Swiss utility Axpo has been forced to halt the development of a green hydrogen project in the Zurich region after a regional appeals court ruled in favour of objections raised by three private citizens.

Axpo had aimed to start up the 2.5MW plant this year, with production expected to reach 350t/yr, aimed at the transport sector. The project is based at the Eglisau-Glattfelden hydropower plant on the river Rhine.

"We are very sorry that we will not be able to contribute more to decarbonisation in Switzerland. In order for us to move forward in Switzerland, everyone must be willing to make compromises," says Guy Buhler, head of hydrogen at Axpo.

“In order for us to move forward in Switzerland, everyone must be willing to make compromises” Buhler, Axpo

Despite this setback, Axpo says it will continue to advance its hydrogen plans in Switzerland.

The Zurich appeals court ruled in favour of objections to the granting of planning exemptions to allow the project to go ahead in its current form.

Axpo says the case demonstrates that many projects to the benefit of decarbonisation and the energy transition are dependent on exemption permits and their realisation requires a willingness to compromise on the part of companies, authorities and local residents.

“Framework conditions to enable the realisation of forward-looking projects and urgently needed investments in the energy transition must be created. Lawmakers have a responsibility here,” the company says.

Planning and permitting bottlenecks are cited by many developers and by governments as being among the biggest barriers faced by renewables projects including green hydrogen.

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Author: Stuart Penson