Axpo sees its hydrogen power plant project in the Zurich Unterland blocked by appeals, filed by three individuals. Despite this setback, the company intends to continue its projects in Switzerland and is calling for a review of the current regulations.
A remedy granted by the judge
Axpo’s project was intended to save 1.5 million liters of diesel each year. The planning of a hydrogen production facility in Zurich will not see the light of day after all. Three individuals win their case after appealing against the building permit.
Guy Bühler, Head of Hydrogen at Axpo, regrets a lack of concession from private individuals:
“We are very sorry that we cannot contribute more to decarbonization in Switzerland. In order for us to move forward in Switzerland, everyone has to be willing to compromise.”
Axpo is in financial difficulty and must now face up to these appeals. However, the energy company wants to continue developing green hydrogen in Switzerland.
Call for regulatory review
For the construction of this hydrogen power plant, Axpo announces the replacement of a building of the nearby power plant. The energy company is therefore requesting an exemption for the construction of the plant. Thus, the company relies on Article 24 of the Law on Spatial Planning.
This request was approved by the government and rejected by the Court of Appeal of the Canton of Zurich. For the company, this is a strict interpretation of the law that hinders the smooth progress of decarbonization. Thus, it calls on the legislator to create the framework conditions to realize this type of project.
