enercity – Business model electrolyzer operation

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Task + customer

enercity – Development of a business model for the operation of an electrolyzer

enercity, an established energy supplier, was faced with the challenge of developing a sustainable business model for hydrogen production using electrolysis. In order to integrate the operation of an electrolyzer into the existing company structure in a meaningful way, enercity commissioned us to develop a customized strategy. In a series of eight workshops, we worked together to develop a market entry strategy in line with the market, which took into account the issues of electricity procurement and hydrogen purchase in addition to economic efficiency and regulatory requirements. This resulted in a suitable model that provides enercity with the basis for a successful entry into the hydrogen market.

Strategy + process

Holistic analysis and recommendations for action

We developed a detailed strategy and process approach for enercity in order to comprehensively assess the economic potential and challenges of an electrolyzer project. Our approach was divided into several systematic phases:

  1. Analysis of the initial situation
    Energy generation plants, locations and local conditions
  2. Benchmarks for LCOH & willingness to pay
    Comparison of hydrogen production costs and determination of market prices
  3. Tool-supported profitability analysis
    Evaluation of various scenarios for electrolyzers
  4. Regulatory aspects
    Identification of relevant framework conditions in the hydrogen environment
  5. Comparison of economic efficiency per scenario
    Comparison of cost structures and investment costs
  6. Handover of the calculation tool
    Enables enercity to calculate new scenarios independently
  7. Recommendations for action
    Strategic positioning and market development

This targeted approach ensured that all aspects of the electrolyser project were thoroughly analyzed and optimized. As a result, enercity has a solid basis for a successful start to hydrogen production.

Solution + implementation

Efficient realization of the electrolyser project

Based on the business model developed and the comprehensive strategy analysis, we worked with enercity to implement the next steps for the operation of the electrolyser. In addition to the technical requirements, we ensured that the project remained economically viable. Thanks to a closely interlinked approach – from electricity procurement and cost-benefit analyses to the definition of clear operating and maintenance specifications – implementation went smoothly.

By handing over a practical calculation tool, enercity can independently simulate further scenarios and react flexibly to market changes. Regular workshops and dynamic project controlling ensured that financial, regulatory and operational aspects were continuously optimized.

Added value

Economically viable H2 production

Our approach provided enercity with a reliable basis for a successful entry into hydrogen production. The combination of business case, technical implementation planning and continuous optimization process provides the energy supplier with competitive advantages – from greater planning security to long-term cost savings. This means that enercity is optimally equipped to operate the electrolyser efficiently and exploit new opportunities in the emerging H2 market.

Feedback / Conclusion

A big thank you for the all-round successful workshop series over the last three months. Evety has shown us as an energy supplier very well how we can successfully integrate an electrolyzer into our business model. We are now ready to take the next steps into the world of the hydrogen economy.

Dr. Niklas Wehbring, Head of Strategic Asset Management, enercity