Uniper, Siemens have big plans for renewable hydrogen

German energy company Uniper SE (ETR:UN01) and Siemens Gas and Power GmbH & Co KG said today they will partner in renewable hydrogen projects, addressing the entire value chain.

The companies have signed a cooperation agreement under which they will pursue projects supporting the decarbonisation of electricity generation. They will also promote sector coupling. One of the objectives of the partnership is to contribute to improving the economic efficiency and thus the marketability of power-to-gas plants.

The production and use of green hydrogen is one major area of focus. The partners will study the use of hydrogen by Uniper's existing gas turbines and gas storage facilities, in line with the company’s plans to gradually increase the share of “green” gas or “green hydrogen” in its conventional gas business.

Uniper aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2035 for its European operations. It set itself a deadline of 2025 to close or convert its coal-fired plants on the continent. Under the cooperation agreement with Siemens, the power generator will also define what will the role of hydrogen be in the future of Uniper's coal power plants.

“Together, we are working to master the challenges up to series production and use of hydrogen on a large scale and to make this clear to the world: Our future lies in hydrogen. This is what we are committed to as a company,” said Siemens Energy executive board member Jochen Eickholt.

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