Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) has officially launched Project Anker, a large-scale green hydrogen production facility located in Sande, Germany. The plant will initially feature an electrolysis capacity of 400MW, with plans to expand to 800MW in the future.
The project, developed through CIP's Energy Transition Fund (CI ETF I) in collaboration with Friesen Elektra Green Energy AG, aims to produce 80,000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually. The hydrogen produced will support various industries in Germany, including steel, chemicals, and transport.
Strategically located near Wilhelmshaven, a major energy and industrial hub, the facility will be positioned close to Germany's future hydrogen core network, enhancing its connectivity and integration into the country's energy infrastructure. The project is expected to significantly contribute to regional economic growth in Lower Saxony by creating new jobs and fostering community engagement.
Project Anker will be powered by renewable energy sources, including offshore and onshore wind, as well as solar power. The facility's green hydrogen production will replace fossil fuels, potentially reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 2.4 million tonnes annually, which is equivalent to the emissions of approximately 340,000 households.
Felix Pahl, a partner at CIP, highlighted the project's significance, stating: “Project Anker has the potential to make an important contribution to Germany's journey towards a carbon-neutral future.” He emphasized CIP's ongoing commitment to investments in large-scale renewable infrastructure to decarbonize energy-intensive industries.
Christian Gätje, CFO at Friesen Elektra, also expressed optimism about the project, noting: “We are delighted to welcome CIP and its highly skilled, experienced team as a strategic investor and development partner in our Hydrogen Park Friesland. Together, we aim to accelerate the energy transition and advance decarbonization by leveraging our combined strengths and expertise.”
CIP's Energy Transition Fund I (CI ETF I), the world's largest dedicated greenfield green hydrogen fund, continues to build a global portfolio of Power-to-X projects. The fund currently holds approximately 6.5GW of electrolyser capacity in development worldwide.
The success of Project Anker could play a critical role in advancing Germany's decarbonization efforts and in establishing the country as a leader in green hydrogen production.
