Commission Approves €41 Million Aid for Uniper Hydrogen GmbH's Renewable Hydrogen Project
Key Ideas
- European Commission approves a €41 million German State aid to support Uniper Hydrogen GmbH in producing renewable hydrogen in Huntorf, Germany.
- The aid will facilitate the construction and operation of a 30 MW electrolyser powered by renewable energy, producing 2,700 tonnes of hydrogen annually.
- The project aligns with EU Hydrogen Strategy and REPowerEU Plan, promoting sustainability and technology dissemination in the market.
- Commission finds the aid measure proportionate, necessary, and having an 'incentive effect' to drive investment in renewable hydrogen production.
The European Commission has approved a €41 million German State aid measure to support Uniper Hydrogen GmbH in producing renewable hydrogen in Huntorf, Lower Saxony, Germany. The aid is designated to assist the implementation of the 'CHESS' project, which involves building and operating a 30 MW electrolyser powered by renewable sources, aiming to produce around 2,700 tonnes of renewable hydrogen annually, with potential for future capacity expansion. The project is expected to be finalized by 2027 and will receive the aid as a direct grant.
The Commission assessed the measure under EU State aid rules, emphasizing its alignment with EU policies such as the EU Hydrogen Strategy and the REPowerEU Plan. It found the aid to be necessary and proportionate, with an 'incentive effect' as the beneficiary would not proceed with the investment without public support. Additionally, the aid is expected to facilitate technology dissemination in the market, contributing to the advancement of renewable hydrogen production. The decision is documented under the number SA.105083 and will be available in the State aid register on the Commission's website.