The plant is predicted to be commissioned in early 2025, following the anticipated completion of the permitting process in late 2023.
Minister-President of Flanders Jan Jambon noted: “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. I am therefore very pleased to welcome Plug in Flanders,”
Port of Antwerp-Bruges as a hydrogen hub
The port is at the center of a major chemical industry cluster in Europe and can reach 60% of Europe’s purchasing power within 300 miles. Less than an hour’s drive to Brussels, the port is “set to become a major hydrogen hub for Europe,” the release said.
“The ambition for Port of Antwerp-Bruges is clear — to become the world’s first port that reconciles economy, people and climate. As well as growing in a sustainable way, the Port also aims to focus on its unique position as a logistics, maritime and industrial centre and to take the lead in the transition to a circular and low-carbon economy,” the port said.
A circular economy focuses on reusing products and turning them into different products instead of sending them to landfills.
Optimal plant location
Many heavy manufacturing industries have facilities surrounding the port. Plug Power will help decarbonize logistics flows in and around the port.
Wind turbines on-site and nearby will generate dozens of megawatts of renewable electricity to power the electrolyzers that produce green hydrogen. There is water, road, rail and pipeline access from the site to deliver it to customers.
Decarbonization and energy independence
Many countries surrounding the North Sea have invested heavily in wind power, totaling more than 15 gigawatts of capacity, the release said. Belgium, Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands have recently committed to grow capacity to 65 GW by 2030 and 150 GW by 2050.
“The energy crisis in Europe resulting from geopolitical risks has accelerated the demand for green hydrogen development projects,” Marsh said.
Plug Power is aiming to build out end-to-end hydrogen services around the world, including key regions such as North America and Europe.
“Plug is already one of the largest investors in the European hydrogen economy, and one of the largest employers in Europe among the hydrogen pure players. Our investment in a green hydrogen production plant in the heart of Europe deepens our commitment to the European market,” Marsh said. “Europe is determined to shift from foreign sources of fossil fuel energy to local sources of green energy, and we are helping to deliver on their vision.”
