RWE Advances Plans for 850 MW Hydrogen-Compatible Combined Cycle Plant in Germany

A hydrogen-compatible combined cycle power plant with an output of approximately 850 megawatts could be built at the former RWE power station site in Voerde. Facilities like this are essential to ensuring Germany’s long-term energy security and play a key role in supporting the country’s coal phase-out. As part of its national power plant strategy, the German government has announced plans to establish a regulatory framework for tenders for hydrogen-ready gas-fired power plants. RWE is preparing to participate in these tenders and, if awarded a contract, intends to begin construction in Voerde without delay.

The project would secure Voerde’s position as an important generation site, enabling it to continue contributing significantly to Germany’s energy transition. The site offers excellent infrastructure, including direct proximity to the planned hydrogen core network pipeline. The city and surrounding region would benefit from stable employment opportunities and local economic growth.

Under current timelines, the Voerde plant could begin generating electricity in 2030. Once operational, it will be capable of running on at least 50 percent hydrogen—an important step toward full hydrogen operation in the future.

Nikolaus Valerius, CEO of RWE Generation SE, said, “We are ready to invest in the construction of new hydrogen-compatible gas-fired power stations. We are also pressing ahead with the approval planning for a plant in Voerde, which would enable completion by 2030. However, we now need swift clarity from the federal government regarding the announced tendering regime.”