Belgian Wind Power to Gas Project Moves Forward

A consortium comprising the Belgian offshore wind developer Parkwind, Fluxys, and Eoly, is moving forward with a project to build a power-to-gas installation in Zeebrugge to convert renewable electricity into hydrogen through electrolysis.

The developers gathered around the Hyoffwind project aim to install a 25MW electrolyzer in Zeebrugge to produce hydrogen on an industrial scale.

In the first phase, the companies investigated the feasibility of the project with the support of the Federal Energy Transition Fund, and the outcome was positive.

The conclusion is that the technology is mature enough to realise an industrialised production of green hydrogen, and the legislative framework and permits provide a sufficient basis to further build on the realisation of the project, the developers said.

The consortium is now taking the next step and is tendering with various external parties to develop the project into a concrete reality. Current timing is to be able to take a final investment decision after this summer in order to be able to start the construction of the installation by mid-2021, after obtaining the necessary permits and authorizations. Based on the current planning, the first production is planned for early 2023.

In order to be able to realise the project on time, the consortium is continuing to work with its own resources on – for example – the grid connection with Elia, the marketing of the green hydrogen, the sending out of the price request, the preparation of the permit file and the setting up of the legal entities. The financial feasibility of this project in a burgeoning market will increase significantly if it is supported by a broad collaboration, and financial support, from other stakeholders in the context of energy policy, the developers said.

François Van Leeuw, CEO of Parkwind, said: “The participating companies are taking a business risk and are willing to go for it, and the feasibility of the project has been demonstrated. Due to its sustainable and innovative character, this project fits in the objectives of the Flemish Government on hydrogen and in the European Green Deal.”