H2 Energy Set to Establish 20 MW Green Hydrogen Plant in South Wales

H2 Energy Europe has disclosed the successful securing of government funding for its groundbreaking 20MW electrolytic hydrogen production facility situated at the port of Milford Haven, marking the inaugural initiative of its kind in South Wales.

The United Kingdom has set ambitious targets, aspiring to establish up to 10GW of low-carbon hydrogen production by the year 2030. Of this total, a minimum of fifty percent is expected to be derived from electrolytic hydrogen, harnessing the expansive potential of UK offshore wind, other renewable sources, and nuclear energy.

H2 Energy Europe's project has gained recognition and financial support under the UK government's Hydrogen Business Model and Net Zero Hydrogen Fund. The funding agreement is anticipated to be finalized in January 2024, complemented by an already-approved planning permission for the facility. The Final Investment Decision (FID) is slated for the first quarter of 2024, with the commissioning of the facility scheduled for 2026. Once operational, the plant will empower industrial users to make the transition to green hydrogen sourced from domestic renewable energy, fostering sustainability.

Julian O'Connell, Project Director of H2 Energy Europe, expressed gratitude for the support from both the UK government and Pembroke County Council, acknowledging the local industry's keen interest, which has prompted considerations for scaling up the facility.

The green hydrogen produced at Milford Haven is expected to fuel various applications across South Wales, including shipping and industrial power. Furthermore, it will serve as a chemical feedstock, showcasing the versatility of green hydrogen in supporting diverse industries. Local companies, such as Sofidel, a prominent global tissue paper producer, have recognized the pivotal role of green hydrogen in reducing carbon emissions.

Giuseppe Munari, Country Operations Manager of Sofidel UK, emphasized the alignment of H2 Energy Europe's green hydrogen production approach with their vision for a comprehensive energy strategy. Munari highlighted that green hydrogen would play a crucial role in significantly curbing carbon emissions from their operations, underscoring the fundamental role of the UK government's support in this transition.

Julien Rolland, CEO of H2 Energy Europe, expressed gratitude for the UK government's support and shared the company's exploration of additional hydrogen projects in the UK. This includes exploring midstream services with their award-winning hydrogen transport and storage container system, aiming to further support and advance the local hydrogen economy. Rolland also emphasized the company's consideration of scaling up the facility based on the substantial interest received from the local industry.

H2 Energy Europe's project not only represents a significant step towards achieving the UK's hydrogen production goals but also serves as a model for sustainable economic growth and employment generation, aligning with global efforts to transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.