Plug Power has signed a 30-year concession agreement to build a 100MW green hydrogen plant, which it claims to be the second largest of its kind in Europe, using its own electrolyser technology.
On a 28-acre site, Plug Power expects to produce up to 12,500 tonnes of liquid and gaseous green hydrogen for the European market per year, hoping to contribute to the continent’s decarbonisation and energy stability plans.
H2 View understands the plant’s construction will begin upon completion of the permitting process, anticipated in late 2023, with initial production of green hydrogen expected in 2024, ahead of the plant being commissioned in 2025.
Plug Power has said an ‘open-access’ hydrogen pipeline will be built at the site, and a contract with Fluxys to conduct a feasibility study to enable a connect to the pipeline has been signed.
Andy Marsh, CEO of Plug Power, said, “As Europe grapples with the challenges of climate change and energy security, our agreement with Port of Antwerp-Bruges will deliver much-needed natively generated, green hydrogen to local markets.
“The energy crisis in Europe resulting from geopolitical risks has accelerated the demand for green hydrogen development projects.”
The port has been scaling its hydrogen usage in recent years, with ambitions of deploying 300 hydrogen-powered trucks by 2025, and developments on the ‘first hydrogen tugboat’.
Read more: Air Liquide, DATS 24, Port of Antwerp to deploy 300 hydrogen-powered trucks in Belgium by 2025
Read more: The first hydrogen tugboat draws closer to the Port of Antwerp-Bruges
Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO of Port of Antwerp-Bruges, said, “The signing of Plug Power is a confirmation of the attractiveness of our port and NextGen District. Their project is exactly what we have in mind when it comes to circular economy.
“We are giving hydrogen every opportunity as an energy carrier and fuel and are therefore committing ourselves as an active pioneer in the hydrogen economy. I thank Plug Power for its trust and all parties involved.”
Port of Antwerp-Bruges sits at the centre of a chemical industry cluster, providing transportation connections to Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, UK, and France.
Jan Jambon, Minister President of Flanders, commented, “Hydrogen plays an important role in the energy transition and at the same time offers many economic and societal opportunities for Flanders.
“Due to the strategic location of our ports and the expertise of our companies, research centres and educational institutions, we have all the assets to become the hydrogen hub of Western Europe. An opportunity that we must not miss.”
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