Perspectives
Large-Scale Hydrogen: Perspectives from Experts at Equans France and Kraftanlagen
Matthias Danzer
Business Development Manager – Kraftanlagen
Damien Delbos
H2 Project Manager – Equans Process Solutions
Caroline Mazzoleni
Head of Hydrogen Activities
At the Hyvolution trade show, experts from Equans Process Solutions—a division of Equans France—and Kraftanlagen discussed a crucial issue: the implementation of large-scale hydrogen projects in Europe.
Using the “Hamburg Green Hydrogen Hub”* project as an example, they shared their vision and experience to support the industrial energy transition.
-
How is Equans Process Solutions, a division of Equans France, supporting the development of the hydrogen sector through project deployment?
-
What lessons can be learned from projects carried out in Germany to accelerate investment decisions?
A look back at a roundtable discussion rich in insights.
*The Hamburg Green Hydrogen Hub (HGHH) is one of the world’s first projects aimed at decarbonizing the entire port economy.
Why is hydrogen becoming a strategic focus for Equans Process Solutions and Kraftanlagen?
Hydrogen has been a strategic pillar of Equans’ development for more than eight years, viewed as a means of decarbonizing various applications. The initial projects were small-scale, using containerized electrolysers.
Today, Kraftanlagen has a track record of major projects, such as the Pfeffenhausen site (5 MW, alkaline technology). This growth in scale enables them to bid on larger-scale projects.
With 90,000 employees in 20 countries, Equans supports its clients from the design phase through to the operation of low-carbon solutions, including large-scale hydrogen projects.
“Hamburg Green Hydrogen Hub”: A Flagship Project for Industrial Integration
The “Hamburg Green Hydrogen Hub” is located on the site of a former coal-fired power plant. It is expected to produce 2,000 kg of green hydrogen per hour, equivalent to approximately 100 MW of electricity. The hydrogen will primarily be used to decarbonize the port but can also be fed into the European grid or supplied to industrial customers.
This project is being carried out in partnership with Luxcara, a renewable energy investor, and the municipal utility Hamburger Energiewerke. For this project, Kraftanlagen is serving as the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC*) contractor for all “Balance of Plant” auxiliary facilities and the trailer refueling station.
The client chose to purchase the electrolyzer, the low-pressure compressor, and the civil engineering works directly from the supplier, dividing the project into four main lots.
*EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction): a turnkey contract in which the company is responsible for the design, procurement, and construction of the project.
Technical Solutions and Timeline: Organizing a Large-Scale Project
In terms of deliverables, Kraftanlagen was responsible for the design and will install and commission the following equipment:
- The buffer tank between the electrolyzer and the compressor
- The purification unit with a deoxo dryer (pressure at 25 bar)
- The high-pressure filling station (up to 500 bar, capacity 1,000 kg)
- Cooling components
- Piping
- Electrical system
- Centralized control system
IPCEI* (Important Project of Common European Interest) funding helped accelerate the Final Investment Decision (FID), even before the FEED* studies were completed (Front End Engineering Design): a bold and agile approach that reflects the client’s strong commitment to moving forward quickly and efficiently with the project.
*IPCEI: a strategic European project receiving preferential public funding to support key innovations, such as in hydrogen.
FEED: a preliminary technical study that defines the project’s design and cost prior to the final investment decision.
Hydrogen Market Outlook: Germany and International Markets
Like many other countries, the German market is currently experiencing a slowdown in the pipeline of new projects; however, Kraftanlagen remains involved in their development, particularly for infrastructure projects of comparable or larger scale.
With the support of Equans Process Solutions, the teams aim to deliver even larger-scale projects in the future.
Equans has a strong presence in the hydrogen markets in France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Canada. The “business club” organizational model, which promotes the sharing of experience among entities, enables the transfer of expertise from one country to another: the German example of the 100 MW project is inspiring others, particularly in France and Canada.
Equans Process Solutions' Positioning and Methods for Hydrogen Projects
The market in France is emerging around highly complex projects, sometimes extending beyond hydrogen to include derivatives such as e-SAFs (synthetic fuels) or synthetic fertilizers. Equans Process Solutions, a division of Equans France, is fully committed to this trend and highlights its capabilities to support customers from the earliest stages:
- Reducing risks through integrated engineering,
- Developing project implementation plans that ensure risk management and competitive business plans,
- Integrating infrastructure constructability and maintainability from the early planning phase,
- Master key areas of expertise such as: (water treatment, high voltage, electricity, piping, utilities),
- A comprehensive offering ranging from design to operations and maintenance to support customers over the long term, with a focus on service continuity.
Equans collaborates with numerous OEMs* and industrial partners to successfully deliver these projects, at the intersection of energy infrastructure and oil and gas, in a rapidly changing market.
*OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): a manufacturer of original equipment, supplying the main components or materials used in an industrial project.
Conclusion: Equipping Europe for Sustainable Energy Transitions
