Virya Energy, in collaboration with HyoffGreen and Messer, has made the final investment decision for the Hyoffwind project in Zeebrugge, Belgium. This decision clears the way for the construction of the country’s first 25MW renewable hydrogen production plant, with initial production slated to begin in 2026. The plant is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 25.000 tons annually across the mobility and industrial sectors.

The Hyoffwind project is spearheaded by a pioneering consortium covering the entire energy value chain. HyoffGreen and Messer join Virya Energy as partners, following the earlier announcement of John Cockerill and Besix as EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) partners. United by a common commitment to sustainability, this consortium brings extensive expertise in energy and industry, encompassing renewable energy capture, green hydrogen production, and distribution for both mobility and industrial applications.

As the world’s largest privately-owned industrial gases specialist, Messer possesses extensive expertise in hydrogen production, logistics, and delivery. The company has a well-established network of hydrogen sources globally, which is continuously expanded to ensure a dependable supply for its customers.

For Messer, hydrogen is crucial for fostering a sustainable, green future, advancing green mobility, and decarbonizing customers' production processes. Messer leverages its experience and technological expertise in a focused, energetic, and climate-neutral way.

By partnering in the Benelux region, Messer is addressing a significant need for the installation, support, and supply of green hydrogen infrastructure for its customers, who are embarking on this crucial and necessary energy transition.

Renewable hydrogen is a crucial component in developing a renewable energy economy, acting as both a raw material for industrial processes and a versatile energy source for heavy-duty mobility applications. The Hyoffwind project will improve the flexibility and stability of the Belgian energy system, addressing challenges related to the variability of renewable electricity production. Located in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Hyoffwind will also become a key element in the future hydrogen network, linking production sites and industrial zones across North-West Europe.

The role of renewable hydrogen in the energy transition and hydrogen economy is supported by a €30 million subsidy granted earlier this year by the Flemish government, utilizing recovery funds from the European Union (NextGenerationEU) and the Flemish government.

Hyoffwind represents a significant advance in developing hydrogen ecosystems in the Benelux, bringing the EU closer to achieving climate neutrality.

Upon completion, the plant will initially have a capacity of 25 MW, with the potential to expand up to 100 MW in the future. Zeebrugge, selected for its strategic location, is well-connected to all major energy networks, making it an ideal site for achieving sector coupling.