Plug Power will build a 35 tpd green H2 generation plant at Port of Antwerp-Bruges in the heart of Europe.
Plug signed a 30-yr concession agreement to build the plant at the Belgian port, the second largest in Europe. Plug plans to erect a 100-megawatt green H2 plant, using its own electrolyzer and liquefaction technology, on 28 acres of land leased under the agreement. Plug will produce up to 12,500 tpy of liquid and gaseous green H2 for the European market.
Construction of the plant will begin upon completion of the permitting process, anticipated in late 2023. Initial production of green H2 is expected in late 2024, and plant commissioning will be in 2025.
“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,” said Andy Marsh, CEO of Plug. “The energy crisis in Europe resulting from geopolitical risks has accelerated the demand for green hydrogen development projects.”
Minister-President of Flanders Jan Jambon said, "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 centers and educational institutions, we have all the assets to become the hydrogen hub of Western Europe. An opportunity that we must not miss. Plug's choice for Antwerp is the result of the strong relationship that I, the Flemish Government, Flanders Investment & Trade, and the Port have built with the company. At the same time, it confirms the role that Flanders plays in renewable energy. I am therefore very pleased to welcome Plug in Flanders."
Belgium’s Minister of Energy Tinne Van der Straeten said, “Belgium is determined to play a pioneering role in the breakthrough of large-scale green hydrogen. It is an objective that is well reflected in the federal hydrogen vision and strategy ‘Green hydrogen for a clean industry.’ That strategy is built on four pillars: positioning Belgium as an import and transit hub in Europe, becoming a leader in hydrogen, establishing a robust hydrogen market and investing in cooperation as a key success factor. Companies like Plug, who integrate their activities into our federal strategy, are the best example that we are moving in the right direction. This way, we can achieve our climate goals to reduce greenhouse gasses by 55% in 2030 and become the first climate neutral continent by 2050. This will be a strategy that pays off for Belgium, for employment and for the climate.”
Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO Port of Antwerp-Bruges added, "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."
