With the founding of Hydrogen Höfe Freienbach AG, Switzerland's largest green hydrogen production facility is created

Freienbach/Lausanne/Zurich/Pfäffikon – Alpiq, SOCAR Energy Switzerland, CIME Capital and EW Höfe are jointly founding Hydrogen Höfe Freienbach AG to build the hydrogen production plant in Freienbach (SZ). With a production of up to 1200 tonnes in the final stage, this will be the largest green hydrogen plant in Switzerland. This means that emissions of around 14,000 tonnes of CO2 per year can be avoided.

EW Höfe, SOCAR Energy Switzerland, CIME Capital and Alpiq have taken the next milestone towards the construction of Switzerland's largest green hydrogen production plant by founding the company Hydrogen Höfe Freienbach AG. The four partners, who each hold a quarter of the share capital, bring with them the relevant know-how to build Switzerland's largest green hydrogen production plant with a capacity of up to 10 MW in Freienbach (SZ): SOCAR has a high-quality, extensive filling station network, EW Höfe, as the largest cross-affiliated company in the region, guarantees above-average security of supply, Alpiq as an energy company has several years of experience with green hydrogen and, new with CIME Capital, an investor is on board that invests specifically in long-term, renewable energy projects. “Hydrogen Höfe Freienbach AG fits perfectly into our portfolio by promoting renewable energies. This is because our investment strategies are aimed at investments that make a significant contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” says Andreas Mattig, Chairman of the Board of Directors of CIME Capital.

Next steps: Procurement of the main components and information events

For the construction and subsequent operation of the production plant, the next step for the project partners is the procurement of the two main technical components, the electrolysis facility and the compressor. The selection process for these components will significantly determine the further timetable for the implementation of the plant. Information events for the public are also planned for autumn 2023 to provide more detailed answers to questions about the project and energy production from hydrogen.

Thanks to green hydrogen from Freienbach 14,000 tons less CO2

The green hydrogen is produced in Freienbach connected to the grid and exclusively with electricity from renewable sources. It can be used to power up to 200 fuel cell electric trucks in heavy traffic. Compared to the use of diesel trucks, this will avoid the emission of around 14,000 tonnes of CO2 per year. In addition, hydrogen will be fed into the natural gas network and waste heat into the newly emerging regional district heating network. The plant thus sets new standards in terms of overall efficiency and makes an important contribution to an independent and CO2-free energy supply for Switzerland.

About EW Höfe

EW Höfe AG is the largest cross-affiliated company in the lower and upper Lake Zurich region. It ensures above-average security of supply in the areas of electricity, gas and telecommunications in the communities of Feusisberg, Freienbach and Wollerau. It offers its customers innovative and sustainable solutions as an energy and telecom service provider. EW Höfe is the main shareholder of Energie Ausserschwyz AG, which will supply CO2-neutral district heating and electricity from regional renewable energies from 2022. www.ewh.ch

About SOCAR Energy Switzerland

SOCAR stands for first-class, high-quality products and services in the Swiss filling station and energy market. At the more than 200 SOCAR filling stations, mobile people can find everything they need for their daily needs. As a modern mobility provider, SOCAR is also constantly expanding its range of forward-looking technologies. Since June 2018, it has been a member of the H2 Mobility Switzerland association. SOCAR Energy Switzerland is a company of SOCAR, the state energy company of the Republic of Azerbaijan. www.socarenergy.com

About CIME Capital

CIME Capital AG is an asset manager with a focus on sustainable infrastructure investments. From its office in Pfäffikon, it has been managing a broad portfolio of district heating plants in Switzerland as well as wind and solar power production plants in Europe since 2011. For its investors, it invests in development projects as well as established projects, always with the aim of ensuring a sustainable return, but also a positive contribution to the sustainability of our basic supply. www.cime-capital.com

About Alpiq

Alpiq is a leading Swiss energy service provider and electricity producer. Alpiq offers its customers comprehensive services in the areas of energy generation and trading as well as energy optimisation. As an international energy trader, Alpiq is active in all major European markets. Alpiq is a shareholder (45% stake) in Hydrospider AG, which has been operating Switzerland's largest plant (2 MW) for the production of green hydrogen at Alpiq's Gösgen hydroelectric power station since summer 2020. www.alpiq.com