Energy-efficient hydrogen: a potential solution for energy-consuming businesses?
In the heart of Germany, the region of Saxony-Anhalt is spearheading a green revolution, focusing on the production of green hydrogen as a key technology for the energy transition. The industrial town of Helbra, with its 800-year history of copper mining, is set to play a significant role in this transformation.
Helbra, situated in the Mansfeld-Südharz district, has a rich industrial heritage. However, many of its old facilities are now waiting for a restart. A small part of the town houses an industrial museum, but the town's future lies in the green energy sector.
The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs in Germany, represented by the political party Bündnis 90/Die Grünen, has acknowledged the potential of green hydrogen production. Robert Habeck, the party's most notable recent minister, confirmed studies related to energy policy in Berlin before resigning his Bundestag mandate in September 2025.
Saxony-Anhalt is making strides to speed up the production of green hydrogen, allocating 4.3 million euros for the cause in Leuna. A large green hydrogen project is also planned in Wittenberg, which, upon completion, would be one of the largest in Germany.
The energy supply of the future in the Energy Park Bad Lauchstädt is set to begin with an electrolyzer that separates hydrogen from water, starting from autumn. This marks the first section of the hydrogen backbone network in Eastern Germany.
Several energy-intensive companies in the region, including Aryzta bakery in Eisleben, copper producer KME Mansfeld, and HMT Hofer Metall Technik in Hettstedt, are planning to use green hydrogen to reduce CO2 emissions and meet customer demands for CO2-neutral products. These companies, along with HMT Hettstedt, are collaborating on the "Green Power MSH2" network, aiming to maintain industrial jobs and reduce dependence on energy imports.
However, the high cost of green hydrogen production is a challenge. Ralf G questions the need for subsidies, citing the inefficiency of electrolyzers and the high electricity prices in Germany. W.Merseburger also points out the high energy expenditure and cost, suggesting that the transition to e-cars may increase electricity prices and compete with hydrogen producers.
Despite these challenges, the region is pressing on. The Mansfeld-Südharz district alone has three energy-intensive companies planning to use green hydrogen to save costs and reduce environmental impact. The "Metropolitan Region of Central Germany" has conducted a detailed investigation into the need for hydrogen by large bakeries, paper producers, and car manufacturers.
The benefits extend beyond the energy sector. In Helbra, the construction of photovoltaics on old mine dumps will provide around 180,000 euros per year for renovations of kindergartens or streets.
Critics like ProziumRefuser argue that companies should offer products that customers demand rather than aligning with political ideologies. However, the shift towards green hydrogen production seems to be a response to market demands, driven by customers' increasing concern for the environment and the desire for CO2-neutral products.
As the green hydrogen revolution continues to gather momentum in Saxony-Anhalt, it remains to be seen how the region will navigate the challenges and reap the benefits of this transformative technology.
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