Project planning for a hydrogen production facility at the Eglisau-Glattfelden hydropower plant has come to a halt owing to appeals filed by private citizens.
The plant for the production of green hydrogen would have enabled yearly savings of 1.5 million liters of diesel fuel in the road transport sector. Despite this setback, Axpo will continue to advance its hydrogen plans in Switzerland.
Forced to halt
After informing on the project in April 2021, Axpo is now forced to halt project planning immediately. Appeals were filed against the town of Glattfelden and the Building Department of the Canton of Zurich.
Three private citizens were successful with their appeals to the Appeals Court against the construction of a hydrogen production facility at the projected site.
"We are very sorry that we will not be able to contribute more to decarbonization in Switzerland. In order for us to move forward in Switzerland, everyone must be willing to make compromises," says Guy Bühler, Head Hydrogen at Axpo.
Saving diesel
Green hydrogen belongs to the most important climate-friendly energy sources
The plant would have saved over 1.5 million liters of diesel fuel. Green hydrogen belongs to the most important climate-friendly energy sources, especially in industry and the mobility sector. It is a key component of the decarburization strategies of Switzerland and many EU countries. As storage medium for renewable energies (power-to-gas), hydrogen is an important pillar of the energy transition.
Axpo wants to actively advance the development of the hydrogen eco-system in Switzerland as a producer of green hydrogen and invest in projects accordingly. The 2.5-megawatt hydrogen production facility at the Eglisau-Glattfelden hydropower plant would have produced about 350 tonnes of green hydrogen and saved over 1.5 million liters of diesel fuel in the road transport sector.
With growing demand, plant capacity could have been expanded to 5 megawatts. Despite the project halt, Axpo will hold to its plans to expand green hydrogen and realize other projects in Switzerland.
Regulatory adaptations
An existing power plant building, which is located outside the current building zone, would have had to be replaced for the planned hydrogen production facility.
As a result, Axpo applied for an exemption permit for plant construction based on Art. 24 of the Spatial Planning Act, which was approved by the authorities. Among other criteria such permits are granted subject to site-dependency and in consideration of a positive balance of interests.
The Appeals Court of the Canton of Zurich has now reached a different decision. This strict interpretation of the law although the facility is climate-friendly facility and in accordance with the Energy Strategy 2050 will impede decarbonization.
Willingness required
Many projects to the benefit of decarburization and the energy transition are dependent on exemption permits
The example of Eglisau-Glattfelden demonstrates that many projects to the benefit of decarburization and the energy transition are dependent on exemption permits and their realization requires a willingness to compromise on the part of companies, authorities, and local residents.
Framework conditions to enable the realization of forward-looking projects and urgently needed investments in the energy transition must be created. Lawmakers have a responsibility here.
