Andritz Opens Electrolyzer Gigafactory in Germany to Boost Green Hydrogen Supply

Electrolyzer Gigafactory in Erfurt to Supply Europe’s Hydrogen Demand

Andritz, a global leader in industrial engineering, has inaugurated a state-of-the-art electrolyzer gigafactory in Erfurt, Germany. This new facility has a production capacity of up to 1.1 GW annually. It translates to around 160–200 electrolyzers per year. The factory strengthens Europe’s push to scale up green hydrogen infrastructure, particularly in support of heavy industry decarbonization.

Since March, Andritz has produced key components for alkaline electrolyzers at the site. The technology comes from HydrogenPro, a strategic partner that supplies advanced electrolyzer systems. The plant’s flexibility allows Andritz to scale production based on customer demand, which aligns with the dynamic growth of Europe’s hydrogen economy.

The first batch of electrolyzers from Erfurt will be delivered to Salzgitter AG. The steelmaker is building a 100 MW hydrogen plant that will supply green hydrogen for low-carbon steel production. This partnership exemplifies the integration of hydrogen technology into core industrial processes.

Green Hydrogen Electrolyzers to Accelerate Low-Carbon Steel Production

The new gigafactory plays a strategic role in accelerating Europe’s clean industrial transformation. Salzgitter Flachstahl, a subsidiary of Salzgitter AG, sees Andritz as a critical technology partner in its move toward low-CO₂ steelmaking. By producing hydrogen on-site, Salzgitter gains control over a key decarbonization input. Thus, they reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.

Joachim Schönbeck, CEO of Andritz, stated that this gigafactory not only helps clients meet climate goals but also positions Andritz as a cost-effective, innovation-driven supplier. Gerd Baresch, CTO at Salzgitter Flachstahl, emphasized that Andritz’s electrolyzers will empower the company to deliver environmentally friendly steel products in the near future.

Globally, electrolyzer capacity is rising fast. Last year, Fortescue announced the launch of a 2 GW PEM electrolyzer plant in Gladstone, Australia. Europe’s strategic response, led by projects like Andritz’s Erfurt factory, reflects regional ambition. It shows the desire to lead in green hydrogen manufacturing and deployment.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

The launch of Andritz’s electrolyzer gigafactory in Erfurt marks a pivotal moment in Europe’s green hydrogen strategy. With growing demand from steelmakers like Salzgitter AG, electrolyzer supply will be key to decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors. Andritz’s early positioning in this supply chain, backed by HydrogenPro’s technology, provides a strong foundation for scaling hydrogen deployment across Europe. As nations race to secure domestic electrolyzer manufacturing and reduce emissions, this factory serves both industrial needs and broader energy security objectives. Expect to see more integrated hydrogen-steel partnerships as the EU doubles down on its green industrial policy.