Deal is struck to move hydrogen hub plan forward
PLANS for a hydrogen hub in Holyhead have moved forward after a deal was struck with the subsidiary of a French power giant.
Hynamics – part of the EDF Group – and Menter Môn have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the aim of accelerating the development of the project and securing potential future capital investment worth several millions.
The hub project, managed by social enterprise Menter Môn, has gained planning approval and is looking to secure funding.
Under the terms of the MOU, Hynamics and Menter Môn will collaborate on the development of hydrogen infrastructure at Holyhead and have entered a six-month period to evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of the project.
They will also be concluding negotiations on financing the hub, hydrogen sales and operation agreements.
The Welsh Government has provided seed funding from 2020-23, enabling the project to progress to this point with additional support expected to be announced over the coming weeks.
The UK Government has also pledged significant support as it aims to achieve net zero targets by 2050 but has not yet signed off on the project.
If developed at Parc Cybi, green hydrogen would be produced at the site and distributed as fuel for zero emission hydrogen-powered vehicles and marine transport.
Dafydd Gruffydd, managing director of Menter Môn, said: “Hydrogen has huge potential as a clean, lowcarbon fuel, so we are delighted to be entering into this MOU with Hynamics.
As an internationally-renowned company, their confidence in us is a real boost and is good news for this project. We look forward to working with them to making the Holyhead Hydrogen Hub a reality.”
Pierre de Raphelis-Soissan, business development director of Hynamics, said: “Our collaboration brings together Hynamics’ and EDF Group’s expertise in hydrogen solutions and Menter Môn’s unique capabilities in sustainable development. Together, we can create a low-carbon energy system that supports the transition to net-zero economy.”
The Hynamics team works alongside EDF Renewables UK, which is already constructing Porth Wen Solar Farm on Anglesey.
The new partnership is expected to create significant opportunities for local businesses, suppliers, and contractors, as well as academic institutions and research organisations.
Virginia Crosbie MP said: “The UK Government made a commitment to Holyhead Hydrogen Hub in 2021, when the then chancellor and now Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, pledged £4.8m to the project if the business case could made.
“Having EDF Hynamics on board strengthens the project significantly and I will work with them and Menter Môn to bring much-needed employment in this exciting industry.”
MS Rhun ap Iorwerth said: “Having EDF Hynamics on board is a real boost and I’m pleased that this exciting project is progressing well. This project by Menter Môn – in a rapidly developing, low-carbon sector – has the real potential to act as a catalyst to create a larger hydrogen industry on Ynys Môn, whilst also creating significant economic activity.”
Ynys Môn council leader and economic portfolio holder, Councillor Llinos Medi, said: “It will now hopefully see the Holyhead Hydrogen Hub, which has been given planning permission by the council, being constructed and becoming operational.
“The project fully aligns with the council’s Energy Island Programme by presenting opportunity for local socio-economic benefits – including local employment, skills development and supply chain opportunities.
“The Holyhead Hydrogen Hub could potentially provide an opportunity for the council to incorporate hydrogen as a fuel for our fleet vehicles, helping us to meet our ambition of becoming a net zero organisation by 2030.
“In turn, this could also act as a catalyst for other organisations and industries on the island and wider region to use hydrogen in the move towards green recovery.”