)
Étape clé dans le développement de l'économie de l'hydrogène : première installation industrielle Power-to-Gas prévue dans notre pays à Zeebrugge
27
février
2020
Bruxelles / Leuven / Halle, 27 février 2020 – Eoly (filiale de Colruyt Group), Parkwind et Fluxys ont pour ambition de construire, à Zeebrugge, une installation à l'échelle industrielle pour convertir de l'électricité renouvelable en hydrogène vert. L'étude de faisabilité du projet est positive et aujourd'hui, le consortium lance un appel d'offres pour la construction de l'installation. Les partenaires espèrent prendre la décision d'investissement finale après l'été.
Hyoffwind : toute première installation Power-to-Gas à échelle industrielle en Belgique
Eoly (filiale de Colruyt Group), Parkwind et Fluxys ont annoncé en 2018 une coopération pour donner un coup de pouce à la durabilité du paysage énergétique en Belgique. Par le biais du projet d'énergie verte Hyoffwind, les partenaires souhaitent construire une installation Power-to-Gas pour convertir de l'électricité renouvelable en hydrogène vert par électrolyse.
Hyoffwind has been set up as an industrial-scale installation (electrolysis of 25 MW of electricity), in line with the industrial projects that are being developed in neighbouring countries. This project aims at a scale-up for Belgium, and consequently making sure that our country is not missing out on the current evolutions. Zeebrugge would act as an energy hub, also having the potential as a logistics hub for hydrogen applications. It would be the first installation of such scale in Belgium. As a result, the price of renewable hydrogen could drop, which in turn could boost the applications that make use of this green hydrogen.
Feasibility study positive
In a first phase, with the support of the Federal Energy Transition Fund, the feasibility of the installation was further investigated - and the outcome is positive. 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.
Broad cooperation increases chance of success
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 innovative 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.
François Van Leeuw, CEO Parkwind explains: "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".
Today, the consortium is 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 (after the tendering and contracting process) 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.
Stephan Windels, Business Unit Manager of Eoly adds: "In order to meet the future demand for green hydrogen it is necessary to start now with the creation of the necessary conditions to create a positive business case for large-scale hydrogen plants. Therefore, the development of the renewable hydrogen economy needs to start now".
Towards a real hydrogen economy: our country as a pioneer
Green hydrogen can be transported and stored in the existing natural gas infrastructure, which, in the future, could enable the seasonal storage of renewable energy. At the same time, natural gas as energy for heating, mobility and industry will become more carbon efficient and thus more sustainable. In addition, green hydrogen can also be used as a carbon-free energy or raw material on its own, in mobility, logistics and industrial processes, for example in the chemical or steel industry. The realisation of Hyoffwind aims to create economic added value for the companies that are active throughout the hydrogen value chain (production - transport - off-take).
"We reach out to everyone who wants to help set a new course in making the energy landscape more sustainable," says Pascal De Buck, CEO of Fluxys. "With this project we can give the kick-start for local knowledge building on hydrogen and the hydrogen economy. We can develop applications here so that our country can play a meaningful role within 5-10 years. With our partners, we are convinced that our country can really become a leader for innovations in hydrogen".
Should you have questions, please contact:
Fluxys
Rudy Van Beurden
+32 2 282 72 30
rudy.vanbeurden@fluxys.com
Laurent Remy
+32 2 282 74 50
laurent.remy@fluxys.com
Colruyt Group: Hanne Poppe
+32 473 92 45 10
Hanne.poppe@colruytgroup.com | press@colruytgroup.com
Parkwind: Eric Antoons
+32 483 45 30 37
Eric.Antoons@Parkwind.eu