Berlin – ENGIE Deutschland has secured with the Saar Economic Development Corporation (gwSaar) an industrial site in Ensdorf, Saarland. ENGIE is now advancing the planning for the potential construction of a hydrogen ready gas-fired power plant at this location.
The focus is on preparing the documentation required for the permitting procedure under the German Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchG), engaging with public utilities regarding gas and grid connections, and preparing for participation in the Federal Network Agency’s capacity auction under the Electricity Security of Supply and Capacity Act (StromVKG).
“We welcome the opportunity provided by the Government of Saarland to plan this project at the Ensdorf site. It is expected to contribute to security of supply while supporting the transition towards a climate-neutral energy system. In an industrial region such as Saarland, where ENGIE has been active for decades, this is an important step towards the energy transformation,” says Eric Stab, CEO of ENGIE Deutschland.
The development of the project is an important preparatory step for participation in the Federal Government’s announced tender procedures as part of its power plant strategy. The plan foresees the development of around 10 gigawatts of hydrogen-ready gas-fired power capacity to strengthen security of supply in the German electricity system.
ENGIE’s final investment decision on the construction of the power plant is contingent on being awarded a contract in the Federal Network Agency’s capacity auction and in confirming in a satisfactory manner its feasibility studies and the permitting procedure under the Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchG).
The development of the Ensdorf site underlines ENGIE’s strategy for a long-term transition to climate-neutral energy generation. The company pursues an integrated approach that combines the expansion of renewable energy with flexible, dispatchable capacity and the future use of climate-neutral gases such as hydrogen.
The company relies on a broad range of flexibility solutions, including battery storage, pumped-storage hydropower and the targeted use of gas-fired power plants. Together, these solutions balance fluctuations in generation and consumption, ensure continuity of electricity supply, and optimise the operation of energy systems.
ENGIE is committed to achieve carbon neutrality of its activities as from 2045 and is actively involved in the development of a hydrogen market.
ENGIE has been active in Saarland for more than two decades and maintains close ties with the region. As majority shareholder of Energie SaarLorLux, the company works together with Stadtwerke Saarbrücken to shape the region’s energy future and support the transition towards a sustainable energy system.