Infener is planning a hydrogen factory in Neumünster: A UFO for the future!

Infener is planning a hydrogen factory in Neumünster: A UFO for the future!

There is exciting news in Neumünster regarding an innovative project that could catapult the region into the future of energy production. The Kiel News report that the Swiss company Infener, which was only founded in 2023, has signed a leasehold agreement for a property on Isarstrasse in Neumünster. The aim of this project is to build a hydrogen factory that will produce “green hydrogen” from renewable energies.

The production capacity is achieved by ten electrolysers and the investment amount amounts to an impressive 133 million euros. The property has a size of 29,000 square meters. Infener's spokeswoman, Franziska Grammes, and Tim Stein, the city administration's specialist services manager, confirmed that the contract for the use of the property is in principle ready. It will be presented to the council for approval at the beginning of 2026.

The construction and architecture

The planned building will take on a futuristic, circular shape that will bring back memories of a UFO for many. Construction was originally scheduled to begin in 2026, but a delay of at least a year is now expected. These delays result, among other things, from the need for a new grid connection.

However, no other interested parties have spoiled the deal so far and the option on the property will soon expire. There could also be a reversion clause in the contract, which states that the property will revert to the city if construction does not begin within a certain time frame.

Green hydrogen as the key to the energy transition

But what is “green hydrogen” all about? The Tech zeitgeist emphasizes that this is considered a central element of the energy transition. This is particularly clear in Poland, where companies like ORLEN want to produce green hydrogen on a large scale from 2025. Up to 130,000 tons of hydrogen are to be produced there annually, enough for around 650,000 fuel cell-powered cars.

These efforts are also important in Germany, as the federal government plans to invest billions in hydrogen infrastructure. Again Deutschlandfunk reports, hydrogen is not only emerging as a drive for automobiles and heating systems, but could also play a major role in the steel industry and heavy-duty transport.

The key to reducing CO₂ emissions lies in the efficient production and use of hydrogen. Current challenges such as costs and the need to reduce energy consumption continue to be hotly debated. While forecasts show strong demand, practice may fall short of expectations.

In summary, it can be said that the project in Neumünster harbors both opportunities and risks. However, with a clear focus on green hydrogen, it could not only help strengthen the regional economy, but also play an important role in the global energy transition.