Global engineering firm ANDRITZ has inaugurated a major Electrolyzer Gigafactory in Erfurt, Germany, as part of its strategy to meet Europe’s rising demand for green hydrogen. With an initial annual production capacity of one gigawatt—equivalent to roughly 160 to 200 electrolyzers—the plant is one of the largest of its kind in the country and can scale output further based on market requirements.

Located on a site with a long history of industrial manufacturing, the new facility has been producing critical components for green hydrogen since March, including cell stacks and phase separators. The site also includes testing infrastructure and quality control systems to meet EU safety and performance standards.

Thuringia’s Prime Minister Mario Voigt, who attended the launch, described the investment as a signal of confidence in the region’s industrial potential. “Hydrogen is more than just an energy carrier—it is a storage system and a catalyst for industrial renewal,” he said. “As one of the largest electrolyzer production sites in Germany, this project positions Thuringia at the center of Europe’s green energy future.”

The plant will initially employ around 100 specialists, with support from the broader 350-strong workforce at the Erfurt site, where ANDRITZ Schuler has traditionally produced industrial presses.

The new electrolyzers are built using technology from ANDRITZ’s partner HydrogenPro and are to be commissioned for use in major decarbonization projects. Among the first recipients is Salzgitter AG, which is deploying a 100-megawatt hydrogen plant to support low-carbon steel production.

“ANDRITZ is an important partner for us on our path to low-carbon dioxide steelmaking,” said Gerd Baresch, Chief Technology Officer of Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH. “Our joint project will enable us to produce hydrogen independently and contribute to more sustainable steel output.”

Dr. Joachim Schönbeck, CEO of ANDRITZ, said the company is leveraging its engineering expertise and existing infrastructure to produce hydrogen equipment at scale. “With this Gigafactory, we’re supporting the green transition while positioning ANDRITZ as a key player in Europe’s clean energy supply chain,” he said.

Strategically situated in central Germany, the Erfurt facility offers direct access to Europe’s transport corridors, allowing for efficient delivery of electrolyzers to project sites across the continent. The factory is expected to play a critical role in scaling up the infrastructure needed to meet Europe’s climate goals and accelerate industrial decarbonization.

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ANDRITZ opens Electrolyzer Gigafactory in Erfurt, Germany