The gigafactory's output is designed to be scalable based on market demand. Strategically located in central Europe, Erfurt provides direct access to key transportation routes, facilitating efficient delivery across the continent. The new facility is built on an established industrial site where Andritz Schuler has a history of manufacturing presses. Currently, about 350 employees are based at the site, with nearly 100 dedicated to electrolyzer production.
Thuringia’s Prime Minister Mario Voigt attended the opening and commented: “ANDRITZ’s decision in favor of Erfurt is forward-looking: The location impresses with its infrastructure, skilled workers, and a strong industrial environment. This project is a clear signal for value creation and future security in Thuringia. Hydrogen is more than just an energy carrier – it is a storage system and a catalyst for industrial renewal.”
Joachim Schönbeck, CEO of Andritz, added: “With this Gigafactory, we not only support our customers in mastering the green transition, but also get closer to our goal of being a leading provider of innovative, economically viable solutions here. At our site in Erfurt, we benefit from the existing infrastructure and look back on over 125 years of expertise in heavy machinery construction. This gives us the best conditions to produce electrolyzers on a large scale.”
The electrolyzers produced in Erfurt are based on HydrogenPro technology and are CE-certified to comply with European safety and performance standards. The first units are set to be delivered to Salzgitter AG’s 100-megawatt hydrogen plant, which supports low-carbon steel production.
Gerd Baresch, Chief Technology Officer at Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH, stated: “ANDRITZ is an important partner for us on our way to low-CO2 steel production. For the decarbonization of our processes and products, we have defined a clear mission for us with the motto ‘Partnering for Transformation’: to take responsibility for society and future generations together with partners. The 100 MW electrolysis plant that we are now building together with ANDRITZ will enable us to produce hydrogen independently and will therefore contribute to the production of sustainable products at the Salzgitter site in the future.”
This gigafactory marks a major step toward strengthening the green hydrogen value chain in Europe and supports the region’s shift toward cleaner energy solutions.
