hubs and improve hydrogen availability.

 

Technological Innovation and Strong Regional Integration

 

The hydrogen project in Aitrach combines technological innovation with an efficient logistics and distribution network.

 

The Hydrogen Competence Centre will be developed on a site covering more than 20,000 square metres, with an energy-flexible PEM electrolysis system at its core.

 

Hydrogen will be supplied through customer-specific distribution models, including individual cylinders, cylinder bundles, large-scale cylinder bundle storage systems, stationary filling facilities and hydrogen tube trailers.

 

"With this investment, we are creating regional value, greater independence and a foundation for the future of industry in our region. Public support for our project is essential to establishing local hydrogen supply infrastructure and safeguarding the competitiveness of businesses in the area," said Günther Haag, Managing Director of SWF, during the presentation of the funding approval.

 

The project has received broad support from regional stakeholders. The Municipality of Aitrach, represented by Mayor Thomas Kellenberger, and Raimund Haser, a Member of the State Parliament of Baden-Württemberg and initiator of the state's ELY electrolyser funding programme, have both expressed their support for SWF's initiative.

 

"The electrolyser funding programme marks the starting point for the systematic development of a hydrogen economy that brings together mechanical engineering, chemicals, energy and manufacturing industries across southern Germany. I am proud that this initiative is starting in Aitrach," said Raimund Haser.

 

The future SWF Hydrogen Competence Centre in Aitrach-Ferthofen is supported by key regional representatives, including Stefan Wieder, SWF Plant Manager in Aitrach; Thomas Kellenberger, Mayor of Aitrach; Günther Haag, Managing Director of SWF; Raimund Haser, Member of the State Parliament of Baden-Württemberg; and Oliver Fuchs, Head of Corporate Strategy at SWF.

 

About Sauerstoffwerk Friedrichshafen GmbH (SWF)

 

Founded in 1913, Sauerstoffwerk Friedrichshafen GmbH (SWF) is a supplier of medical and industrial gases, food-grade gases, refrigerants, specialty gases, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), high-purity gases and hydrogen.

 

The company focuses on providing reliable gas supply solutions through efficient logistics, streamlined decision-making and rapid response times. Its operations ensure supply availability 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

 

SWF operates facilities in Friedrichshafen, Aitrach and Bielefeld and maintains an extensive network of partners throughout Germany, enabling it to provide comprehensive gas supply services to customers across the country.

 

Source: Sauerstoffwerk Friedrichshafen GmbH (SWF)