Energy group Axpo and the company Rhiienergie have launched the first H₂ production plant for green hydrogen in the canton of Graubünden in eastern Switzerland. The plant, which has a capacity of 2.5 megawatts, will produce up to 350 metric tons of hydrogen a year and is situated directly adjacent to the Reichenau hydropower plant in Domat/Ems. According to Axpo, it is the biggest plant of its kind in Switzerland.

Thanks to the hydrogen produced by the plant, up to 1.5 million liters of diesel will be saved annually. The hydrogen is compressed on site at the plant, meaning that the sustainable gas can be supplied to refueling stations and industrial customers in the future. The H₂ production facility is directly connected to the Reichenau hydropower plant in which Axpo holds a majority stake. The connection to a run-of-river power plant makes this a groundbreaking project for Axpo. It is also the first plant in Graubünden canton. Christian Capaul, CEO of Rhiienergie, describes the new production facility as a flagship project.