At the Energiepark Bad Lauchstädt, work continues to progress according to plan. While the electrolysis plant’s auxiliary systems have been gradually commissioned over the past few weeks, a particularly visible milestone has been taking center stage since September: the delivery and installation of the electrolyzer stacks.
The electrolysis plant’s core component is being installed
The stacks form the technological heart of the plant: Using green electricity from renewable energy sources, water is split into its components hydrogen and oxygen – the core process of electrolysis. Each stack consists of many cells arranged on top of one another, where this conversion takes place.
A pressurized alkaline electrolysis plant from Dresden-based manufacturer Sunfire is being used at the Energiepark Bad Lauchstädt. The system comprises three modules, each with an output of ten megawatts. Each module consists of two stacks, which in turn are made up of four so-called blocks.
In 24 individual deliveries, the twelve-ton electrolysis blocks are transported to the site on low-loaders and assembled on site with the utmost precision.
Commissioning as the next milestone
With the stacks, the final piece of the technical infrastructure puzzle has now arrived on site – another important step on the path to the technical commissioning of the overall plant, after which green hydrogen will be produced at the Energiepark Bad Lauchstädt for the first time.
Once the complex installation work has been completed, the electrolysis plant will be commissioned step by step.
Looking ahead
At the same time, internal inspections and partial commissioning of the auxiliary facilities are continuing to ensure a smooth start-up of the entire electrolysis system. This brings the moment when green hydrogen will flow for the first time from the Energiepark Bad Lauchstädt to the customer, the TotalEnergies refinery in Leuna, within tangible reach.
© Photos: Tom Schulze
