Hydrogen Production Eastern Switzerland AG founded
Osterwalder St. Gallen AG (AVIA Osterwalder) and St.Gallisch-Appenzellische Kraftwerke AG (SAK) have jointly founded Hydrogen Production Eastern Switzerland AG with the purpose of producing green hydrogen based on renewable energies.
The founding of Hydrogen Production Ostschweiz AG makes it clear: AVIA Osterwalder and SAK are jointly investing in hydrogen as a renewable and clean energy for innovative mobility solutions. The plan is to build a production plant in the middle of the city of St. Gallen at the Kubel site, where SAK operates the hydroelectric and storage power plant of the same name. The site is only a few kilometers from the hydrogen filling station planned by AVIA Osterwalder on Oberstrasse.
Exclusively renewable energy sources
The advantages of hydrogen (H2) as an energy carrier for mobility solutions are pleasing. A vehicle can be refueled in just a few minutes, the only emissions are water vapor, and its range and performance are comparable to vehicles with conventional fuel drives. The H2 produced at the Kubel site is made exclusively from renewable energy sources. For the initiators, it is clear: H2 offers enormous potential in the field of mobility for the implementation of climate targets.
H2 mobility solutions on the verge of a breakthrough
The need for a nationwide supply of H2 filling stations is unbroken. This is evidenced by recently announced initiatives, such as Hyundai's ambitious project. Together with H2- Energy AG, the Koreans are preparing the world's first fleet of over 1600 fuel cell commercial vehicles exclusively for Switzerland. The roll-out has already been initiated and is expected to last until 2025. For the success of a functioning and emission-free market, the establishment of local H2 production facilities and a nationwide network of H2 filling stations is crucial.
Groundbreaking in spring 2020
As with all AVIA Osterwalder and SAK construction projects, sustainability plays a decisive role. The building application will be submitted soon.
If no objections to the project are received, construction work is expected to start in spring 2020 once planning has been completed. AVIA Osterwalder and SAK will provide detailed information on the specific project once approval has been received.
