‘Hydrogen hub’ being planned

PLANNERS on Anglesey will consider a proposal for a hydrogen hub in Holyhead that could help drive the green agenda on the island.

The hub is being developed by social enterprise Menter Môn, in partnership with Anglesey council.

Scottish firm Logan Energy has secured the contract to support the delivery of the hub, with Welsh Government funding for the technical designs, and Chancellor Rishi Sunak confirming £4.8m in UK Government funding.

Now the plans for a green hydrogen production plant and fuelling/distribution centre have been submitted to the local authority.

Agent Cadnant Planning said: “The “Hydrogen Hub” will be located at Parc Cybi and would be developed by Menter Môn. The development comprises a new approach in generating fuel from sustainable and renewable sources. It would be a significant step towards carbonneutral energy production and therefore is an exciting prospect for the future of energy on Anglesey and one that accords with the Welsh Government’s commitment to tackling climate change.

“In a wider context an opportunity has been identified by Menter Môn to develop a green hydrogen production and distribution network on the Isle of Anglesey. The project would be able to harness the vast renewable energy resource, including solar, tidal and especially offshore wind on and around the coast of Anglesey

“Whilst the development is small in scale, its economic and environmental impact will be substantial, with the facility being able to generate over 300kg of green hydrogen a day, displacing an equivalent of 2.5 tonnes of diesel or 6.6 tonnes of CO2.”

The project would create 20 construction phase jobs and up to five fulltime jobs. The wider economic potential indicates that the hydrogen hub would indirectly support more than 500 jobs at local businesses and provide the platform for scaled-up hydrogen production for transport and diversification to the heat, power, industry and agriculture markets; plus the development of synthetic fuels and synergies with the digital and fintech sectors.

Cadnant Planning said: “This would boost GVA and provide substantial, sustainable job opportunities which can be embedded in the local community.

“Overall the hydrogen hub will be a further boost to Anglesey as a green renewable energy provider.”

Menter Mon is also pushing on with a major tidal project off the west coast of Anglesey.