Axpo, in partnership with Schätzle AG, EWA-Energie Uri, and SGV Holding AG, has officially launched the construction of a new green hydrogen production plant in Bürglen, central Switzerland. The facility, which will be the second of its kind in Switzerland for Axpo, is set to produce up to 260 tonnes of green hydrogen annually starting in 2026. This hydrogen will be used to fuel the first hydrogen-powered passenger vessel on Lake Lucerne, as well as for other industrial applications.
Swiss Hydrogen Economy Gets Boost with New Production Plant
The groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday marked a significant step in Switzerland’s push towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. The plant will be situated next to the EWA-Energie Uri hydropower plant, which will supply it with green electricity to power hydrogen production. The hydrogen produced at the facility will replace over one million litres of diesel annually, reducing CO2 emissions and contributing to Switzerland’s decarbonisation goals.
Axpo’s Head of Power Plants and Green Gases, Guy Bühler, highlighted that the new project builds on the company’s successful experience with its green hydrogen plant in Domat/Ems, which has already demonstrated the potential of hydrogen as a key element in Switzerland’s energy strategy.
Green Hydrogen to Fuel Passenger Vessel on Lake Lucerne
One of the most notable uses for the hydrogen produced at the new plant will be to fuel the ‘Saphir,’ a hydrogen-powered passenger vessel on Lake Lucerne. The vessel, which is being converted to a hydrogen fuel cell system, will significantly reduce CO2 emissions, according to Stefan Schulthess, Managing Director of SGV Holding AG. “Plans for this conversion are already well advanced,” he said, underscoring the project’s role in advancing sustainable transport in Switzerland.
Schätzle AG, another key partner in the H2Uri consortium, operates a hydrogen refuelling station in central Switzerland and will also purchase green hydrogen from the new plant. This agreement underscores the growing demand for hydrogen in the transportation sector and highlights the role of H2Uri’s plant in meeting this demand.
Axpo’s Commitment to the Hydrogen Economy
Axpo’s investment in hydrogen is a critical part of its strategy to drive Switzerland’s energy transition and bolster energy security. The company’s head of hydrogen, Guy Bühler, acknowledged that while challenges remain in the hydrogen market, the role of hydrogen in decarbonisation is clear. “Hydrogen will be part of the solution, and it cannot be replaced by electrification alone,” he said.
Axpo is also active in hydrogen projects beyond Switzerland, working regionally, nationally, and internationally to advance the hydrogen economy. The company is participating in various hydrogen-related events to share its expertise and collaborate with other stakeholders in the sector.
Axpo’s Green Hydrogen Plant in Wildegg-Brugg on Track for 2025
In addition to the Bürglen project, Axpo is progressing with a green hydrogen production plant in Wildegg-Brugg, located in the Swiss canton of Aargau. Although the project faced delays due to a building permit issue, construction is now scheduled to begin in spring 2025. The plant will supply green hydrogen to local transportation and industrial sectors, including Voegtlin-Meyer’s H2 refuelling station, which supports the PostAuto AG bus network.
Axpo’s Bühler emphasized the company’s ongoing commitment to expanding its hydrogen production capacity and its role in supporting the Swiss hydrogen infrastructure. “While this plant is being built, we will supply hydrogen from our existing production facilities in Domat/Ems and, eventually, from Bürglen,” he said.
