Neuman & Esser to supply compressors for major hydrogen project

EWE has selected Neuman & Esser technology for the Emden electrolyzer, part of the Clean Hydrogen Coastline initiative, a four-part project aiming to establish an end-to-end hydrogen value chain in northern Germany. (Image: EWE)

Energy service provider EWE has awarded compressor manufacturer Neuman & Esser (NEA) a key technology contract for one of Germany’s largest electrolyzer facilities, a 320-megawatt green hydrogen plant under development in Emden. The project, a centerpiece of the broader “Clean Hydrogen Coastline” initiative, is scheduled to begin producing green hydrogen at industrial scale in 2027.

NEA will supply three dry-running, horizontal, 8-crank, 5-stage compressors—classified as size 320—for the project. The compressors are a critical part of the hydrogen production system, enabling efficient downstream processing and integration into storage and transportation networks.

“With this order for the compressors, we are taking another step towards industrial hydrogen production,” said Stefan Dohler, CEO of EWE AG. “Our aim is to produce hydrogen from renewable energies where it makes sense for the system and is economically viable. With its existing grid infrastructure and the high proportion of regulated wind power, Emden offers the ideal conditions. Together with strong partners such as Neuman & Esser, we are driving forward the decarbonization of the energy system.”

NEA, headquartered in Germany and known for its specialty gas compression and mechanical engineering expertise, sees the project as a milestone in the evolution of hydrogen technology.

“We are delighted about the trust placed in us by EWE and the opportunity to be involved in this forward-looking project,” said Jens Wulff, Managing Director of Neuman & Esser Deutschland. “The development of a high-performance compressor solution for the electrolyzer in Emden shows how important innovative technology is for the success of the hydrogen economy. Together we are actively shaping the future of energy.”

The Emden hydrogen plant is the central component of Clean Hydrogen Coastline, a four-part project aiming to establish an end-to-end hydrogen value chain in northern Germany. The initiative covers hydrogen production, storage, transport and utilization, and received funding approval in 2024 through the European IPCEI (Important Project of Common European Interest) program.

EWE is currently finalizing detailed engineering and preparing the site for construction. Deep foundation work is expected to begin in winter 2025, followed by structural work and installation of electrolysis equipment. Once operational, the facility will use renewable electricity—primarily wind power—to produce hydrogen, reinforcing regional energy security and supporting Germany’s broader decarbonization strategy.

This marks the second hydrogen-related compressor contract EWE has awarded to Neuman & Esser. In March 2025, EWE selected NEA to supply compressor technology for a hydrogen storage project in Huntorf, Wesermarsch. The latest award reflects EWE’s confidence in NEA’s engineering capabilities and the companies’ shared commitment to advancing the hydrogen economy.

Through investments like the Emden facility, EWE aims to strengthen the local economy and secure the long-term viability of its energy supply, while making a significant contribution to the energy transition in Germany.