H2 Energy Europe Awarded Funding to Develop Green Hydrogen Facility in Wales

H2 Energy Europe has received an award of government funding for its 20 MW electrolytic hydrogen production facility at the port of Milford Haven in South Wales. This funding is part of the United Kingdom’s plan to establish up to 10 GW of low-carbon hydrogen production by 2030, with at least half coming from electrolytic hydrogen. H2 Energy Europe’s project has received funding as part of the U.K.’s hydrogen business model and Net Zero hydrogen fund.

"We very much welcome the support that the UK government and Pembroke County Council have given to our project,” said Julian O'Connell, Project Director of H2 Energy Europe. “The interest that we've already received from local industry means we are already reviewing the opportunity to scale-up the facility."

3D rendering of the Milford Haven plant; Image Credits: H2 Energy Europe

"H2 Energy Europe's pioneering approach in green hydrogen production aligns with our vision for a multi-faceted energy strategy, where green hydrogen will play a key role in significantly reducing the carbon emissions from our operations,” said Giuseppe Munari, Country Operations Manager of Sofidel UK. “The UK government's support is fundamental in this transition."

The financing agreement is expected to be signed in January of 2024, and planning permission for the facility has already been granted. A final investment decision (FID) is expected in the first quarter of 2024, with commissioning scheduled for 2026. Upon the start of commercial operation, the facility will allow industrial users to transition to green hydrogen produced from domestic renewable energy sources. It will create permanent jobs and safeguard existing ones by shifting the workforce from petroleum product storage to handling green hydrogen.

Green hydrogen produced at the Milford Haven facility will fuel a number of applications across South Wales, including shipping and industrial power. In addition to these industries, the green hydrogen will also serve as a chemical feedstock for major local companies.

"We are very grateful for the support that the UK government has announced for our 20 MW electrolytic hydrogen production facility,” said Julien Rolland, CEO of H2 Energy Europe. “H2 Energy Europe is exploring additional opportunities for hydrogen projects in the UK including midstream services with our hydrogen transport and storage container system to support and advance the local hydrogen economy. The interest that we've already received from local industry means we are already reviewing the opportunity to scale up the facility."