The remaining nine GenEco electrolyser modules are due before the plant’s completion in the first half of next year. Once operational, the 100MW facility is expected to cut the refinery’s emissions by around 110,000 tonnes per year.

“Half of all grey hydrogen demand sits today in refineries and chemical plants,” explained Ronald Doesburg, Galp’s Executive Vice-President in charge of the Industrial business unit.

“With our first 100MW, we will have started the decarbonisation of our Sines refinery. It’s a decisive first step for Galp, but also for the industry.”

In 2023, the Portuguese energy company took a final investment decision (FID) to build a 100MW electrolyser plant at its refinery, in a combined €650m ($706m) investment.

In February, the European Investment Bank (EHB) announced that it would loan €180m ($196m) to support Galp’s hydrogen project, with an additional €250m ($272m) going towards its biofuel unit.

Galp’s biofuel unit, currently under construction in partnership with Mitsui, will produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).

Plug CEO Andy Marsh said the GenEco modules will be a model for “what’s possible across Europe’s refining sector and the broader energy industry.”

In Q2, Plug reported that global electrolyser demand, led by more than 230MW of GenEco programs across Europe, Australia, and North America, contributed $45m to its overall revenue.