The “PoWerD” project is driving forward the expansion of power-to-hydrogen (PtH2) plants, i.e. electrolysers. Since May 2025, a consortium of research institutions, universities and industry has been providing a freely accessible online atlas that visualizes potential locations for power-to-hydrogen plants across Germany. The aim is to support companies and project developers in finding efficient and ecologically optimized locations.
Local conditions are crucial for the successful implementation of PtHâ‚‚ plants. The focus is on the availability of cheap renewable energy, the customer structure for the hydrogen produced, existing infrastructure and the use of by-products such as heat or oxygen.
The atlas incorporates a wide range of parameters:
- Utilization potential of renewable energies
- Customers for hydrogen
- Existing and future hydrogen networks
- Grid relief potential
- Use of by-products
An interactive map shows suitable locations under various scenarios. This allows companies and operators to specifically identify suitable areas and plan their projects based on data.
Significance for Rhineland-Palatinate and Ecoliance members
- Creating transparency: The PoWerD Atlas facilitates data-based access to potential investment locations.
- Economic efficiency: Profitability is optimized by taking local electricity prices and grid infrastructure into account.
- Regional hydrogen strategy: Supports SMEs and municipalities in particular with project planning in the Rhineland-Palatinate hydrogen initiative.
PoWerD provides a powerful tool that simplifies and accelerates the planning of PtHâ‚‚ plants. It makes a significant contribution to the national hydrogen strategy – and also offers the best possible orientation for Rhineland-Palatinate.
More information: PoWerD – Atlas for suitable electrolyzer sites in Germany – Fraunhofer ISE