- Axpo, with partners, has begun constructing a hydrogen plant in Bürglen, Switzerland, to produce 260 tonnes of hydrogen annually.
- The plant will supply hydrogen for industrial and mobility sectors, including converting the Saphir passenger vessel to hydrogen propulsion.
- Axpo’s hydrogen projects aim to boost regional energy security, reduce fossil fuel reliance, and support Switzerland’s energy transition.
Axpo, with Schätzle AG, EWA-Energie Uri, and SGV Holding AG, has begun building a hydrogen production plant in Bürglen, central Switzerland. The H2Uri company will lead the facility, producing 260 tonnes of hydrogen annually. The plant will use electricity from the EWA-Energie Uri hydropower plant to power its production.
This project supports Axpo’s strategy to diversify its energy portfolio and develop hydrogen as a key solution. The hydrogen produced will replace over one million litres of diesel annually. The plant will primarily serve the industrial and mobility sectors, helping reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.
SGV Holding AG, one of the plant’s major customers, plans to convert its passenger vessel Saphir on Lake Lucerne to hydrogen propulsion. This conversion will offer a sustainable alternative to traditional fuels in the transportation sector. Schätzle AG, which operates a regional hydrogen refuelling station, will also purchase hydrogen from the plant. This local supply model will meet the growing demand for alternative energy solutions.
Guy Bühler, head of power plants and industrial gases at Axpo, emphasised that the Bürglen plant builds on the company’s experience with its existing hydrogen facility in Domat/Ems. He said the new project is essential to Axpo’s hydrogen development roadmap.
Axpo is also moving forward with another hydrogen project in Wildegg-Brugg, canton of Aargau. Construction will begin in spring 2025, following delays caused by administrative procedures. This project will complement the Bürglen plant and help strengthen Axpo’s position in the hydrogen market.
The new hydrogen production facilities aim to meet regional energy needs and support the industrial and mobility sectors. They will boost energy security and reduce reliance on diesel and other fossil fuels. Axpo’s investment in these projects highlights its commitment to hydrogen as a future energy solution.
These developments reflect Axpo’s broader effort to structure industrial partnerships and accelerate hydrogen projects across the value chain. Axpo positions itself as a key player in the evolving hydrogen market by collaborating with local partners.
Despite the progress, Axpo’s executives recognise that the hydrogen sector faces significant economic and technical challenges. The technology is still developing, and scaling production may take time. However, the company remains optimistic about hydrogen’s potential to transform the energy and transport sectors.
The Bürglen plant will play a key role in Switzerland’s energy transition. Its focus on mobility and industrial applications will help meet the growing demand for cleaner, alternative energy sources. The plant will support Axpo’s goal of reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable energy solutions.
Hydrogen has become a focal point for many companies seeking to reduce their carbon footprints. As demand for cleaner energy grows, the hydrogen market is expected to expand Axpo’s projects in Bürglen and Aargau, positioning the company to capitalise on this emerging opportunity.
In conclusion, Axpo’s new hydrogen plant in Bürglen marks a crucial step in the company’s strategy to diversify its energy solutions. With the support of local partners, the plant will provide a reliable hydrogen supply for industrial and mobility applications. Although challenges remain, the project underscores Axpo’s commitment to sustainable energy and its role in the future of the hydrogen sector.