Esslingen launches climate-neutral city district with green hydrogen

29.04.2025

Source: VK Energie GmbH

Esslingen is becoming a pioneer in the hydrogen economy: Green Hydrogen Esslingen GmbH and VK Energie GmbH have developed an innovative energy management system for one of Germany's first climate-neutral urban districts.

In the "Neue Weststadt" district, a combination of PV tenant electricity, hydrogen production, waste heat utilization and reconversion into electricity ensures a sustainable energy supply.

At the heart of the project is a state-of-the-art electrolysis plant that produces green hydrogen using renewable energies. VK Energie is responsible for the operational control and optimization of the complex system - supported by an AI-based operating model that combines real-time optimization, regulatory compliance and multi-market marketing.

Thanks to a dynamic selection of electricity sources - from wind power (PPA) and photovoltaics to the electricity exchange - the operation of the electrolysis is designed to be particularly efficient and economical. Most of the hydrogen produced is fed into the natural gas grid or converted back into electricity if required.

Felix Mayer, Managing Director of Green Hydrogen Esslingen, is delighted: "Thanks to the collaboration with VK Energie, the electrolysis plant is finally running exactly as it should. We are particularly pleased that we were able to implement intraday marketing in addition to day-ahead marketing."

With an intelligent control system that automatically takes both economic and regulatory requirements into account, the project impressively demonstrates how technological innovation and economic operational management are advancing the energy transition in urban areas.

Technical highlights at a glance:

• Wind power plant (PPA): 1.5 MW
• PV (PPA): 1.134 MWp
• PV (own generation): 200 kWp
• Electrolyzer: 2 x 500 kWel
• Combined heat and power plant: 200 kWel
• Heat pump: 155 kWth
• Heat storage tank: 30 m³
• Hydrogen storage tank: 29 kg H₂

You can find the entire press release on the VK Energie GmbH website.