Neuman & Esser earns hydrogen compressor order

Neuman & Esser will supply two horizontal piston compressors for a hydrogen storage project in Northern Germany. (Image: Neuman & Esser)

Neuman & Esser will supply two four-crank, horizontal piston compressors to German energy company EWE for a major hydrogen storage project along the country’s North Sea coast.

The compressors, size 320, will play a central role in EWE’s “Clean Hydrogen Coastline” project, which aims to convert an existing underground natural gas cavern in Huntorf, Lower Saxony, for large-scale hydrogen storage. EWE plans to begin storing hydrogen at the site by 2027.

“This contract marks a decisive contribution to Germany’s green hydrogen economy,” said Jens Wulff, managing director of Neuman & Esser Deutschland. “We are pleased to provide the centerpiece of this storage facility, made possible by government support for strategically important projects like this.”

The Huntorf project is part of a four-part initiative that integrates hydrogen production, storage, transportation and use in line with European energy transition goals. EWE received funding approval in 2024 through the Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) program and is currently in the detailed planning phase.

The compressors from Neuman & Esser, a family-owned company with nearly 200 years of experience, will enable the safe and efficient transfer of hydrogen in and out of the cavern. EWE previously demonstrated the feasibility of hydrogen storage in salt caverns at a pilot site near Berlin and now plans to scale the technology for commercial use.

“With 37 salt caverns, EWE alone holds 15% of Germany’s suitable hydrogen storage capacity,” said Peter Schmidt, managing director of EWE Gsasspeicher. “Our goal is to establish a network of large-scale storage caverns to support a flexible and reliable hydrogen supply.”

Both companies said the project represents a critical step in integrating green hydrogen into existing infrastructure and supporting the future hydrogen economy.