Plug Power Inc has signed a 30-year concession agreement to build the 100-megawatt green hydrogen plant, using its own electrolyser and liquefaction technology, on 28 acres of land leased under the agreement.

“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.”

Ready market

With the new facility, Plug will produce up to 12,500 tonnes per year of liquid and gaseous green hydrogen for the European market.

Port of Antwerp-Bruges has plans to be a lighthouse port for climate-neutral infrastructure and a major hydrogen hub for Europe.

Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO 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.”

The site location provides the opportunity for a ready supply of electricity from on-site and site-adjacent wind turbines generating dozens of megawatts, with an electric interconnection point less than a mile away. In addition, the site offers water, road, rail, and pipeline access for the delivery of green hydrogen to customers.

An open-access hydrogen pipeline will be built along the site and Plug has signed a contract with Fluxys to engage in a feasibility study for enabling a connection to the pipeline, which will be part of a European open-access hydrogen backbone.

Plug will build in the port’s NextGen District, an area dedicated to companies supporting the circular economy. Leveraging the cluster being assembled in the NextGen district, Plug is exploring partnerships to complete the circular use of wastewater expelled during the production of green hydrogen.

Construction of the plant will begin upon completion of the permitting process, anticipated in late 2023. Initial production of green hydrogen is expected in late 2024 and plant commissioning will be in 2025.