The new plant has an annual capacity of around one gigawatt and has the potential to produce 160 to 200 electrolyzers per year. In operation since March 2025, the plant produces basic components such as electrolyzer cell stacks and phase separators. The plant's production capacity can be flexibly increased according to customer demand.
“A strategic step towards green hydrogen”
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Thuringia State Prime Minister Mario Voigt stated that ANDRITZ's choice of Erfurt is of strategic importance for the region and commented as follows: "ANDRITZ's decision in favor of Erfurt is a forward-looking investment. With its location, infrastructure, skilled workforce and strong industrial environment, Thuringia reinforces its claim to be the green heart of Germany. As one of the largest electrolyzer production facilities in Germany, the new Gigafactory demonstrates that hydrogen is more than an energy carrier - it is a catalyst for industrial transformation."
Innovative technology in a traditional industrial field
The new factory was built on a site with a long industrial history, where ANDRITZ Schuler used to manufacture presses in the past. The existing plant employs around 350 people, while the Gigafactory is expected to employ an additional 100 people. The established infrastructure offers significant advantages in terms of both production and logistics.
Dr. Joachim Schönbeck, CEO of ANDRITZ, stated at the opening: "With this Gigafactory, we are not only supporting our customers on their green transformation journey, but also moving one step closer to our goal of becoming a leader in innovative and economically viable solutions. At our site in Erfurt, we draw on more than 125 years of heavy machinery manufacturing experience and offer green hydrogen technology in a scalable way."
First electrolyzers on their way to Salzgitter
The electrolyzers produced at the plant in Erfurt are based on advanced technology from ANDRITZ's partner HydrogenPro. The first systems are scheduled to be shipped to Salzgitter AG's 100 megawatt hydrogen plant for low CO2 steel production.
Commenting on the partnership, Gerd Baresch, Chief Technology Officer of Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH, emphasized:
"ANDRITZ is an important partner for us in our goal of low CO2 steel production. Under the motto ‘Partnering for Transformation’, we are taking responsibility together to make sustainable production possible."
Offering CE-certified products in accordance with European standards, the Gigafactory in Erfurt will strengthen ANDRITZ's contribution to the development of a green hydrogen economy in Europe. The strategic location and transportation infrastructure of Erfurt, home to the plant, will enable timely and efficient delivery of products to projects across the continent.
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