Hygen Energy has announced the acquisition of the HyBont low-carbon hydrogen project from Marubeni Corporation. HyBont is a low-carbon hydrogen production and refuelling project located in Bridgend, Wales. The project was successfully awarded funding through the UK Government’s first Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR1) for electrolytic hydrogen production.
The acquisition adds another HAR-supported asset to Hygen’s growing portfolio and represents the company’s first hydrogen project in Wales and the west of the UK.
The first phase of the project will involve a detailed feasibility study of the site. Hygen CEO, Kevin Selleslags, said the acquisition was an important next step for the business: “HyBont has the potential to be a high-quality project that aligns strongly with our strategy of targeting the development of hydrogen infrastructure in areas of real demand. We are looking forward to working alongside all stakeholders as the detailed feasibility study is undertaken.”
At the heart of the HyBont project is a planned low-carbon hydrogen production and refuelling facility at Brynmenyn Industrial Estate, which could produce and supply over two tonnes per day of low-carbon hydrogen. The project could also include a new local solar array to be used directly to generate hydrogen at the site.
The facility would be designed to supply low-carbon hydrogen for a range of uses, including zero-emission transport such as buses, heavy goods vehicles and tube trailers, as well as existing and new industrial customers in the local area.
Charles Portwain, Chief Financial Officer at Hygen, added: “HAR has been instrumental in unlocking investment into early hydrogen projects and we are proud to be building a portfolio of assets to help establish hydrogen as a reliable, cost-effective energy solution across the UK.”
Michael Shanks, Government Energy Minister MP, commented: “We welcome Hygen taking this project forward, marking the conclusion of the HAR1 contract signature process and also a significant step for the UK’s hydrogen ambitions. This project offers a real opportunity to demonstrate low-carbon hydrogen production at scale, create skilled jobs, and support economic growth in Wales.
“Hydrogen is part of our clean energy mission, helping cut emissions from sectors like transport and industry while driving innovation and investment. “We look forward to seeing the next stages of this project as it realises these benefits and contributes to building a secure, low-carbon energy system for the future.”
The facility would be designed to supply low-carbon hydrogen for a range of uses, including zero-emission transport such as buses, heavy goods vehicles and tube trailers, as well as existing and new industrial customers in the local area.