Future Energy in the Wartburg District – Hydrogen Project Gains Momentum

On August 11, the stakeholder meeting for the planned Wartburg District hydrogen pilot region took place at the Bad Salzungen District Office – a crucial milestone on the path to a sustainable energy future. Under the motto "Overall Concept for Building a Regional, Green Hydrogen Economy," representatives from politics, business, and research gathered to discuss the current status of the project and develop concrete implementation strategies.
District Administrator Dr. Brodführer chaired the event together with experts from Triveda GmbH, EurA AG, and representatives from the Wartburg District Office. Numerous regional companies also participated – including WerraEnergie, K+S, HFP Bandstahl, ACO Passavant, and Henry Technologies. The goal is to create a comprehensive hydrogen ecosystem that integrates production, storage, transport, and use within the region.

Technical Key Points and Planning Status

The project region extends across Vacha, Bad Salzungen, and Barchfeld-Immelborn. A 6 MW electrolysis plant is planned, powered by 8 MW of photovoltaics and 17 MW of wind energy. This would allow for the annual production of approximately 500 tons of green hydrogen – enough to power buses, trucks, and industrial applications. About one-third of the hydrogen produced is intended for use in the mobility sector, with the remainder going to industry, for example, through blending into the gas grid or direct delivery by trailer.

Key locations include the Merkers Adventure Mine, where the electrolysis plant is to be built, and the Unterbreizbach train station, where a hydrogen refueling station for trucks, shunting locomotives, and public transport is planned. The strategic proximity to the K+S 20kV overhead power line allows for optimal use of existing infrastructure and reduces transport costs.

Investments, Funding, and Outlook

The project's investment volume is approximately €60 million. Funding of up to €15 million is planned through EU, federal, and state funds – particularly via programs such as "Hydrogen Valleys" and the National Organisation for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology (NOW). Funding applications are to be submitted by the beginning of 2026, and a decision on implementation is expected in October 2025.
The project team is currently working on finalizing the technical plans, the business plan, and obtaining acceptance certificates from the participating industrial partners. Investors are also being brought on board to secure long-term financing.

Regional Opportunities and Challenges

The vision is ambitious, yet achievable: a fully regional value chain for green hydrogen – from energy generation and production to its use in transportation and industry. This could make the Wartburg district a key location for the energy transition in Thuringia.

At the same time, economic viability remains a challenge. While industry is responding to declining CO₂ emissions and rising natural gas prices, hydrogen prices and technologies must continue to evolve to remain competitive in the long term.
Despite these uncertainties, there is a sense of optimism: "We have the opportunity to create a true model region for green energy here in the Wartburg district," emphasized District Administrator Dr. Brodführer in closing.

This plan could become a reality by 2027 – and the Wartburg district could become a shining example of a sustainable, decentralized energy economy.