Marubeni Europower has submitted a planning application for a green hydrogen production and refuelling facility, as part of the HyBont project, at Brynmenyn Industrial Estate in Bridgend.
The project aligns with the Bridgend County Borough Council’s net-zero strategy by providing a low carbon fuel that can be locally used for refuse collection vehicles and buses. The green hydrogen will be produced using renewable energy, and the plans include a solar farm at Bryncethin, which will provide a proportion of the power needed.
The HyBont project was recently shortlisted for the UK Government’s Net Zero Hydrogen Fund, which aims to develop green hydrogen projects in the UK. The project has the potential to bring economic benefits to the region by creating jobs and promoting sustainable growth. The local community was consulted, and feedback was taken into account in developing the proposals.
Green hydrogen has been identified as a key solution to decarbonise the energy system and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, which is a target set by the UK government. The production of green hydrogen is a complex process that requires renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar, to produce electricity that will then be used to separate water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. This process is called electrolysis, and the hydrogen produced is considered green as it does not release carbon emissions.
The benefits of green hydrogen are vast, as it can be used for heating and transportation, among other uses. The use of green hydrogen can help reduce the carbon footprint of industries and transport sectors that are currently reliant on fossil fuels. Moreover, the technology can provide a reliable and flexible source of energy that can help balance the grid by storing energy during times of excess production and releasing it when demand is high.
The HyBont project will play a crucial role in the UK’s transition to a net-zero economy, as it provides a low carbon fuel source that can be locally used and produced. However, the project also faces some potential challenges. One such challenge is the initial cost of production, which is still higher than that of fossil fuel production. The installation and maintenance costs of renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind farms, are high, and this cost is passed onto the consumer.
Another challenge is the infrastructure needed to transport and store hydrogen. Hydrogen is a gas, and it is more challenging to store and transport than liquid fossil fuels. The storage tanks and pipelines needed for hydrogen transport and storage are also expensive, and the infrastructure is not yet well established.
The potential benefits of green hydrogen outweigh the challenges, and the development of the HyBont project is a step towards a more sustainable future. The project aligns with the UK government’s net-zero strategy, which is essential for the country to meet its climate targets. The HyBont project will contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of the transportation sector, as hydrogen can be used as fuel for buses, trucks, and trains. Additionally, the project can provide a reliable and flexible source of energy that can help balance the grid.
