Bavaria’s Economy and Energy Minister, Hubert Aiwanger, has signed a letter of intent (LoI) with Onyx Power to move forward plans for a modern, hydrogen‑capable gas turbine power plant at the Zolling Energy Park in Bavaria.
The facility is set to be built under the Electricity Supply Security and Capacity Act and will provide flexible, dispatchable power to help stabilise Bavaria’s grid, especially during periods of low renewable output.
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Aiwanger said that the project is key to maintaining secure and affordable supplies in southern Germany as the region phases out nuclear and coal generation. He emphasised that natural gas, and eventually gas‑hydrogen blends, will play an increasingly important role in balancing a renewables‑heavy system.
The Zolling site is already a long‑standing energy hub and the new plant is expected to keep it central to the region’s security of supply after 2031.
Onyx Power’s power plant manager Roman Ritter welcomed the ministry’s backing, describing the plant as a key future project for the site, the region and Germany’s broader energy transition. He stressed that modern, flexible combined cycle plants will be essential to integrating higher shares of wind and solar but also called for stable legal frameworks and effective capacity market mechanisms to make the project investable.
The LoI now sets the stage for Onyx and the Bavarian Government to deepen technical and economic planning, with the next step being detailed tender design and permitting.
If successfully implemented, the Zolling project would become a flagship example of how hydrogen‑ready gas infrastructure can support secure, decarbonising power systems in southern Europe.
