Germany based solar EPC contractor GP Joule has grid connected 90 MW capacity out of a 300 MW project, calling it one among the largest open space systems in Germany it is constructing on site of the former Klettwitz opencast mine. It plans to use some power from phase II to produce green hydrogen for the transport sector.
Phase I of Lausitz Energy Park, Klewittz North with 90 MW capacity is built with some 183,000 solar modules that are expected to generate close to 91,530 MWh annually. Initiators of the project in the municipality of Schipkau are Steinbock EE and Terravent Investments.
Construction of phase II of the park, called Klewittz Süd, is underway and is scheduled for completion by autumn 2022. According to GP Joule, some part of power generated from this phase is planned to be used to generate green hydrogen. A nearby truck stop will offer this at 2 petrol pumps, explained the company and added that a A network of interested companies has already emerged in the region who want to use the "green" gas for their trucks, buses, garbage trucks or construction site vehicles.
Depending on growing demand, production of green hydrogen will be further increased and in future the idea is to develop hydrogen filling stations.
"Representing the value chain locally and generating hydrogen on site with solar power makes the energy transition tangible in the literal sense. It also ensures a certain degree of independence from energy imports – that's more important today than ever," said Co-founder and CEO of GP Joule, Over Petersen.
In 2020, a Fraunhofer ISE report commissioned by BayWa claimed 56 GW technical potential for floating PV on lignite opencast mines in Germany, and 2.74 GW economic potential (see Study Explores Floating PV Potential In Germany).